体坛英语新闻：Sharapova in better shape for French Open

PARIS, May 29 (Xinhua) -- Maria Sharapova felt herself better prepared for the French Open after dispatching Romanian Alexandra Cadantu 6-0, 6-0 in the first round on Tuesday.

The relentless second seed from Russia crushed the world number 78 in 48 minutes with a flurry of blistering winners.

Sharapova, who has a chance of taking over from Victoria Azarenka as world number one depending of the Belarussian's run in Paris, blew kisses to the crowd after wrapping it up when Cadantu sent a backhand long on the first match point.

After winning two claycourt tournaments leading to the French Open, Sharapova said she is now in a better form.

"I'm really happy with the way my preparation hass been coming into this tournament. I feel like with every year I have improved and I enjoy it much more," she said.

"I think I learn a lot more about the game and the point construction. I feel like I'm moving a lot better than i did years prviously, which has helped me a lot in the recovery process within the point."

"So It definitely gives me a lot of confidence for this tournament. But just like any other event within this tournament, I hope that I improve with every round and get better," she said.

The Russian, who needs the French crown to complete her grand slam title collection, will next face Japan's Ayumi Morita.