ZCZC
BSP-17
TENNIS-FRA-OPEN-SHARAPOVA
Sharapova thrashes Pliskova to set up potential Serena clash
PARIS, June 2, 2018 (BSS/AFP) – Maria Sharapova set up a potential last-16
clash with Serena Williams by crushing sixth seed Karolina Pliskova 6-2, 6-1
in the French Open third round on Saturday.
The five-time Grand Slam champion produced one of her best performances
since returning from a doping ban, cruising to a totally one-sided win in her
first match on Court Philippe Chatrier for three years.
The Russian, winner in Paris in 2012 and 2014, is seeded at a major for the
first time since testing positive for meldonium two years ago.
A fired-up Sharapova powered 18 winners past her fellow former world number
one Pliskova, with the Czech never threatening any resistance in a match
which lasted just 59 minutes.
She will next face either 23-time Grand Slam champion Williams or German
11th seed Julia Goerges, who play later on Saturday, in the fourth round.
Sharapova and Serena have met 21 times, with the American leading the head-
to-head record 19-2 after 18 consecutive wins dating back to 2004.
BSS/AFP/ARS/1834 hrs