Maria Sharapova of Russia celebrates victory after her women's singles third round match against Venus Williams of the United States at 2013 Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne, Australia, Jan. 18, 2013. Maria Sharapova won 2-0 to enter the next round.(Photo/Xinhua)

Maria Sharapova played an amazingly high quality tennis match as she destroyed Venus Williams in the third round of the Australian Open 2013, winning 6-1 6-3.

The Russian dominated in all departments, allowing Venus only one game in the first set. With some stunning returns of serve and excellent footwork, she seemed to be always a step ahead of the American player.

Sharapova stormed to take a 3-0 lead in the second set and earned herself a tripple break point opportunity to go up a double break. However, Venus managed to regroup and after winning the following five points, she gave herself a small chance for a comeback.

But as Sharapova grabbed hold of the next two games, taking Williams’ serve yet another time, she was serving to wrap up the match. Only then started Venus finding her rhythm a bit more, reducing Sharapova’s lead to 5-3. Unfortunately for the former Wimbledon champion Williams, it was too little too late and Maria booked herself a fourth round clash against Belgian Kirsten Flipkens.

Next she will meet Belgian Kirsten Flipkens in the last 16.

"I was a really determined player out there because I knew the tennis that she's capable of producing and playing," said Sharapova.

"Despite what she's ranked or seeded, it doesn't matter when you go out on the court. She's been there.

"She's experienced enough to know no matter if you're playing the third round, the quarters, or the final, you have to be ready. I certainly was. Since the draw came out, I was really looking forward to that match-up."

Williams, 32, might be a fading force in terms of Grand Slam results but she actually rose from outside the top 100 to end 2012 ranked 24th, having comeback from a seven-month absence due to Sjogren's Syndrome.

Taking on the world number two and French Open champion at a Grand Slam showed just how far she has fallen behind the very best, however.

"She played very well," said Williams.

"I expect her to play well. "I was definitely not my best day today but, you know, there's always other days to play better. I just had a lot of errors. That never helps."