Published
|
Updated
MELBOURNE, Australia – Former champion Maria Sharapova beat American qualifier Jamie Hampton 6-0, 6-1 on Thursday to advance to the third round of the Australian Open.
Sharapova, wearing a white dress trimmed in electric green on Rod Laver Arena, did not play in any warmup events and spent nearly two weeks in Melbourne ahead of the tournament while she rested an injured left ankle.
The 2008 Australian Open champion, Sharapova next will play Stephanie Dubois of Canada or 30th-seeded Angelique Kerber of Germany.
Hampton, a qualifier ranked No. 144, had only won one WTA-level main-draw match coming into the Australian Open.
Receive your weekly recap of all the happenings around the world of sports.
Arrives Weekly