Seventh seed Maria Sharapova encountered little resistance as she reached the second round of the French Open with a 6-1 6-2 win over fellow Russian Ksenia Pervak.

“It’s always nice to get through. First matches at Grand Slams are always tough, no matter how prepared you are, no matter how many matches you’ve played,” Sharapova said after completing her match just before rain halted play on Monday.

The 27-year-old needed only 27 minutes to wrap up the opening set as qualifier Pervak, the world number 156, was broken in all three of her service games.

Sharapova, who has won all four Grand Slams including the French Open in 2012, rode a strong first serve throughout the match and pinned her opponent to the baseline with deep ground strokes.

She will now face Bulgaria’s 2010 Wimbledon semi-finalist Tsvetana Pironkova for a place in the third round.

“There is always a bit more tension in that type of Grand Slam atmosphere.

“It’s certainly more special, especially when you walk out on court. Considering all that, I thought I played a solid match, did the things I had to do. It’s only the beginning right now.”

The Florida resident, who lost last year’s final against Serena Williams, looked comfortable under cloudy conditions on the Philippe Chatrier court as she broke her opponent five times in total.

Sharapova stays on course to face Williams, who won her opening match in straight sets on Sunday, in the quarter-finals.

Looking ahead to potential blockbuster against Williams, the former world number one remained coy.

“It’s tough to think about that match down the line where you have to compete in three matches before that.

“Obviously it’s a match that many people always look forward to when we play against each other.”