Sharapova return picks up steam with US Open last-32 spot

Maria Sharapova's Grand Slam return from her doping ban continued Wednesday when the former world number one reached the US Open last 32 with a 6-7 (4/7), 6-4, 6-1 win over Timea Babos of Hungary.

The 2006 champion fired 12 aces with 39 winners and 36 unforced errors.

The Russian star, who knocked out second seed Simona Halep in the first round, will face either Sofia Kenin or Sachia Vickery, both of the United States, for a place in the last 16.

"It was a scrappy match but every time I step on the court here it's a special day," said the 30-year-old five-time major winner.

"But I felt fresh and I wanted to be the fittest player out there."

Sharapova, playing her first Slam since serving a 15-month ban imposed after the 2016 Australian Open, dropped the first set against the 59th-ranked Babos.

At the changeover, 146-ranked Sharapova, abandoned one of the arm-length, black sleeves she had been wearing.

It seemed to do the trick as she broke in the first game.

But Babos recovered the break at 2-2 on the back of a fifth double fault.

Wildcard Sharapova then fought off two break points in the sixth game and from that point she did not look back, going on to coast through the decider in just 28 minutes.

Source: AFP