Sharapova says problems with her serve are resolved

World No 2 Maria Sharapova made light work of her second-round match at the China Open in Beijing on Wednesday, progressing to the last 16 with ease.

The Russian No 2 seed defeated Romania's Sorana Cirstea, ranked 29th in the WTA standings, in straight sets, 6-2, 6-2. "I thought I served really well today, much better than the first round," the winner of four Grand Slam singles titles said.

Maria Sharapova returns to Sorana Cirstea during yesterday's China Open tie. Pic/AFP

"She (Cirstea) is someone that likes to be aggressive, get the first shot and hit it really hard. I was happy I took her time away. It was important to try to take that away from her," Sharapova added.

The 25-year-old will face Slovenia's Polona Hercog, 90th in the rankings, in the third round.

Ivanovic stunned
Elsewhere, there was a shock in the last 16 when Romina Oprandi of Switzerland beat former world number one Ana Ivanovic in straight sets to progress to the quarter-finals.

Oprandi, who received a late entry after Serena Williams withdrew just two days before the start of the tournament, defeated the eleventh seed from Serbia 6-4, 6-3.

Djoko in quarters
Meanwhile in the men's event, Novak Djokovic entered the quarter-finals with a straight sets 6-1, 6-3 win over Argentine Carlos Berlocq to extend his unbeaten record at an event he won in 2009 and 2010 and missed last year through injury.