Sharapova Too Hot for Sevastova, Reaches Third Round
Translator
Editor
Kamis, 1 Januari 1970 07:00 WIB
Russia's Maria Sharapova dashes to reach for a return to Latvia's Anastasija Sevastova during their second round match at the Australian Open tennis championships in Melbourne, Australia, Thursday, Jan. 18, 2018. The forecast was for temperatures approaching 40 degrees Celsius (104 Fahrenheit), and delays were likely on side courts if the tournament invokes its Extreme Heat Policy. Officials also have the option of closing the roofs on the three show courts, including Rod Laver Arena. AP Photo/Vincent Thian
TEMPO.CO, Melbourne - Maria Sharapova suffered a late wobble in the blazing centre court heat before easing past 14th seed Anastasija Sevastova 6-1 7-6(4) to reach the third round of the Australian Open on Thursday.
With the temperatures soaring, the former champion fired a barrage of winners past the Latvian to roar through the first set in 23 minutes at Rod Laver Arena.
Sharapova wavered when serving for the match at 5-4, allowing Sevastova to drag the match into a tiebreak, but the Russian doubled down on her baseline firepower to raise three match points quickly.
She closed out the match on the second when Sevastova clubbed a forehand long and will next meet the winner of 2016 champion Angelique Kerber and Donna Vekic for a place in the last 16.