WTA U.S Open 2011 Preview: Maria Sharapova vs. Anastasiya Yakimova

Maria Sharapova will continue in Flushing Meadows wih a second round matchup against Anastasiya Yakimova.

Maria Sharapova managed to break through a stubborn defence from Heather Watson on Monday, and will be glad to have earned a berth in round two with a 3-6, 7-5, 6-3 success. The margin of victory was nowhere near as great as the former champion would have wanted, but she’ll be relieved to have gotten through after making 28 more unforced errors than her opponent.

The former world No. 1 will now take on Anastasiya Yakimova of Belarus in round two. Yakimova took part in a seesaw battle against Noppawan Lertcheewakarn in round one, and eventually prevailed in three sets (6-0, 4-6, 6-3). She’ll need to be on fire in order to trouble Sharapova though.

The Russian has a 1-0 head to head record against Yakimova following a 3-6, 6-1, 6-2 win in the 2009 French Open. She’ll be expected to pull through again, and it’s unlikely that she’ll be complacent on Wednesday following her struggle against Watson.