Maria Sharapova stormed into the third round of the Australian Open with a 6-0 6-1 trouncing of American qualifier Jamie Hampton in glorious sunshine on Thursday.
The leggy Russian had too much firepower for the 144th-ranked Hampton and wrapped up the match in just 64 minutes at Rod Laver Arena.
{{^htLoading}} {{/htLoading}}
Sharapova, who won the 2008 title in Melbourne, the last of her three grand slams, sealed the match with an imperious cross-court backhand Hampton could only weakly tap back into the net.
The blonde world number four next plays either Germany's Angelique Kerber and Stephanie Dubois of Canada.
Advertisement
{{/htLoading}}{{#usCountry}}