China was a happy hunting ground for Maria Sharapova in her comeback last year and as 2018 begins that is proving no different. The 30-year-old claimed her first title since her 15-month doping suspension in October in Tianjin and she's playing some good tennis this week in Shenzhen.

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A possible reason for Sharapova’s success? The deafening support of  “#SharaFamilyChina” (as she calls the local crowds).

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The Russian has always been one of the most popular and famous players on the planet, but the raucous fan support in China is on a whole other level.

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Behind her massive army, Sharapova has advanced to the Shenzhen Open semifinals, where she will play Katerina Siniakova for a spot in the final.

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The world No. 59 will have to navigate through a couple more matches, and possibly Simona Halep, if she hopes to begin her season with a title. The Australian Open will be her first Grand Slam back without needing the aid of a wildcard.

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