Sharapova beats Dubois 6-4, 6-2 in 1st round of Aegon Classic

Sharapova beats Dubois at Aegon Classic

BIRMINGHAM, England — Maria Sharapova has beaten Stephanie Dubois 6-4, 6-2 in the first round of the Aegon Classic.

Returning after being out 10 months due to shoulder surgery, Sharapova hit strong groundstrokes and solid serves on Monday.

The former top-ranked Russian next plays Alexa Glatch of the United States, a 7-6, 6-3 winner over ninth-seeded Bethanie Mattek-Sands, another American.

The tournament, a warmup for Wimbledon, helped launch Sharapova’s career when she won it in 2004, aged just 17. Three weeks later she beat Serena Williams in the Wimbledon final.