Sharapova eases through to second round
Sharapova eases through to second round
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Wednesday, 28, Jun 2006 08:58
Former Wimbledon champion Maria Sharapova is through to the second round at SW19 after thrashing Israeli Anna Smashnova 6-2 6-0.
The 2004 winner finished off her opponent in just 54 minutes on Court One, winning seven consecutive games to ease through to round two where she will play either American Ashley Harkleroad or Croatia's Jelena Kostanic.
The 19-year old Russian afterwards declared her love for the grass courts.
She said: "I'm always excited to be playing on grass, I just love it out there.
"The first day, coming onto grass from clay, I love the feeling of how the ball bounces. I'm more excited about playing on grass than any other surface."
Elsewhere, Australian Open champion Amelie Mauresmo gave Croatia's Ivana Abramovic a grand slam debut to forget, whitewashing the 22-year old 6-0 6-0 in a match lasting just 38 minutes on Court Two.
Mauresmo, a three-time semi-finalist at SW19, will face either Holland's Michaela Krajicek or Samantha Stosur in the third round.
French Open champion Justin Henin-Hardenne also comfortably reached the third round after defeating Russian Ekatrina Bychkova 6-2 6-1.
Compatriot Kim Clijsters was given a walkover after her opponent Viktoria Kutuzzova pulled out of their scheduled second round match with a viral infection.
Russian seventh-seed Elena Dementieva is also through after a tight 7-6 (7/5) 7-5 win over India's Sania Mirza.