Maria Sharapova has progressed to the third round of the Italian Open, beating Monica Puig 6-3 7-6 this evening.

The Russian found herself a break down early in the first set, but quickly levelled before clinching the next game against her opponent's serve to claim the opener.

The Puerto Rican started well in the second set, breaking the eighth seed again early on, but once again Sharapova got back on level terms.

With Sharapova serving for the match Puig brought up another break point but the Russian took the game back to deuce before wrapping up the tie.

Sharapova will face Serbia's Ana Ivanovic in the next round.