Maria Sharapova produced a strong display in a straight-sets win over Anastasija Sevastova in the Australian Open second round.A five-time grand slam champion, Sharapova was in fine form on Rod Laver Arena on Thursday, beating 14th seed Sevastova 6-1 7-6 (7-4). Sharapova needed just 80 minutes to march into the third round, where Angelique Kerber or Donna Vekic await.

In the form she showed in the first set at Melbourne Park Thursday, Sharapova deserves to be among the favourites to add to her 2008 Australian Open title. The Russian showcased her power early against Latvia's Sevastova, who had a heavily strapped right leg but did beat Sharapova at the US Open last year.

Sharapova hit 12 winners in the first set, her forehand doing most of the damage as she raced into a lead. While her level dropped and Sevastova improved, Sharapova's win was never in doubt, the job done relatively quickly as the former world number one beat the heat in Melbourne.

STATISTICAL BREAKDOWN
Sharapova bt Sevastova [14] 6-1 7-6 (7-4)

WINNERS/UNFORCED ERRORS 
Sharapova – 30/31
Sevastova – 6/20

ACES/DOUBLE FAULTS 
Sharapova – 4/4
Sevastova – 1/1

BREAK POINTS WON 
Sharapova – 5/6
Sevastova – 3/4

FIRST SERVE PERCENTAGE 
Sharapova – 58
Sevastova – 62

PERCENTAGE OF POINTS WON ON FIRST/SECOND SERVE 
Sharapova – 82/46
Sevastova – 62/30

TOTAL POINTS 
Sharapova – 68
Sevastova – 49