Sharapova prevails after straight sets win against seeded countrywoman

There was no such thing as a hard match for Maria Sharapova on Day 1 in Toronto, as the Russian advanced after winning in straight sets to compatriot and No. 10 seed Nadia Petrova, while the No. 13 and 15 seeds lost on Monday at the Rogers Cup in Toronto, Canada.

Sharapova beat Petrova, who was the highest seed playing, in easy straight sets, after being 5-2 up in the second set, with a score of 63 64.

"When you're out there, you forget who you're playing, whether it's your compatriot or someone from another country. It's all about the job ahead and your own side of the court," Sharapova said. "I was the tougher one in the end. She had chances to make the match 5-all in the second, and it was good I finished it in two. I just hang tough no matter the score - not just with her."

No. 13 seed Marion Bartoli was not successful in winning her debut match, as the Frenchwoman lost to Alona Bondarenko 64 63, while No. 15 seed Amelie Mauresmo fell against Francesca Schiavone with a score of 62 36 61.

Monday, August 17, 2009

Singles - First Round

Maria Sharapova (RUS) d. (10) Nadia Petrova (RUS) 63 64

Alona Bondarenko (UKR) d. (13) Marion Bartoli (FRA) 64 63

(14) Agnieszka Radwanska (POL) d. Carla Suárez Navarro (ESP) 63 63

Francesca Schiavone (ITA) d. (15) Amélie Mauresmo (FRA) 62 36 61

Samantha Stosur (AUS) d. (Q) Heidi El Tabakh (CAN) 76(2) 76(4)

Patty Schnyder (SUI) d. Anabel Medina Garrigues (ESP) 62 61

Sybille Bammer (AUT) d. Anna Chakvetadze (RUS) 36 64 62

Agnes Szavay (HUN) d. (WC) Valérie Tétreault (CAN) 62 64

Aravane Rezai (FRA) d. Alizé Cornet (FRA) 64 75

Ai Sugiyama (JPN) d. Iveta Benesova (CZE) 63 64

(Q) Roberta Vinci (ITA) d. (WC) Stéphanie Dubois (CAN) 61 62

(Q) Kateryna Bondarenko (UKR) d. (Q) Yanina Wickmayer (BEL) 76(4) 62