Maria Sharapova is relieved after hard battle with Jie Zheng

Maria Sharapova made a triumphant return to hardcourts, beating China's Jie Zheng 6-4, 7-5 in the first round of the Bank of the West Classic.

Sharapova was beaten by Zheng the last time she played on hardcourts, at Indian Wells in March.

"That was a scratchy match," said the fifth seed from Russia. "I wasn't feeling good and I didn't want to remember it."

Following that defeat, Sharapova was sidelined for six weeks with elbow and shoulder problems.

"After you don't play for a while you have to be ready from the beginning," said the world No15. "I wanted to adapt as quickly as I could. She's a competitor and a good player and I had to be ready."

Sharapova will meet Olga Govortsova, of Belarus, tomorrow but is focusing on bigger goals.

"I'm just trying to work myself toward the US Open," she said. "I'm just happy to be back playing."

Defending champion Marion Bartoli, of France, eased through, beating American Ashley Harkleroad 6-1, 6-4.