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Sharapova fired up to face third seed
04.08.09
Maria Sharapova is looking forward to facing third seed Victoria Azarenka at the LA Championships after cruising through the first round.
The Russian - still working to strengthen her serve following shoulder surgery last year - saw off Slovakia's Jarmila Groth 6-0, 6-4.
Sharapova now plays Azarenka of Belaurs and said: "She's always had a great amount of potential.
"I love the challenges of playing some of the best in the world."
Eleventh seed Virginie Razzano, of France, is out of the Los Angeles tournament after losing 7-6, 6-3 to Russia's Anna Chakvetadze.
