WHO KEN STOP MARIA SHARAPOVA? Not amateur player Sofia Kenin.
The 18 year old Russian-born American gave her idol a first set scare but Sharapova was too strong and became only the sixth wildcard to reach the last 16 of the US Open
The former champion was not at her best for much of the match and Kenin fought her way back into the opening set well.
Sharapova found her best tennis again in the second, though, and clinched a 7-5 6-2 victory to earn a last 16 clash with Anastasija Sevastova.
Sharapova said: “She came in and had nothing to lose and that’s always dangerous.
“I didn’t see the ball too well in the beginning of the match and was making a lot of unforced errors.
“But what matters ultimately is that I won the last point and earned the chance to go back to the practice court and work.”
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Sharapova raced into a 4-1 lead but Kenin pegged her back before the 30 year old pulled away again.
The second set was less competitive and the story of the match was a brilliant rally towards the end which Sharapova ultimately won with her greater experience and skill.
No 16 seed Sevastova, of Latvia, should pose a greater challenge, having begun her climb up the rankings at last year’s US Open, in which she knocked out Britain’s Jo Konta.
. But Sharapova has momentum and has no reason to fear anyone after her first-round defeat of No 2 seed Simona Halep.
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