Russia's Sharapova, who pulled off a 6-7 (4/7), 6-4, 6-1 win over Hungary's Babos, insists rivals still fear her despite prolonged absence from tennis
Russia's Maria Sharapova reacts after winning a point against Hungary’s Timea Babos during the second round of the US Open at New York on Wednesday. Pic/AFP
Maria Sharapova made the US Open last 32 on Wednesday, insisting she has instilled renewed fear into her rivals and rekindled the love from her fans.
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The former World No. 1 and five-time major winner pulled off a 6-7 (4/7), 6-4, 6-1 win over Timea Babos of Hungary, having seen off world number two Simona Halep on Monday.
Wildcard justified
"I think with the way that I played on Monday night, I don't think there are any more questions," said the 30-year-old when pushed on whether her spot in the tournament was justified. The 2006 champion, and guaranteed arena-filler, needed a wild card to play in New York after her prolonged absence from the sport had left her with a world ranking of 146.
"I definitely feel the respect from the athletes," Sharapova insisted. "Certainly when I play against them, in terms of the level they play. That's important to me. I think from a respect level, when you're able to respect your rivals and compatriots, that's really important, and I feel that.
"I've also had an amazing reaction from fans since I've been back, and that's been very special. I felt it while I was away. I felt it in a real presence since I've been back. It's a very special feeling."
Hungarian Timea Babos
Muguruza advances
Reigning Wimbledon champion Garbine Muguruza reached the third round for the first time by defeating China's 92nd-ranked Duan Ying-Ying 6-4, 6-0.
The Spanish third seed can become the woman to beat in a seven-way fight for the world number one ranking by reaching the last 16 with a victory over Slovakian 31st seed Magdalena Rybarikova.
Wozniacki crashes out
Meanwhile, Danish fifth seed Caroline Wozniacki became the fourth Top-10 woman to exit after just two rounds on Wednesday when she lost 6-2, 6-7 (5/7), 6-1 to Russia's Ekaterina Makarova. She joins second Simona Halep, defending champion Angelique Kerber and Britain's Johanna Konta in crashing out of the tournament. Makarova, a semi-finalist in 2014, will face Spain's Carla Suarez Navarro for a place in the last 16.
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