Gunning for back-to-back WTA Premier Titles on tour, World No. 2 Maria Sharapova of Russia will start off her 2013 Sony Open campaign on Friday against Canadian qualifier Eugenie Bouchard, who is ranked as World No. 123 in the WTA Rankings.

Undoubtedly, the most recognized female tennis player across the world, Sharapova has won all four Grand Slam Tournaments. She is bidding for 29th career title. The Russian did not make a good start to the ongoing season, as she had to withdraw from Brisbane WTA tournament due to right collarbone injury, but made a terrific run at the Australian Open before her progress was halted in the semis by Na Li. Sharapova continued her good form afterwards and finished as a semi-finalist in a WTA Premier Tournament in Doha, where she lost to Serena Williams. She is coming off 28th title win in Miami. Sharapova has been enjoying a tremendous form of late and she is one of the most favorite contenders to win the title in Miami. She has an impressive 14-2 win-loss record for the season.

Sharapova’s opponent is wild-card entrant Eugenie Bouchard, who is ranked as World No. 123 in the WTA Rankings. The nineteen year old Canadian has a poor 7-7 win-loss for the season and she needs to come up with something special – to beat Sharapova in their maiden meeting.