Top seed Maria Sharapova cruised into the third round of the Australian Open today with a straightforward victory over Anastassia Rodionova.

RAFAEL NADAL was one point away from losing the first set before rallying to take command of his first-round match with American Robert Kendrick to move into the second round of the Australian Open in Melbourne.

Number one seed Maria Sharapova reached the second round of the Australian Open after battling through “one of the toughest matches I’ve played here”.

FIVE-TIME Grand Slam winner Justine Henin-Hardenne’s march towards reclaiming her US Open title began in earnest on Monday as she cruised past Maria Elena Camerin 6-2, 6-1 in an opening round match yesterday.