Serena Williams, Sharapova Advance Easily in Doha

(February 12, 2013) Serena Williams and Maria Sharapova moved on in Doha with routine victories on Tuesday. Sharapova extended her winning streak to 10 in Doha stopping French qualifier Caroline Garcia 6-3, 6-2. Sharapova  has never lost in Doha having won teh tournament in 2005 and 2008. “I was quite happy with the way I played, because my opponent has already played a few matches here so she’s been able to get in that match atmosphere,” Sharapova said to media. “I had a tough match against her in my previous encounter where I played three sets. I really wanted to start better this time as opposed to last time.” Williams, who will rise to No. 1 should she reach the semifinals showed no signs of an ankle injury or back injury in her 6-2, 6-1 demolition of Russian qualifier Daria Gavrilova. “I have it heavily taped. As long as the tape doesn’t get loose, it feels really good,” Williams told media.  “Physically feeling better is so good, and hopefully I can stay on that level.”   QATA...