SUBSCRIBE TO NEWSLETTER!
 
 
Facebook Social Button Twitter Social Button Follow Us on InstagramYouTube Social Button
NewsScoresRankingsLucky Letcord PodcastShopPro GearPickleballGear Sale


By Erik Gudris | Tuesday, June 3, 2014

 
Maria Sharapova Roland Garros 2014

Maria Sharapova returned to the French Open semifinals after fighting her way past young Spanish sensation Garbine Muguruza.

Photo Credit: Peter Staples

Once again, Maria Sharapova proved that she plays her best when her back is against the wall.

That proved true again as No. 7 seed Sharapova fought her way back into the French Open final four on Tuesday. To get there, the 2012 champion endured a tough quarterfinal contest versus Spain's Garbine Muguruza.

Muguruza, who knocked out defending champion and top seed Serena Williams earlier, looked ready to perhaps pull off yet another massive upset early in the opening set.

The young Spaniard made her presence felt by firing on all sides and challenging Sharapova with her returns. That pressure caused Sharapova to double fault thus handing Muguruza a 3-0 lead.

Breaking Sharapova at love a few games later, Muguruza pocketed the first set 6-1.

Muguruza, perhaps thinking about her huge opportunity, came back down to earth in the second set. Two double faults from her gave Sharapova a quick 2-1 lead. Sharapova herself would throw in double faults of her own later to hand the break back for 3-all.

Holding her ground late in the set, Muguruza found herself a game away from the win while up 5-4. Yet Sharapova would produce a steely service game that leveled things at 5-all.

Upping her intensity, Sharapova would break Muguruza and then serve out the set to force a decider.

With Muguruza looking more unsure of her chances, Sharapova took control early in the final set. Coming up the winner in several long rallies, Sharapova broke for 2-1.

The key game took place next with Sharapova weathering a 10-minute onslaught against her own serve. Saving five break points, Sharapova held with gritty resolve for 3-1. From there, Muguruza's hopes faded as she found herself broken again for 4-1.

Sharapova would add one more break of serve to her score in the final game. With that, a relieved and smiling Sharapova celebrated the 1-6, 7-5, 6-1 victory.

Sharapova has now won 25 out her last 26 three set matches contested on clay that includes 18 straight wins.

Next up for Sharapova is Canada's Eugenie Bouchard.

"Yeah, I think the younger generation is ambitious. That's why they are in these stages of the tournament. I mean, my opponent today has played the level that she's played this tournament was extremely high, as you saw the majority of the match today," Sharapova said when asked about her thoughts on the next match. "Last year was the last time that we faced against each other. It was the second round, and this year we're in the semifinals. It's a great stage to be at for both of us."

 

Latest News