Sharapova ‘underdog’

UNTROUBLED by Melbourne Park’s scorching conditions and an emerging nemesis, Maria Sharapova yesterday set up a blockbuster third-round match against another Australian Open winner, Angelique Kerber.

Sharapova, the 2008 champion, and 2016 winner Kerber – who celebrated her 30th birthday yesterday – will battle for a place in the round of 16.

And Russian-born, USbased Sharapova swiftly claimed underdog status.

“I came in with no ranking,” she said after downing Latvian 14th seed Anastasija Sevastova 6-1, 7-6 (7-4).

“I’m around 50 in the world at this point, so I know I’m going to be facing seeded players, first, second, third round.

“She happens to be the next one that’s in the draw that I have to play.”

Germany’s Kerber was too solid for Croat Donna Vekic, advancing 6-4, 6-1 to continue her stunning resurgence after a troubled 2017 season.