NEW YORK—Maria Sharapova trains in the California sun and thrives in New York nights.

The 31-year-old Russian repelled 39-year-old Swiss qualifier Patty Schnyder, 6-1, 7-6 (6) to advance to the US Open second round—and raise her record to 21-0 in US Open night sessions.

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The 2006 US Open champion said she's had a love-hate relationship with New York City.

Initially intimidated by the city, now she's imposing. 

Sharapova says she's empowered by the energy New York fans bring.

"I actually didn't grow up enjoying playing or actually being in New York City," Sharapova said. "It was very intimidating as a teenager. I've really embraced it I believe in the last decade or so.

"Ever since my victory, I've loved using it. I've learned how to use the energies. No matter if you're up or down that the crowd possesses, is able to lift you up or falls hard for the underdog. You feel like there's so many flows within a match from the crowd."

Sharapova heard crowd support as she overcame 46 unforced errors, including nine double faults, to set up a second-round match vs. Sorana Cirstea.



It was Sharapova's first hard-court win over the left-handed Swiss since a three-set triumph in the 2006 San Diego final and it came with a touch of satisfaction against the oldest women's qualifer in the Open Era.

"It all kind of comes back in memory," Sharapova said. "She still has incredible hands, moves incredibly well for being out of the game for so long, still very competitive. I was just saying it took me, like, 15 years to dropshot Patty Schnyder and win a point. Doesn't happen that often against Patty."

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