Rome, May 11 (AFP) Former Wimbledon champion Maria Sharapova made short work of her second round opponent at the Rome International clay court event, thrashing Ekaterina Makarova 6-1, 6-1.
Men's world number four Andy Murray had a very different experience as he was made to work in an error-strewn match before seeing off Belgian veteran Xavier Malisse 6-2, 2-6, 6-3.
Having said on Sunday that women's tennis had improved its strength in depth in recent years and that the old days of breezing through the first couple of rounds were long gone, Sharapova disproved her own claims.
Her Russian compatriot was never in the match and only managed to hold serve once in each set.
Sharapova was at her ruthless best and took all five of her break-point opportunities, saving the only two she faced.