The 2012 Maria Sharapova tennis season officially began on 16 January 2012 with the start of the 2012 Australian Open. Sharapova began the season ranked the number 4 player in the world. All matches See also 2012 Serena Williams tennis season 2012 WTA Tour Maria Sharapova career statistics External links Sharapova tennis season Maria Sharapova tennis seasons 2012 in Russian women's sport 2012 in Russian tennis