Maria Sharapova was put to the test by Regina Kulikova at the Strasbourg International and admitted she was searching for match fitness before the French Open (50/1 Sharapova – French Open 2010).

The three-time Grand Slam champion needed two hours and 14 minutes to see off her countrywoman 6-3 3-6 6-1 and will now play Germany’s Tatjana Malek or Bulgarian Dia Evtimova.

The 23-year-old, whose career has stalled because of an elbow injury, said was relieved to come through a tough workout.

“I played a pretty good opponent today,” the Russian told the WTA website.

“I was put in a situation where I had to come through when my opponent was playing well.

The former world number one reached the semi-finals at Roland Garros in 2007 and the powerful right-hander admitted she now needs games under her belt to make her competitive (15/8 Justine Henin – French Open 2010).

She added: “I’m just trying to find my form again. This week is quite important, especially for the French Open – that’s why I’m here.”