Sharapova ‘deserves to smile’ after R2 win
Maria Sharapova is through to the third round of the Australian Open after easing past Anastasija Sevastova 6-1, 7-6(4) on Thursday.
Competing in her first Grand Slam since returning from a drugs ban, Sharapova was in fine form at the Rod Laver Arena despite having to contend with the searing heat.
As the temperature headed towards the 40’C mark, the former World No 1 came out firing, taking 14th seed Sevastova 6-1 in the one-sided opening set.
Sevastova fought back in the second but it was Sharapova who came through in a tiebreaker to win in straight sets.
"Walking through that tunnel is extremely special…it gives me the motivation that I can do it again."
Ten years on from her only #AusOpen title, @MariaSharapova is looking for a second.#AusOpen pic.twitter.com/Df86eFOJ76
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 18, 2018
Speaking after her win, Sharapova said: “I had really tough matches against her. Despite winning our last match, I faced two match points and barely got through that one, 7-6 in the third.
“You know, it’s a warm day. I did my job in two sets against someone that’s been troubling in the past for me.
“So third round of the Australian Open, I don’t know, I think I deserve to smile out there after that victory.”
Latest
-
Tennis Features2021 Miami Open talking points: Naomi Osaka’s win-streak snapped, Daniil Medvedev’s kryptonite
Plenty of talking points from this year’s Miami Open.
-
Tennis News‘I’d love to win a tournament on clay,’ says Naomi Osaka as she expects ‘interesting’ campaign on red dirt
Naomi Osaka eyes success on clay.
-
NewsJohanna Konta to miss Great Britain’s Billie Jean King Cup tie against Mexico
Watson, Boulter, Dart, Swan, Burrage make up GB team.
-
Tennis News‘It’ll be a quick transition, but one that I look forward to,’ says Ashleigh Barty as she gets ready for the clay
Ashleigh Barty switches focus from hard to clay court.
-
Tennis FeaturesFrom Novak Djokovic to Roger Federer’s coach, tennis fraternity sees Jannik Sinner as a star in the making
The tennis community’s views on Jannik Sinner.
-
ATP Tour‘I’m here to win tournaments,’ says Jannik Sinner as he vows to ‘improve every single part of my game’
“For me, improvement is the most important thing,” says Jannik Sinner.
-
WTA TourBianca Andreescu gives fitness update after latest injury setback as she hopes to be ‘back very soon’
Bianca Andreescu sets sights on clay-court swing.
-
Tennis FeaturesAna Konjuh takes inspiration from Andy Murray as former teen prodigy returns after injury woes
Oli Jefford predicts a good future for the fit-again Ana Konjuh.
-
NewsBreakthrough moment for Hubert Hurkacz as he claims maiden Masters victory at Miami Open
Hubert Hurkacz will climb to 16th in the ATP Rankings.
-
NewsStrong suggestions the French Open could be rescheduled for second year running
The tournament was moved to October in 2020.