Sharapova needs 3 days to win a match at Birmingham

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Sharapova advances to 3rd round at Birmingham

BIRMINGHAM, England — Maria Sharapova needed three days to complete her first grass-court win of the season then started her second match Thursday at the rain-delayed Aegon Classic.

The second-seeded Sharapova defeated Bethanie Mattek-Sands 6-0, 6-3 in a match delayed several times by rain. On Thursday, it began four hours late with Sharapova leading 4-0.

“It took a while to finish — a few days — and it’s tough for all of us here, but it’s definitely good to finish my first one,” Sharapova said.

Soon after the match, she was back on court against fellow Russian Alla Kudryavtseva, who beat her at Wimbledon two years ago.

Top-seeded Li Na of China beat Anne Keothavong of Britain 6-2, 6-4, then was facing Angelique Kerber of Germany. Third-seeded Yanina Wickmayer reached the third round with a 7-5, 6-4 win over Laura Robson.

Wickmayer returned to the court against Tamarine Tanasugarn of Thailand.

Tanasugarn was two points from defeat but rallied to beat Sania Mirza of India 4-6, 7-5, 6-1.