Sharapova has already sparked controversy after she carried the women's trophy onto court for the tournament's draw ceremony at the Rod Laver Arena last week.

The 30-year-old was handed a two-year drugs ban after testing positive for meldonium at the 2016 edition of the opening Grand Slam of the season.

Her ban was then cut to 15 months by the Court of Arbitration for Sport but her suspension was glossed over during an on-court interview at the ceremony.

Australian Open organisers defended Sharapova's appearance, claiming there were no other former champions available to take part in the draw.

Sharapova will start her campaign with a first round encounter against Tatjana Maria of Germany on Tuesday (January 16).

Much of the build-up to the tournament has been focused on who will not be in Melbourne rather than those players who are competing following a number of high-profile withdrawals.

Top seed and 2017 winner Rafael Nadal will be among those hoping to take full advantage of the absence of the likes of Olympic champion Andy Murray of Britain.

The Spaniard, who endured an injury-hit end to last season, starts his campaign tomorrow when he takes on Víctor Estrella Burgos of the Dominican Republic.

Last year's winner Roger Federer, the 19-time Grand Slam champion who is is targeting a sixth Australian Open crown, is in action on Tuesday as he faces Aljaž Bedene, who has recently reverted back to Slovenian nationality after competing for Britain.

Novak Djokovic, the 2017 runner-up, makes his return to tennis with a clash against American Donald Young on the second day of the event.

The six-time champion in Australia, who has not played since Wimbledon in July due to an elbow injury, will also be hoping to contend for the title.

"I play down my chances just because I don't think a 36-year-old should be a favourite of a tournament," Federer said.

"It should not be the case. 

"That's why I see things more relaxed at a later stage of my career."

Serena Williams is still absent following the birth of her daughter Alexis in September, with her sister Venus - beaten by Serena in last year's final - set to play Switzerland's Belinda Bencic tomorrow.

Jeļena Ostapenko of Latvia is also due on court tomorrow as the seventh seed plays Italy's Francesca Schiavone.