Sharapova wins first round match at French Open

Maria Sharapova easily downed Romania's Alexandra Cadantu in a first-round match at the French Open, taking her first step toward a possible career Grand Slam.

Sharapova, who lost in this year's Australian Open final, didn't drop a game to Cadantu, winning in 48 minutes. Seeded second in the tournament, Sharapova finished with 18 winners, while Cadantu had none.

Earlier in the day, defending Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova ousted junior Wimbledon champion Ashleigh Barty 6-1, 6-2.