Maria Sharapova survives early scare to overcome Alexandra Dulgheru

Maria Sharapova came from a set down to defeat Alexandra Dulgheru 4-6 6-3 6-2 and reach the third round of the US Open.

The number five seed broke her opponent at the first time of asking in set one, but was stunned when the Romanian broke back immediately and went on to clinch the opener.

The hotly-tipped Russian looked far from convincing when serving, but registered breaks at 3-2 and 5-3 in the second set to force a decider.

Two early breaks in the third saw Sharapova storm into a 3-0 lead before Dulgheru was forced to take a short time-out for treatment on a wrist injury.

By this time, Sharapova had found her rhythm, fighting back from 30-15 down in the decisive game and forcing her opponent to hit a rushed return into the net on match point.

The Russian will take on either Madison Brengle or Sabine Lisicki in round three.