Sharapova powers into Wimbledon second round

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Sharapova powers into Wimbledon second round

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Maria Sharapova entered the second round at Wimbledon after beating Anastasia Rodionova 6-2, 6-3.

26 June,2012 03:10 am

World number one Maria Sharapova warned her Wimbledon rivals that she has no intention of resting on her laurels after sweeping into the second round with a straight sets victory on Monday.Sharapova was playing for the first time since her French Open final victory over Sara Errani earlier this month and the Russians confidence was clearly sky high as she downed Australias Anastasia Rodionova 6-2, 6-3 in just 70 minutes.The 25-year-old will face Bulgarias Tsvetana Pironkova, who reached the semi-finals in 2010, in the round of 64.Sharapovas triumph in Paris was a magical moment as it completed a career grand slam and capped her recovery from serious shoulder surgery that, at one stage, looked capable of wrecking her career.But Sharapova, who won Wimbledon as a 17-year-old, still has unfinished business at the All England Club after losing last years final to Petra Kvitova.Top seed Sharapova, who was back on Centre Court for the first time since then, is determined to ensure there are no regrets when she leaves Wimbledon this year.Ill have the French Open for the rest of my life and its something that I can think back on and know that I was part of the Roland Garros history, but this sport puts you back to reality so fast, Sharapova said.Within days youre back practicing, getting ready, and it starts from scratch, starts from the first round.So when youre a grand slam champion, youre No.1 in the world, everybody is more hungry across the net to beat you.Sharapova has always been a ferocious competitor and her drive to improve hasnt faded now she is a grand slam winner once again.