Wozniacki to provide true test of Sharapova

CAROLINE WOZNIACKI and Maria Sharapova set up a blockbuster third-round meeting at the Australian Open.

Both women were in formidable form against Swedish opposition at Melbourne Park yesterday, with the defending champion beating Johanna Larsson 6-1 6-3 before Sharapova dispatched Rebecca Peterson 6-2 6-1.

After her 6-0 6-0 rout of Harriet Dart in round one, the Russian has dropped the fewest games in the tournament.

She and Peterson did not arrive on Margaret Court Arena until after 11pm, and Sharapova said afterwards: “This is way past my bedtime. I was just thinking what time I’m going to get to sleep.”

Nearly two years into her comeback from a 15-month doping ban, Sharapova has not yet shown signs that she is about to return to the top of the game, but victory over Wozniacki tomorrow would certainly be a statement.

The pair have met on 10 occasions before, although not since 2015, with Wozniacki leading 6-4.

Sharapova said: “I think her results, specifically in the past year, speak for her game, how she’s been able to raise her level. I think the grand slam was the one trophy she was looking for. With determination she got there last year.”

Johanna Konta, the last Briton standing in the singles, faces Spain’s two-time grand slam champion and No 18 seed Garbine Muguruza in the second round from 10am UK time today.

Konta prevailed in a first-to-10 tie break against Australia’s Alja Tomljanovic in the first round in Melbourne.