Maria Sharapova begins her clay court campaign with a 6-1, 6-3 win over qualifier Barbora Zahlavova Strycova at the Bausch & Lomb Championships in Amelia Island, Fla. This is Sharapova’s first appearance at the tournament.

The fifth-ranked Russian withdrew from last week’s Sony Ericsson Open, citing fatigue. She showed no signs of rust and looks ready to do some damage on clay. As we had reported earlier, Maria wears the the Nike Paris Tennis Tank and Skirt. While we’re all about the pleats, that skort isn’t looking so hot in action.

(photos by Bob Self for The Times Union)