Maria Sharapova is quietly going about her business in the perfect way at the French Open.

The Russian progressed to the the last-16 thanks to her comfortable 6-2 6-1 victory over Karolina Pliskova today.

Having been banned for 15 months for violating the anti-doping rules, Sharapova is beginning to work her way back to the top, but is still ranked just 28 in the world.

That is a long way off her ability and you can expect her to make swift gains through the field, particularly given her form at Roland Garros so far.

She's dropped only one set in her three matches, and barely needed an hour to dispatch Pliskova.

Standing in her way in the fourth round could be her old adversary Serena Williams.

Sharaova has won just two of their 21 encounters, so the omens aren't exactly good if Williams does progress by beating world number 11 Julia Goerges.

However, the 31-year-old isn't exactly hiding away from what is one of the most fierce challenges in the history of women's tennis.

In fact, she's relishing the prospect of finally being able to get one over on the American.

And she explained why testing herself against arguably the best woman to ever play the game is so important to her.

"I think any time you play against Serena you know what you're up against," she started. "You know the challenge that is upon you.

"You know, despite the record that I have against her, I always look forward to coming out on the court and competing against the best player.

"I will look forward to doing that if she wins this one."

It's brilliant to see her embrace that sort of attitude, despite her woeful record against Williams.

Records are made to be broken though, and if she displays the sort of ability that she has so far, there is absolutely no reason that she can't get her third victory over the 23-time Grand Slam champion.

It's sure to be a match fitting of the size of the tournament, just as long as Williams doesn't come up short against Goerges.