Done and dusted: Sharapova hands Dart a double bagel
Former winner Maria Sharapova has made easy work of her opening Australian Open opponent, handing out a "double bagel" 6-0, 6-0 thrashing to qualifier Harriet Dart of Great Britain.
In the first match on Rod Laver Arena as Melbourne prepares for a hot day to start the tourmanent, the 2008 champion and 30th seed wrapped up the first set in just 31 minutes.
Dart saved two match points to stall Sharapova's win but sprayed a clumsy volley wide to fall on the third.
Sharapova will play Swede Rebecca Peterson for a place in the third round.
On a busy day to start the first major of 2019, there are 14 Australians in action including top hope Ashleigh Barty, Bernard Tomic and Alex de Minaur.
The Russian’s haul of five major titles includes the 2008 Australian Open crown.
Sharapova’s most recent grand slam crown came at the 2014 French Open.
Less than two years later she was hit with a two-year doping ban - later reduced to 15 months - for testing positive to the banned substance meldonium at the 2016 Australian Open.
‘‘It’s been many years since I lifted the trophy here,’’ Sharapova said on Monday.
‘‘I love competing but I also love challenging myself because the younger players are always getting better.’’
After winning three matches in qualifying last week to earn a spot in the main draw at Melbourne Park, the 22-year-old Dart was thoroughly outclassed by Sharapova, winning only 29 points.
More to come
With Reuters, AAP