FILE PHOTO: Aug 2, 2019; Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Venus Williams (USA) hits a shot during practice before the start of the Rogers Cup at the Aviva Centre. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports
(Reuters) - Maria Sharapova overpowered Alison Riske 6-3 7-6(4) at the Cincinnati Masters on Monday to set up a tantalising second-round battle with world number two Ash Barty, who defeated the Russian at this year's Australian Open.
Sharapova struggled at times with her accuracy but unleashed some massive serves and played stout defence at key moments on her return to the tournament after a five year absence.
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