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28 March 2024

Sharapova charges into third round

Russia's Maria Sharapova plays a forehand in her second round match against Jamie Hampton of the US on day four of the Australian Open at Melbourne Park on Thursday in Australia. (GETTY)

Published
By Reuters

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. 

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.