1. Ana Ivanovic - SRB
2. Jelena Jankovic - SRB
3. Svetlana Kuznetsova - RUS
4. Maria Sharapova - RUS
5. Serena Williams - USA

Maria Sharapova	7	6	2
Dinara Safina	6	7	6

Wimbledon: Maria saunters into second round

June 28th, 2006

24 Comments

Posted by: Marco

Maria Sharapova eased her way into Wimbledon with a clinical win over Israeli Anna Smashnova in the first round on Wednesday.

Russian Sharapova, 19, took just 54 minutes to dispose of Smashnova 6-2 6-0 on Court Number One.

The 2004 champion dominated from the outset, taking a 5-2 lead before winning the next seven consecutive games to seal the match.

She next faces either American Ashley Harkleroad or Croatian Jelena Kostanic.

Wizzie Jun 28, 2006 at 15:11

Great Job Maira !! I only wish ESPN would have showed it.

lars Jun 28, 2006 at 15:19

yes! up to the next round Maria

miha Jun 28, 2006 at 15:27

nice game maria only hope too see more like this nice outfit

mike Jun 28, 2006 at 15:29

good luck maria for the next round hope u win wimbledon like u know u can.

flory Jun 28, 2006 at 15:37

great job MARIA....good luck to the next round....keeses!!!!

Roy Jun 28, 2006 at 15:46

Hey Maria, Was not able to see you play, but watching your web site to catch up on the news. Win or lose, you are still number one in my book.

JustinNn Jun 28, 2006 at 15:48

WOW! that was impressive game by Maria.. she has definately improved so much since i last saw her! Seems like a real winner for wimbledon this yr!

mike7 Jun 28, 2006 at 16:04

c bien!!

Borrow Jun 28, 2006 at 16:07

Well done, Maria, but it�s six more to come. Hope, you will go the whole way to the final - I am not sure, but as I said it: I hope it very much..

daley Jun 28, 2006 at 16:45

keep it up maria.am looking forward to your clinching the title again.more grease to your elbowO-O-O-

grant stevens Jun 28, 2006 at 17:38

the scores won't look like that and it won't be that easy if masha goes against (the ever ferocious) clijsters, henin-hardenne or particularly williams, three opponents masha has problems getting through especially williams. both williams sisters have a habit of "kicking it into 4 or 5th gear" when their opponent is a match point away from winning the entire thing. masha knows about this firsthand and i would suggest masha kicks into 80th, 90th and 100th gear if she faces williams again and williams pulls this.

jon Jun 28, 2006 at 18:32

my grandmother could beat Smashnova. give me a break! the russian is going down in the next two rounds. and you fans need to get a life!

Wizzie Jun 28, 2006 at 19:07

Shut up Jon. U need to get a life.

mario Jun 28, 2006 at 19:22

you are wit mejon..
maria will get trouble facing the two belgians and williams..
anyway good luck maria...nice to see ur smilin face after winning the match..win or lose i will still marry you ha ha ha...

Emilie Jun 28, 2006 at 19:27

Great Job Maria I hope you do great in the next round I hope you win wimbledon!!! I love you Maria!!!!!!!!

Sandeep Sudi Jun 28, 2006 at 20:05

hi maria best of luck, for next round and i love you

jenny Jun 28, 2006 at 22:09

hey jon get of this website we dont need you. WELL DONE maria you played great you can soo win this year. My family are backing you. I really like your outfit it is so cool.O- good luck for the next few rounds I wont be able to watch them.

londonboy Jun 28, 2006 at 23:07

shut up jon anna smashnova was a former top 15 player so you get a life.good luck maria i know u can win.

mike Jun 29, 2006 at 00:24

excellent job and quickly done which is a plus. keep your rest up for the later rounds. but stay focused Maria and finish off these early round opponents. best wishes tomorrow. and like ive said before, we dont need williams sisters fans on this site so go home grant and jon. we are fine w/o you. Go Maria!!!!

fidokitty Jun 29, 2006 at 02:46

I enjoyed watching Maria finally smiling again at the "Smashing" first round victory, and radiant at the post-game interview. Also liked her in the Canon commercial where she got the tennis balls to grin.

renee Jun 29, 2006 at 02:58

for those who didnt see maria play..try watching StarSport or ESPN2... yesterdays game really rocks...maria kick ass.. great game maria..they even preview a short video biography... don't you guys miss the game next time... thats aired live at ESPN2 and StarSports...(7pm PHilippine time)... God Luck Masha!!

popa adi Jun 29, 2006 at 10:36

Masha,you are the best! Be strong and...go ahead.In Romania everybody loves you.

thalai Jun 29, 2006 at 10:40

This is a good start....just demolishing smashnova in less than an hour.....She is sure to reah semis but from there a bit of extra effort is needed....she is extremely good on grass which is a known fact and no one can refuse it....

ALL THE BEST for sharu

Shikamaru91 Jun 29, 2006 at 10:45

Ca commence bien!