The five-time Grand Slam champion, banned for 15 months after failing a drugs test at the corresponding event in 2016, overcame the German 6-1, 6-4 on the Margaret Court Arena.

It was the first time she had competed in Melbourne since serving her suspension.

Anastasija Sevastova of Latvia, the 14th seed, awaits for Sharapova in round two after she beat Uzebkistan-born American Varvara Lepchenko 3-6, 6-3, 6-2.

"I felt like I have got a lot of things out of the way physically and emotionally and mentally last year," said Sharapova.

"There was a lot of firsts again for me, playing the first tournament, first Grand Slam, and just different feelings and what it would be routinely.

"But it felt pretty routine today, just really happy to be back here."

In the men's tournament, Novak Djokovic of Serbia marked his injury comeback with a comfortable straight sets win over Donald Young of the United States.

Djokovic, a six-time Australian Open winner, has not played since Wimbledon last year but showed little sign of rustiness as he dispatched the American 6-1, 6-2, 6-4.

Frenchman Gaël Monfils beat Spain's Jaume Munar 6-3, 7-6, 6-4 to set up a meeting with the Serbian in the second round.

"A month ago I didn't know if I was going to come to Australia or not because the elbow was still not prepared for this level of competition," Djokovic, who has altered his service action following the injury, said.

Swiss star Roger Federer, seeded second, is also through following a 6-3, 6-4, 6-3 win over Aljaž Bedene, who has recently reverted back to Slovenian nationality after competing for Britain.

Federer is due to continue his bid for a 20th Grand Slam title when he takes on Germany's Jan-Lennard Struff in the next round.