Second seed Maria Sharapova of Russia beat Severine Bremond of France 6-0 6-3. The result speaks for itself. Sharapova next meets Ai Sugiyama, who she beat on her way to her 2004 title.

Sharapova admitted that she still struggles with the shoulder injury. When asked if her shoulder would last the full two weeks of the tournament, she said: "I don't know, we'll see. It's holding up but I'll tell you when I am done playing here."

No. 23 seed Venus Williams overcame Czech qualifier Hana Sromova 6-2 6-2. Sromova gave Williams a few problems with some crowd-pleasing drop shots and lobs, but the five-times grand slam champion was never unduly troubled.

No. 10 seed Daniela Hantuchova edged past Russian Elena Likhovtseva on Thursday, winning 7-5 7-6 to book her place in the third round. The 31-year-old Likhovtseva, whose career highlights have come on the doubles court where she has won 27 titles, was a real test for the Slovakian player. Hantuchova will next face Slovenian 19th seed Katarina Srebotnik. Read more »

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Ladies' singles results for Wednesday, 27 June:

First round

• No. 12 seed Elena Dementieva (RUS) bt Nathalie Dechy (FRA) 6-2 7-6

• No. 29 seed Francesca Schiavone (ITA) bt Anne Kremer (LUX) 5-7 6-4 6-3

• No. 32 seed Martina Muller (GER) bt Anna Smashnova (ISR) 6-0 6-0

• No. 28 seed Mara Santangelo (ITA) bt Ayumi Morita (JPN) 6-1 3-6 6-3 Read more »

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After edging past a British wildcard Naomi Cavaday in the first round, Martina Hingis ruled herself out as a serious contender for the ladies' singles crown this year.

The 1997 champion had to save two match points and play three sets to defeat the teenager ranked 232 in the world.

"After this match I don’t see myself as a contender for the title," Hingis said. (More about Hingis vs. Cavaday match here)

Martina still isn’t sure if she made the right decision, which is to compete in Wimbledon despite a left hip injury which has bothered her for two months. Read more »

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I will start with the most interesting match of the second day, and that is the first round match between No. 23 seed Venus Williams and unseeded Russian teenager Alla Kudryavtseva.

World No.59 Alla Kudryavtseva was close to victory, but simply didn’t make use of the numerous opportunities she had. Eventually, she was defeated 2-6 6-3 7-5, leaving the court frustrated and in tears. Still, in this match the young Russian showed that she has a great potential.

Defending champion Amelie Mauresmo easily defeated world No. 158 Jamea Jackson 6-1 6-3. Maybe this is the beginning of Mauresmo’s better results after an unsatisfactory first half of the year? Read more »

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Svetlana Kuznetsova has a new image which she presented in her opening match on the second day of Wimbledon. She looks completely different, sporting a long blonde braided weave. Compare the photos: 1st one is from the French Open, the 2nd one shows Svetlana’s new look.

My opinion: I’m not a fan of such hairstyles, but it’s not bad for a change.

Uh, I almost forgot the more important fact…Kuznetsova reached the second round beating Julia Vakulenko of Ukraine 4-6 6-4 6-3.

Reminder: On Wednesday, June 27th, Kuznetsova celebrates her 22nd birthday.

(source: Off the Baseline, photos: Getty Images)

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