New York, Sep 2 (IANS): Russian tennis sensation Maria Sharapova held off a robust challenge from US teenager Sofia Kenin to continue her Grand Slam return from a doping suspension, winning 7-5, 6-2 to advance to the Round of 16 at the US Open in Flushing Meadows here.
Sharapova, who is making her first appearance at a Grand Slam since her return in April from a 15-month ban for using banned substances, made tough work of the early stages, hitting as many winners as unforced errors on her way to a 7-5 first set win on Friday, reports Efe.
Kenin tired in the second set, allowing the Russian to open up a 3-0 lead before Sharapova sealed the second set 6-2.
Sharapova moved on to the fourth round, where she will face 16th seed Latvian Anastasija Sevastova.