Rome - Maria Sharapova is due to step onto European clay for the first time this season, hoping to test her form as second seed at the WTA Rome Masters with a re-match of her recent Amelia Island finalCzech Dominika Cibulkova, 32nd in the world, ducked a day of rain showers on Tuesday to post a win over Argentine Gisela Dulko 7-6 (7-1), 6-4, booking into the second-round match-up.
On American green clay last month, Sharapova won the Florida title - her third of 2008 - over surprise finalist Cibulkova.
But the Czech fell to earth last week in Berlin, taking a first-round loss to Alona Bondarenko.
Sharapova has not played since losing a quarter-final in Charleston almost lost one month ago, then falling ill with a virus which eventually forced her to pull from Berlin.
"I rested a little bit, but my rest turned into a longer one because I got really sick. I was like five days in bed.
"I got here a few days ago and stepped foot on the red clay finally," said the three-time Grand Slam winner. "Its going to take a little while.
The adjustments from the green clay and the red clay are quite different, with the balance and of course there's always sliding. The feel of the clay is a little bit different."
Sharapova has played the Foro Italico only twice, her last appearance in 2005 resulting in a semi-final loss to Swiss Patty Schnyder.
Over the past two editions, she has been a withdrawal.
"It's exciting to be back in Europe," said the LA-based Russian. "Lastyear I was back home and I didn't play here (shoulder problem).
"I didn't play any tournaments apart from Istanbul leading up to the French Open. I'm just thankful (now) that I can get some matches in before the French."
With poor weather making a mess of scheduling, only four first-round matches were completed during the day, with the promise of a better forecast on Wednesday when the programme will be aiming to catch up.
Victoria Azarenka of Belarus beat Austrian Sybille Bammer 6-1, 6-3 while Roberta Vinci put a third Italian into the second round with a win over Kaia Kanepi of Estonia 6-4, 4-6, 6-0.
Bulgarian Tsvetana Pironkova defeated Czech Klara Zakopalova 6-4, 6-2.
Serb Ana Ivanovic, bidding to follow on form compatriots Jelena Jankovic (2007 champion) and Novak Djokovic, who lifted the men's crown on Sunday, is the top seed.
She begins against Pironkova in a first-time meeting.
Like Sharapova, Ivanovic lost to Schnyder in her last - and only - previous appearance three years ago.
Said the two-time finalist at Grand Slams: "Over the last year I feel I have improve so much and matured a lot on the court.
"I'm playing more consistently, and lots of wins over top players also gives me confidence.
"I'm just enjoying my time. This is the best time of my career so far, the highest I have been ranked and the best tennis I have been playing. I just want to keep the hard work up, and the results also."
