Sharapova advances

Wimbledon: Maria Sharapova opened her bid for a second successive Wimbledon title by beating Nuria Llagostera Vives 6-2, 6-2. The Russian hit six aces, erased the only break point she faced and belted winners into both corners from the baseline. No 2-seeded Andy Roddick advanced routing Jiri Vanek 6-1, 7-6, 6-2. Two-time champion Venus Williams beat Eva Birnerova 6-2, 6-4. — AP