Sharapova powers through
Maria Sharapova strolled into the third round of Wimbledon with a routine 6-3 6-1 win over outclassed debutant Richel Hogenkamp.
The 2004 All England Club champion was troubled by Hogenkamp for spells of the opening set but by the second she was in full control, battering her opponent into submission with a display that favoured strength over artistry.
Hogenkamp was cheered on by spectators on Court Two when she registered the match’s only ace, but the world number 123’s second grand slam appearance was quickly brought to a close.
Sharapova called on a full range of shots in the fifth game of the opening set, mixing baseline power with crafty play at the net, and in the sixth Hogenkamp was broken.
The Dutchwoman broke back immediately with Sharapova conceding the game after firing wide on a first service, but the fourth seed recovered immediately and went on to take the first set with ease.
Hogenkamp was bludgeoned into conceding on her serve as the second set got under way, and it was proving all too easy for Sharapova as she strolled into a 3-0 lead.
Apart from conceding the sixth, it was all one-way traffic with two thunderous forehands from the Russian finishing off her opponent.
