U.S. Open champion and world number two Maria Sharapova will lead a strong Russian challenge in next week’s Australian Open.

The 19-year-old Siberian heads a powerful Russian contingent which also includes world number four Svetlana Kuznetsova, sixth-ranked Nadia Petrova and eighth-ranked Elena Dementieva.

After triumphing at Flushing Meadows for her second grand slam title four months ago, Sharapova is eager to add the Australian Open crown to her impressive trophy case…