Top-seeded Maria Sharapova struggled through to the second round of the Strasbourg International on Monday, but her compatriot and No. 2 seed Elena Vesnina was knocked out by Vania King of the US.
The 21-year-old King, a doubles specialist, saved seven break points on the way to victory in one hour and 20 minutes.
She will next face local favorite Alize Cornet of France, who beat Taiwan’s Chan Yung-jan, 6-3, 6-3.
PHOTO: REUTERS
After defeat in the first round at Madrid last week, Sharapova needed 2 hours and 14 minutes to record a 6-3, 3-6, 6-1 win over fellow Russian Regina Kulikova and claim her first victory on clay this season.
The formerly top-ranked Sharapova, who has been hampered by an injury to her right elbow this season, converted only four of 22 break points. She will next face either Tatjana Malek of Germany or a qualifier for a quarter-finalist spot.
On the other side of the draw, Vesnina was upset by King 6-4, 6-1.
Anastasia Rodionova of Australia also advanced to the second round with a 2-6, 6-3, 7-5 win over Ayumi Morita of Japan.
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