Sharapova wins rain-disrupted second round match

Former Wimbledon champion Maria Sharapova reached the third round of the French Open after winning a rain-disrupted match against Czech Iveta Benesova 6-4 6-1 on Wednesday.

The Russian fourth seed brought her glamor to the centre court but also steel and shrieks to see off the world number 53.

After an early exchange of breaks, the match was interrupted by rain for 77 minutes. Sharapova returned to the court to wrap up the first set with an ace.

Rain halted play again a few minutes after the first stoppage but that did not affect the 2004 Wimbledon champion who needed 36 minutes to take the second set.

"It is never easy. But you just have to adjust and be patient," said the Russian fourth seed who brought glamor to the centre court but also steel and shrieks to see off the world number 53.



Sharapova admitted it was a bit "strange" to play her second round match after two days off.

"It makes you feel like you're starting the tournament (again)," she told a news conference.

For the first time in Roland Garros history, the tournament started on a Sunday with the first round spanning three days.

Sharapova, who has been hampered by an ankle injury, saved three match points in her first round match against American Mashona Washington before winning in three sets.

"Actually it was a lot better. I did not feel I was moving great, still. Painwise it was a lot better," she said.

Sharapova will meet either Australian Alicia Molik or Romania's Anda Perianu in the next round.