Maria Sharapova vs. Zarina Diyas: Score, Reaction from 2015 Australian Open
Maria Sharapova blasted her way beyond Zarina Diyas in confident fashion at the 2015 Australian Open, confirming her progress into the fourth round with a 6-1, 6-1 victory in Melbourne.
The Russian star's win was confirmed by the tournament's official Twitter feed:
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Sharapova was forced to save two match points during her previous tie against compatriot Alexandra Panova, a situation which could have dented her belief after easily overcoming Petra Martic earlier in the week.
However, she immediately stamped her authority on Friday, securing her first break during the opening game against Diyas, who struggled to deal with her opponent's power.
Sharapova raced into a 4-0 lead and enjoyed a huge advantage from the baseline, where she was stationed for much of the match. She hit hard and early, offering a relentlessness which simply gave Diyas no opportunity to find her rhythm.
The world No. 31 eventually grabbed her first game when Sharapova slowed slightly to make it 4-1 in the first set. However, the more experienced player saved a break point before easily serving out the set.
Sharapova won 75 percent of his first service points in the opening stanza, proving even more ruthless on the second, of which she won 80 percent, as reported by the competition's official website. The Australian Open Twitter feed highlighted her advantage:
Diyas managed to break during the opening match of the second set, but again, Sharapova didn't allow the 21-year-old to find any consistent joy. She blitzed Diyas with controlled shots from deep, racing into a 4-1 lead as the match quickly drew to a close.
The improvement in Sharapova's movement was underlined with a stretching cross-court shot from the baseline, which Diyas could only dump into the net. Sharapova was soon serving for the match, which she delivered with a pinpoint second serve.
After such a difficult run up to facing Diyas, Sharapova was understandably relieved with her result:
There's no doubt this type of victory will be welcomed by Sharapova after the Panova scare. Diyas never managed to instil fear into the No. 2 seed, who strolled her way into the next round. Sharapova is playing with increased intensity and a restlessness for success, which is sure to alarm those remaining in the competition.
This was undoubtedly her easiest and most controlled performance in this year's opening Grand Slam, perhaps an ominous sign as the second week approaches.
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