World number three Maria Sharapova cruised into the quarterfinal round of the Italian Open after brushing aside her Serbian opponent Bojana Jovanovski in straight sets in Rome.
The Russian produced a dominant performance as she overcame Jovanovski 6-3, 6-3 to step closer to reclaiming the title she won in 2011 and 2012.
Czech Petra Kvitova, meanwhile, trounced Jelena Jankovic 6-3, 6-2 while Simona Halep of Romania overcame Venus Williams 6-2 6-1, the BBC reported.
Defending champion Serena Williams pulled out of the tournament on Thursday with an elbow injury shortly before facing Christina McHale.