Naomi crashes while Maria cruises through

The British No 4 earned the result of the week by beating Vasilisa Bardina on Tuesday but found second-round opponent Marion Bartoli a much tougher proposition yesterday.

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Bartoli, in the world's top 20, was far too strong and booked her place in the next round along with Russian Maria Sharapova who also enjoyed a straight-sets stroll over Lilia Osterloh.

Cavaday, 18, battled gamely in the opening set but was unable to hold her serve and her game was pulled to pieces in the second after her French opponent ran through five games, winning to love in each to wrap up a comfortable 6-3, 6-1 victory.

In the wake of her triumph over Bardina, Cavaday had boldly stated her ambition was to make an impact globally rather than simply being top notch on the domestic stage.

But the world's No 243 readily accepts she has far more work to do if she is to attain her ultimate ambition.

"There's such a huge gap," she said.

"I didn't serve well throughout the match but I had chances and at least the first set was competitive.

"But I didn't perform to the best of my capabilities and she was obviously a lot tougher than the girl yesterday.

"But if you are ranked 60, like Bardina, you are there for a reason. To get to 20 is a hell of a lot tougher. And that is a true ranking. I'm at 240-odd, so there's still a long way for me to go. I've not played much against such highly-ranked opponents and it's good because I'm learning all the time."

Sharapova coasted into the third round by defeating Osterloh 6-4, 6-0 but admitted she was initially in clay court mode following her exertions at the French Open. But once she clicked into gear there was no stopping her.

"I played like I was still on clay," she said.

"You can't expect to start hitting winners left, right and centre. But I want to get in as many matches as possible before Wimbledon so I'm pleased with the win."

She now meets Austrian Tamira Paszek, who at 16 is creating the kind of stir the Russian did when she made her first appearance at Birmingham. Paszek reached the second round at the French Open before losing to champion Justine Henin.

"I saw her on TV when she played Justine," said Sharapova.

"She might only be young but I won't under-estimate her."

Wimbledon champion Amelie Mauresmo has overcome her injury worries and is ready to defend her title.

There were fears she would miss the tournament after suffering a thigh injury at the French Open. But Mauresmo has practised at the British Embassy's grass courts in Paris and is confident she can regain full fitness playing at Eastbourne next week.

She said: "I'm looking forward to Wimbledon. There's no way I wanted to miss playing there. I'm proud to be champion. I hope to get some matches under my belt at Eastbourne."