Maria Sharapova made to work for win at Indian Wells

Maria Sharapova overcame stiff second-set resistance from Yanina Wickmayer to advance into the third round in Indian Wells.

The second seed, a winner in California in 2006 and 2013, won 6-1 7-5 against her Belgian opponent but was forced to scrap for her victory.

Sharapova looked set to breeze through  after making a first start and taking the first set in half-an-hour with three breaks.

But the second set went with serve and Wickmayer saved four match points to level at 5-5. Sharapova, eventually, was able to come through.

"She's a tough opponent,” Sharapova said. "She hits the ball quite hard and has an unbelievable serve. I started the match well but the second set was a different story."

Sharapova faces Victoria Azarenka next, who beat Kirsten Flipkens 6-2 6-4.

Reigning champion Flavia Pennetta won 6-4 6-2 against Madison Brengle after steadily improving throughout the match.

She will next face Samantha Stosur, who beat American wildcard Taylor Townsend 6-4 6-2.

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Pennetta said: "Last year here, I played so well and I have such good memories. This morning I woke up and I was a little bit shaky. So I was trying to be focused on what I had to do, and not rush."

Eugenie Bouchard eased past Czech qualifier Lucie Hradecka 6-2 6-2 with three breaks in each set.

Fourth-seed Caroline Wozniacki defeated Ons Jabeur 7-6 6-4 and fifth-seed Ana Ivanovic defeated Yulia Putintseva 6-3 6-1.