Sharapova thrashes Pliskova to set up potential Serena clash

Two-time French Open champion Maria Sharapova took less than an hour to beat Karolina Pliskova in Paris.

Maria Sharapova marched ominously into the fourth round of the French Open with a straight-sets demolition of Karolina Pliskova to set up a potential clash with Serena Williams.

Sharapova took just 59 minutes to send the sixth seed packing, winning 6-2 6-1 on Court Philippe Chatrier on a warm Saturday in Paris.

The five-time grand slam champion blew Pliskova away, converting half of the 10 break-point opportunities that she earned in a dominant display.

Sharapova, the 28th seed, will renew her rivalry with Williams if the 23-time major winner comes through her match against Julia Goerges.

The powerful Russian, champion at Roland Garros in 2012 and 2014, struck 18 winners to the Czech's five and made only 19 unforced errors.

"This was my match to win. I wanted to perform well. I played smart and did the right things." the 31-year-old said.

Sharapova was denied a French Open wildcard last year following her return from a 15-month ban for failing a drugs test.