Published November 20, 2014
STRASBOURG, France (AP) — Top-seeded Maria Sharapova has advanced to the second round of the Strasbourg International with a 6-3, 3-6, 6-1 win over fellow Russian Regina Kulikova.
After losing in the first round at Madrid last week, Sharapova needed 2 hours, 14 minutes Monday to claim her first victory on clay this season.
The former No. 1 player has been hampered by an injury to her right elbow this season. Against Kulikova, she converted only four of 22 break points.
Anastasia Rodionova of Australia also advanced with a 2-6, 6-3, 7-5 win over Ayumi Morita of Japan.
https://www.foxnews.com/sports/sharapova-reaches-2nd-round-at-strasbourg