Sharapova Maintains US Open Night Session Record With 2nd Round Win

Russian Maria Sharapova maintained her perfect night session record at the US Open in the wake of the second round win over Sorana Cirstea of Romania.

The 22nd seed recovered from a break down in the second set to beat her 28-year-old opponent 6-2 7-5 to stay in hunt for a second title at Flushing Meadows since her 2006 triumph.

The 31-year-old now has a 21-0 win record in night matches in New York.

The five-time Grand Slam champion will face former French Open winner Jelena Ostapenko in the third round

The 21-year-old recovered from losing the first set to beat American Taylor Townsend 4-6 6-3 6-4 in their second round clash.

After her win over the world number 51, Sharapova said: “You’ve got to be crazy to be here after midnight.”

“There’s a saying we use a lot: It’s not how you start, it’s how you finish.” Sharapova, who suffered a 15-month doping ban in 2016, added.

Looking ahead of her last 32 clash with Ostapenko, she said: “It only gets tougher from here.”

“Being seeded in the 20s, you know you’re going to get tough draws. You know you’re going to play Grand Slam champions.

“[Ostapenko] is a competitor, a great opponent. I look forward to it.” Sharapova concluded.