Ruthless Djokovic, Sharapova lift Melbourne Park

Reuters - Novak Djokovic and Maria Sharapova scorched into the third round of the Australian Open with displays of ruthless dominance on Wednesday to bring some much-needed pizzazz to the main showcourts.

Djokovic remained on course for a third successive title with a 6-1 6-2 6-3 demolition of Ryan Harrison, while Sharapova pummelled Misaki Doi 6-0 6-0 to become the first player in 28 years to hand out consecutive ‘double-bagels’ at a grand slam.

Agnieszka Radwanska extended her winning streak this year to 11 matches with a 6-3 6-3 win over Irina-Camelia Begu in the opening match on Rod Laver Arena, while Zheng Jie wrapped up the day session with a 6-4 1-6 7-5 upset of local hope Sam Stosur.

Djokovic is likely to meet Berdych in the quarter-finals, while Ferrer is seeded to play the Serbian world number one in the semi-finals. Ferrer, seeded fourth in the absence of Nadal, was playing out on Margaret Court Arena and required 38 minutes longer to despatch American lucky loser Tim Smyczek 6-0 7-5 4-6 6-3.

China’s Li Na battled back from 4-2 down in the second set to secure a 6-2 7-5 win over Olga Govortsova.