Russian teenager Maria Sharapova wowed Wimbledon's Centre Court for the first time on Friday.

The 17-year-old Siberian reached the fourth round on her Wimbledon debut last year but Friday's 6-3, 6-1 third round win over Slovak Daniela Hantuchova was her first taste of playing in tennis's most famous arena.

The 13th seed greeted her victory with a siren scream of delight and she explained afterwards: "I was happy, it was my first time on Centre Court, a great feeling. I'm playing well. There were (just) a lot of emotions out there at the end.

"I was enjoying every moment. Not every teenager gets to experience such a moment in their lives. To actually be playing at Wimbledon, it's amazing.

"The stadium doesn't look big, but it kind of surrounds you, and make you feel like the crowd is really into the match. That's what makes the stadium so great."

Hantuchova could not cope with Sharapova's firepower.

The statuesque Russian, who won the pre-Wimbledon grasscourt tournament in Birmingham, plays American Amy Frazier for a place in the last eight.

The Florida-based Russian is a big threat in the bottom half of the draw now that compatriot and French open champion Anastasia Myskina, beaten by Frazier on Friday, is out.

Sharapova's glamorous looks keep the photographers busy and she also displays a steely resolve, evidenced on court by her habit of slapping her thigh angrily to gee herself up between points.

"I'm feeling very confident. I've been playing very well," she said.

"Today my game was just on. I served very well. She served great too today but I just, like a snake, tried to find my way in there.

"I am a tough girl. I don't like to give my opponents any chance. I just fight for every ball ... and it shows.

"I know that I want to win this tournament and if I don't do it this year.....I'm going to do it this year."