Maria Sharapova of Russia in 2010 Australian Open at Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne Park, Australia, Jan. 18, 2010. [Xinhua File Photo] |
Top seed Maria Sharapova defeated Bulgarian qualifier Dia Evtimova 6-3, 6-0 to reach the quarterfinals of the Strasbourg International on Wednesday.
Sharapova next faces Julia Goerges of Germany, who overcame sixth-seeded Sybille Bammer of Austria 6-1, 7-6 (6).
The Russian ace was given a wild-card entry after two months out with a right elbow injury and didn't face a single break point to claim her second victory on clay this year.
Vania King of the United States, a doubles specialist who won her sole singles title in Bangkok in 2006, broke local hope Alize Cornet five times and won 6-3, 6-2.
King, who upset second-seeded Elena Vesnina of Russia in the first round, will take on Anastasia Rodionova of Australia, who went through after Elena Baltacha of Britain retired with a lower back injury while leading 2-1 in the first set.
The French Open starts on Sunday in Paris.
Three-time tournament winner Anabel Medina Garrigues of Spain also advanced, after Lucie Hradecka retired trailing 4-6, 0-3 with a left wrist injury.
Kristina Barrois of Germany defeated Yvonne Meusburger of Austria 7-5, 6-3.
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