Sharapova too hot for Sevastova

For Maria Sharapova, it was a case of revenge being served hot as she fended off her U.S. Open conqueror Anastasija Sevastova 6-1 7-6 (4) under a blazing sun to reach the third round of the Australian Open Thursday. The crafty Latvian had knocked Sharapova out of the fourth round at Flushing Meadows last year during the Russian's return to grand slam action after a 15-month doping ban. So prior to their Melbourne Park rematch, former champion Sharapova said she was primed and ready for another drawn out dog-fight against the 14th seed. Centre court was already a sizzling frying pan by the time the players started hitting up in the first morning match at Rod Laver Arena.

"I love being in the city. I love Australia. I love the summertime...A lot of things to smile about." -@MariaSharapova ???#AusOpen pic.twitter.com/rxFDiuXlzU

— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 18, 2018

So the 35 degree Celsius (95F) heat may have quickly forced a rethink as Sharapova burst out of the blocks in a hail of winners to roar through the first set in 23 minutes. Although the next set was a "little dicey," as she wobbled when serving for the match at 5-4, Sharapova was glad to beat a hasty retreat from the broiling condition. Sharapova has often been likened to an "ice queen" by her tour rivals. Former Australian professional Jelena Dokic penned a column in a local tabloid Thursday that said the Russian had little interest in making friends with on-court foes. Sharapova's delivery of the women's trophy at the draw ceremony in the leadup to the tournament caused a minor controversy, with pundits criticising organisers for teeing it up despite her doping suspension.

Another seed falls.@MariaSharapova defeats No. 14 seed Sevastova 6-1, 7-6(4)---> https://t.co/arTdzP22vn pic.twitter.com/PtGmLbIBzg

— WTA (@WTA) January 18, 2018

The former world No 1 said she had learned to be comfortable with all the attention. Her last trip to Melbourne Park two years ago was the catalyst for her doping ban, as she tested positive for meldonium following her quarter-final defeat to Serena Williams. But on her return to Rod Laver Arena, there was nothing frosty about the centre court crowd as she waved to the terraces following her one hour and 20-minute win over Sevastova. Sharapova next faces 2016 champion Angelique Kerber.