Russian Maria Sharapova is through to the second round of the ongoing US Open tournament in New York after she held off Swiss veteran Patty Schnyder in their first round clash.

The 31-year-old defeated Schnyder 6-2 7-6 (8-6) to qualify for the next round at Flushing Meadows, where she’ll face Romana Cirstea of Romania for a place in the third round.

Schnyder, 39, is the oldest player to ever feature in the main draw of a Grand Slam via qualifying.

It was her first Grand Slam match since she returned to the tennis court in 2015 having retired in 2011.

After her victory, Sharapova said: “I knew I was in for a battle no matter her story or my story.”

“For her to come back and have the desire is really admirable. I’m just really happy I was able to win that last point.” The five-time Grand Slam champion concluded.