NEW YORK: Maria Sharapova returns a shot against Maria Kirilenko of Russia during her women\'s singles first round match on Day One of the 2014 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Centre here Monday. — AFP Photo NEW YORK, Aug 26 (AFP): Former champion Maria Sharapova won the last 10 games to defeat former doubles partner and childhood friend Maria Kirilenko 6-4, 6-0 to reach the US Open second round Monday.
Fifth seed Sharapova, the 2006 champion in New York, rallied from 2-4 down in the first set to take victory and set up a clash with Romania's Alexandra Dulgheru for a spot in the last 64.
The Russian superstar, the winner of five majors, missed last year's New York tournament with a season-ending shoulder injury.
But despite an early wobble against her former top 10 compatriot, the outcome was never in doubt once Kirilenko had required treatment on her troublesome left ankle.
"It's always hard to start a tournament, especially against a player like her who is a tough opponent," said Sharapova of Kirilenko who has now slipped out of the top 100.
But facing a player she has known since they were 12 years old is never an easy occasion even if Monday's clash was the eighth of their professional careers.
"We spent a lot of time in the juniors away from the courts practicing a lot together, competing against each other. We certainly have a big history (the two played doubles at the US Open in 2004).
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