Sharapova blows Capra away

No. 14 seed Maria Sharapova blew 18-year-old Beatrice Capra away today with a 6-0, 6-0 thumping.

What Sharapova’s excellent play didn’t blow away, the blustery conditions caused by the remnant of Hurricane Earl did. Capra was not able to duplicate the level she played at in her earlier wins over No. 95 Karolina Sprem and 18th-seeded Aravane Rezai.

Sharapova tramples Benesova in round 2 of U.S. Open

Maria Sharapova made quick work of her 2nd round match against Iveta Benesova, winning easily 6-1, 6-2.

Sharapova, the 14th seed, didn’t face a single break point in her demolition of 68th ranked Benesova of the Czech Republic. Benesova contributed 26 unforced errors to add to her own demise. Sharapova broke down Benesova’s defense with 16 winners, including three aces.

This sets up a 3rd round meeting between Sharapova and the young 18-year-old American, Beatrice Capra, ranked 371 in the world, who upset 18th seed Aravane Rezai 7-5, 2-6, 6-3 earlier today.

18-year-old Capra upsets 18th seed Rezai

Perhaps a new American sensation is spreading her wings as Beatrice Capra upset No. 18 seed Aravane Rezai in the 2010 U.S. Open tournament today.

Playing in her Grand Slam debut as a wild-card entry, Capra is the youngest player left in the women’s field and the lowest-ranked, at 371. It took three sets, but the young American from Ellicott City, Md. pulled it out 7-5, 2-6, 6-3.

This is the first tour-level, main-draw event of Capra’s career. She knocked off 95th-ranked Karolina Sprem in the opening round 6-1, 6-3. Capra could face Maria Sharapova next.