Sharapova reaches French Open’s 2nd round by beating Russian qualifier in straight sets

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Sharapova defeats qualifier in 1st match at French

PARIS — Maria Sharapova has reached the second round at the French Open by easily beating a Russian qualifier.

Trying to win the only Grand Slam title missing from her resume, the 12th-seeded Sharapova eliminated 110th-ranked Ksenia Pervak 6-3, 6-2 Tuesday.

Sharapova had won 24 consecutive first-round matches at Grand Slams until being upset at that stage at the Australian Open in January. Now she’s starting a new streak.

Sharapova’s best showing at Roland Garros was the 2007 semifinals. She missed time this season with a right elbow injury, but won a clay-court tuneup at Strasbourg last weekend.

It was the 18-year-old Pervak’s debut in the main draw of a major tournament.