The two have met twice, both in 2017, Sevastova winning in the fourth round at the US Open and Sharapova reversing the result in the first round at Beijing.
Maria opened positively, holding serve in the opening game to love, an ace and two forehand winners the highlights.
After winning the first three points on serve, Sharapova brought Anastasija back to deuce but the Latvian held on for 1-1
The temperature was expected to be 39 degrees but so much more for the players on court.
Sharapova was certainly hot early, leading 2-1 after a second love game.
Two winners from Maria and a double fault from Anastasija confirmed a break of serve and 3-1 to the Russian.
A brilliant backhand volley sealed a third service hold to love and Sharapova 4-1.
A forehand winner converted another break point for Sharapova and she would serve for the set.
Although she lost her first two points on serve for the set, Maria still comfortably served out set one 6-1.
Two forehand winners forced a break of the Sevastova opening serve of set two. but Sharapova faced her first break point of the match in the next game. It was converted with a Maria backhand error.
Anastasija led 2-1 after a love game full of Maria errors.
A break of serve from Sharapova and she led 3-2, winners from both sides doing the trick.
Consolidating the break, Maria served a love game due to four Anastasija errors.
A lovely drop shot from Sharapova was insufficient to prevent Sevastova holding serve. 3-4.
Three loose forehands from the Russian racquet and a double fault led to a break of serve and games were 4-4.
Sharapova broke straight back with two more winners from deuce.
She would serve for the match.
Two break points were provided to Sevastova and the second was used. 5-5.
Anastasija served an ace in a love game for 6-5.
Tie break following a Sharapova hold.
Sharapova had a break 4-2. Excellent forehand for 5-2.
A further point against serve and four match points for Maria.
Two saved.
Match won on the third 6-1 7-6(4). Sharapova through to the third round.
No comments:
Post a Comment