Sharapova into Wimbledon second round

Maria Sharapova. AP Photo

LONDON — Maria Sharapova came through a tough battle with France’s Kristina Mladenovic on Monday to make it into the second round at Wimbledon.

The 2004 Wimbledon champion secured a straight sets win in the first women’s match on Center Court, but it was a tight affair, with the third seed eventually triumphing 7-6 (7/5), 6-3.

She will next face either Portuguese qualifier Michelle Larcher de Brito or Melanie Oudin of the United States.