World no.2 Maria Sharapova was in sublime form as she brushed aside the challenge of American youngster Sloane Stephens who was no match to the her powerful ground-strokes. The Russian was was all over the court and was in control of the match from start to finish to get the job done in just 79 minutes. With the win the defending champion has extended her winning streak at the Foro Italico to 12 matches as she continues her quest of lifting her 3^rd trophy in Rome. The dominance of the 2^nd seed was such that she mustered 28 winners while her rival could only smack 7 winners.

Defending champion and world no.2 Maria Sharapova was in imperious form today as she completely demolished her opponent Garbine Muguruza of Spain 6-2, 6-2 in an hour and 4 minutes. Sharapova’s love affair with Rome continued as she took a step closer towards a  three-peat of titles over here at the Foro Italico. She popped up 8 aces and blasted off 21 winners to win her 11 match in succession on Court Centrale and it was her crushing returns that never allowed her adversary to settle down in the match. Sharapova was hitting the really nicely and the depth on her ground-strokes was just too much for the youngster who simply had no chance with Sharapova in such a mood. The reigning Queen of Rome is through to the 3^rd round with the minimum of effort.