WATCH | Australian Open: Fiery Maria Sharapova cruises to third round

Maria Sharapova suffered a late wobble in the blazing centre court heat before easing past 14th seed Anastasija Sevastova 6-1 7-6(4) to reach the third round of the Australian Open on Thursday.

With the temperatures soaring, the former champion fired a barrage of winners past the Latvian to roar through the first set in 23 minutes at Rod Laver Arena.

"Walking through that tunnel is extremely special...it gives me the motivation that I can do it again."

Ten years on from her only #AusOpen title, @MariaSharapova is looking for a second.#AusOpen pic.twitter.com/Df86eFOJ76

— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 18, 2018

Sharapova wavered when serving for the match at 5-4, allowing Sevastova to drag the match into a tiebreak, but the Russian doubled down on her baseline firepower to raise three match points quickly.

She closed out the match on the second when Sevastova clubbed a forehand long and will next meet the winner of 2016 champion Angelique Kerber and Donna Vekic for a place in the last 16.