New York : Maria Sharapova moved easily into the third round of the U.S. Open with a 6-1, 6-1 victory Wednesday over Anastasia Yakimova.
This was the second meeting between the Russians and third-seeded Sharapova has won them both. After a bit of a slow start, Sharapova turned it into a mismatch. She had 28 winners to two for her opponent. She won 59 points to 32 for Yakimova and saved all five break points against her.
It was very different from Sharapova's opening match, a three-set struggle over Britain's Heather Watson.
In search of her fourth major title, Sharapova will play No. 26 Flavia Pennetta in the third round.AP