PARIS — Defending champion Maria Sharapova moved easily into the third round of the French Open with a 6-3 6-1 defeat of fellow Russian Vitalia Diatchenko on Wednesday.
The world number two, wearing a long-sleeved top despite the warm temperatures on Court Philippe Chatrier possibly due to the cold she has been suffering from, took a while to get into her stride but romped away from her 91st-ranked opponent.
Sharapova, who has won two of the last three French Opens and was beaten by Serena Williams in the 2013 final, broke serve in the first game but a double fault gifted Diatchenko a break back to 2-2.