NEW YORK(AP) Maria Sharapova has advanced to the second round of the U.S. Open with a 6-3, 6-0 victory over Tsvetana Pironkova of Bulgaria.
In her return to Flushing Meadows after missing last year with a shoulder injury, Sharapova hit 29 winners to only six for Pironkova in an easy win Tuesday night.
The 29th-seeded Russian is seeking her second U.S. Open and fourth Grand Slam title.
As she often does, Sharapova made as big a statement with her play as her tennis wear - a black dress with silver straps and a matching silver headband.