Maria Sharapova hopes a more relaxed approach to the 2016 season will yield rewards in the tennis Grand Slam events.
Sharapova took three months off after struggling with injuries in 2015. On her return she made the final four of the WTA Finals and impressed during the Fed Cup.
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In Australia for prep tournament for the year's first major, Sharapova is No. 4 in world rankings. The Australian Open begins Jan. 18 (Jan. 17 in the U.S.) in Melbourne. She lost to Serena Williams in 2015's final at Melbourne.
Sharapova will tackle this season in a measured manner, with her sights largely set on the top competitions — including the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.
"It will be one of those years where I'll just have to go with the flow and even though you have to commit to a certain schedule and work around a few things, I think I'm really just dedicating myself to the really important events," Sharapova said.
"I look at my schedule and do that every single year, but just with the Olympics, it's in a very tricky spot just after two grand slams back to back."
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Sharapova begins the year with the defense of her Brisbane International title.
"I'm not good at comparing, but every year you feel like you're in a different position and in different ground," she added.
"I came here [last year] not as defending champion and now I have a title to defend which is a really special feeling and I played some really high quality tennis. As you return to that place and that center court you always want to relive those memories."