NEW YORK (AP) — Maria Sharapova has advanced to the third round of the U.S. Open with a stress-free 6-1, 6-2 victory over Iveta Benesova of the Czech Republic.
The 14th-seeded Sharapova had as much trouble with the wind at Arthur Ashe Stadium as with her 68th-ranked opponent Thursday night. Sharapova is looking for her second U.S. Open title and fourth overall in the Grand Slam tournaments.
Playing under the lights in New York, Sharapova came suitably dressed. Her dark blue dress had a black collar and lapels, giving it a tuxedo-like effect.
Her next match is against 18-year-old American Trice Capra, the 371st-ranked wild-card who is putting on a Melanie Oudin-like run at the Open so far. Oudin knocked Sharapova out last year.
