Johanna Konta was beaten but not disgraced in her centre court clash against Maria Sharapova at Wimbledon today.

The Eastbourne-based British No.2 lost 6-2, 6-2 but detained the world No.4 and 2004 champion for 83 minutes.

She had her moments and broke Sharapova's serve in the opening game of the second set.

That riled the Russian into reeling off the next four games as Sharapova continued her impressive record of never dropping more than nine games in a first round match in 13 appearances.

It does not get any easier for Konta in the doubles with American partner Maria Sanchez. They face the Williams sisters, seeded 12.

The consolation for Konta is a ranking rise of 20 places to 126 following her run to the quarter-finals of the Aegon International at Eastbourne last week.