Maria Sharapova reminded everyone why she's still one of the WTA's top stars, dismantling American Lauren Davis in the third and deciding set to win 6-1, 6-7(5), 6-0 in their third-round match at the Australian Open.
Unbeknownst to Sharapova, it was also the 600th match win of her career.
#Sharapova when told that was her 600th career match on court: “Oh wow I’ve won 600 matches? Is this a friendly reminder I’m getting older?”
— Nick McCarvel (@NickMcCarvel) January 22, 2016
Davis showed some serious resilience in the second set, including a 29-shot rally that evened the tiebreaker up at 5-5.
Even Roger Federer couldn't hide his excitement at the incredible back-and-forth play between Davis and Sharapova.
With audio. pic.twitter.com/IDK4hPcBAm
— Amy Fetherolf (@AmyFetherolf) January 22, 2016
Sharapova ultimately proved too much for Davis, though, as many expected she would. Her serve was again on point, notching 16 aces in contrast to just one by Davis.
The world's No. 5 committed seven more unforced errors than Davis, but made up for it by connecting on 44 winners, trumping her opponent's 13.
It was the first time the two had faced off against each other, but it's safe to say Davis made a good impression on the five-time Grand Slam champion.
Sharapova will now face Switzerland's Belinda Bencic in the quarterfinals, who overcame Kateryna Bondarenko 4-6, 6-2, 6-4.
