The 2010 Australian Open began yesterday with a continued theme from 2009. Maria Sharapova was defeated by fellow Russian Maria Kirilenko 7-6 (4), 3-6, 6-4. Sharapova’s comeback from a shoulder injury has been very challenging, especially in terms of gaining the confidence to play the aggressive game that she plays. Doubt has crept into her head. Mentally, doubt creates a road block and it doesn’t allow the person to focus on the necessary steps towards success. Sharapova’s continued struggles in the most pivotal moments reflect that doubt. She’s making poor decisions when they count most. This isn’t something that can be worked on in practice, but instead this has everything to do with her own self confidence in the moment and the only way to build that mental momentum is to play tournaments consistently. I’m not going to be the one to count her out. She has a ferocious work ethic and a focus that is only matched by the greatest athletes in the world. Maria will be back.