PARIS (AP) — Maria Sharapova advanced to the third round at the French Open by beating Tsvetana Pironkova of Bulgaria 7-5, 6-2 Wednesday.

Sharapova won the French Open title two years ago and lost to Serena Williams in last year’s final.

With Williams losing earlier Wednesday, the seventh-seeded Sharapova takes over as the main favorite at Roland Garros.

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