Maria Sharapova's hopes of a sixth Grand Slam crown remain alive after the former world No. 1 defeated American teenager Sofia Kenin in the US Open third round.
Playing her first Grand Slam since the 2016 Australian Open, having tested positive for a banned substance at Melbourne Park last year, Sharapova overcame Kenin 7-5 6-2 in New York on Friday.
Ranked below the 18-year-old, Sharapova was tested in an even opening set before the 2006 US Open winner eased to victory at Flushing Meadows.
Sharapova – who returned in April from a 15-month suspension for violating anti-doping rules but was denied a wildcard for the French Open and then pulled out of Wimbledon qualifying due to injury – will meet 16th seed Anastasija Sevastova in the round of 16.
It was a topsy-turvy start to the match, with holds of serve at a premium following three successive breaks.
Kenin saved two break points in the second game but she was unable to fend off a third as Sharapova broke for a 2-0 lead.
The young American, however, kept her composure to regain the break immediately, only to drop serve the very next game after Sharapova executed a delightful drop shot.
There was a chance for the streak of breaks to continue on Sharapova's serve but she denied Kenin, albeit unconvincingly, to grab a 4-1 lead.
Sharapova's lead was short-lived, however, as Kenin reeled off three consecutive games to level the set.
Kenin was unable to maintain her charge as a tie-break loomed after Sharapova – who tallied 28 unforced errors in 66 minutes – broke in the 12th game to close out the set.
That clearly deflated Kenin, who lost her way in the second set, falling 3-1 behind.
Kenin attempted one last rally, with a partisan crowd behind her, but Sharapova held on to move into the last 16 at the US Open for the first time since 2014.
STATISTICAL BREAKDOWN
Sharapova bt Kenin 7-5 6-2
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