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Last Updated: Tuesday, 21 June, 2005, 13:08 GMT 14:08 UK
Sharapova eases to win in opener
By Mark Barden
BBC Sport at Wimbledon

Maria Sharapova
Maria Sharapova began her Wimbledon title defence with a comfortable 6-2 6-2 win over Nuria Llagostera Vives.

The Russian second seed unveiled a new dress before a packed Centre Court but quickly put fashion aside to ease past the Spanish clay-court specialist.

Sharapova took the first set in just 28 minutes, breaking twice while never threatened on her own service.

It was the same story in the second, with the champion rarely troubled after getting an early break.

Sharapova's trademark double-handed backhand worked well throughout but her first serve was at times erratic.

The 18-year-old wrapped up victory in less than an hour and blew kisses to all four sides of the arena before departing.

Sharapova later admitted she is still working on her serve and overall strength.

"I don't think my serve is as powerful as I'd like it to be," she said.

"I'm a tall girl and grew quickly in a short space of time, so in a way I'm catching up with myself.

"Sometimes I feel my arm is like a swan's neck - so weak. But I'm pretty satisfied with today's win."

Her second-round opponent will be rising young Bulgarian star Sesil Karantcheva, who beat Britain's Amanda Janes.




WATCH AND LISTEN
Interview: Maria Sharapova


Highlights: Wimbledon 2005 day two



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