Tennis: Sharapova beats Diatchenko and enters third round of French Open

Maria Sharapova of Russia serves against Vitalia Diatchenko of Russia during their second round match for the French Open tennis tournament at Roland Garros in Paris, France on May 27, 2015. -- PHOTO: EPA
Maria Sharapova of Russia serves against Vitalia Diatchenko of Russia during their second round match for the French Open tennis tournament at Roland Garros in Paris, France on May 27, 2015. -- PHOTO: EPA

PARIS (REUTERS) - Defending champion Maria Sharapova moved easily into the third round of the French Open with a 6-3, 6-1 win over fellow Russian Vitalia Diatchenko on Wednesday.

The world No. 2, wearing a long-sleeved top despite the warm temperatures on Court Philippe Chatrier possibly due to the cold she has been suffering from, took a while to get into her stride but romped away from her 91st-ranked opponent.

Sharapova, who has won two of the last three French Opens and was beaten by Serena Williams in the 2013 final, broke serve in the first game but a double fault gifted Diatchenko a break back to 2-2.

Diatchenko then coughed up two double faults in the next game to hand the advantage back to Sharapova and another double fault brought a lukewarm first set to a conclusion.

Sharapova then powered through the second set in 35 minutes, offering up few errors.

Things will toughen up for the five-times Grand Slam champion in the next round when she faces Australia's Samantha Stosur, the runner-up in 2010 and twice a semi-finalist, who she beat in the fourth round last year.

Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.