Miami, 29 March 2011 | AFP

Australian fourth seed Samantha Stosur took a 6-4 6-1 loss to revitalised Maria Sharapova on Monday to exit in the fourth round of the ATP and WTA Miami Masters.

Stosur, who lost the French Open final last year to Francesca Schiavone, suffered with five double-faults and no aces in a contest lasting 81 minutes.

Russian Sharapova refused to give out an early birthday present as Stosur, who turns 27 on Wednesday, was broken five times.

Stosur’s loss left her short of her performances at the last two editions at Crandon Park, where she reached the quarterfinals.

Two-time Miami finalist Sharapova saved three of the four break points she faced as clouds gathered over the stadium prior to possible forecast rain.

She produced her best result so far this year at Indian Wells this month as she played her first semifinal since last August.

Sharapova, who owns three Grand Slam titles, improved to 20-20 against top five players and broke a loss streak against the elite after going down in her last six matches against top players.