'I really like the way he plays, mixes in the slice, the dropshot, volleys really well. There's so many things I like from his game. Hopefully I can keep working on those and become just like him'
World number eight Williams, who captured the first of her six US Open titles two years before her 17-year-old opponent was born, spent the first half of the match trying to find her rhythm but when she did she was off to the races.
Celebrities from the world of Hollywood, fashion and sport were there to witness the proceedings of the fourth and final Grand Slam of the year.
A stone-faced Sharapova was left to ponder a 6-1, 6-1 drubbing that proved once again Williams has all the answers when the pair meet on court.
Australian Nick Kyrgios blasted 15 aces to blow past Japan's Yoshihito Nishioka 6-2, 7-5 on Thursday and reach the quarter-finals at the Citi Open in Washington.
Bumrah (6/16) rattled the West Indies by picking up the first five wickets, three of which came in successive balls in the ninth over.
IMAGES from the matches played at the Miami Open on Thursday
A summary of the first day's play at the US Open.
Serena Williams moved another step closer to a record-tying 24th career Grand Slam title with a comfortable 6-3, 6-2 victory over Czech Karolina Muchova on Friday to reach the last 16 at the US Open.