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Rediff.com  » Sports » Confident Sharapova ready for Stosur challenge

Confident Sharapova ready for Stosur challenge

May 27, 2015 19:32 IST
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Russia's Maria Sharapova in action

Russia's Maria Sharapova in action against compatriot Vitalia Diatchenko in the second round of the French Open on Wednesday. Photograph: Jason Cairnduff/Action Images via Reuters

Defending French Open champion Maria Sharapova showed no ill-effects from a cold as she swept past fellow Russian Fed Cup team member Vitalia Diatchenko 6-3, 6-1 on Court Philippe Chatrier to reach the third round.

- PHOTOS: Sharapova romps into third round at French Open

There was only a scattering of fans inside the stadium as Sharapova took to the court on Wednesday, but after getting into her stride she overpowered the 91st-ranked Diatchenko.

She will face tough Australian Samantha Stosur next and the World No 2 said the next day and a half would all be about maintenance and recovery as she tries to plot her way to a third French Open title in four years.

Stosur will be a tougher proposition though -- having stretched Sharapova to three sets in the fourth round last year.

"She's always a tough opponent. She enjoys playing on clay, benefits a lot from this surface," she said of the 2010 runner-up.

"But I have a pretty good record against her."

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