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


By Erik Gudris | Sunday, June 1, 2014

 
Maria Sharapova Roland Garros 2014

Maria Sharapova raised her level to beat Sam Stosur in three sets. Her reward - a spot in the French Open quarterfinals.

Photo Credit: Peter Staples

Once again, Maria Sharapova found a sliver of daylight in a dark moment to fuel yet another remarkable comeback win in her career.

French Open: Gulbis Defeats Federer in Five Set Duel

No. 7 seed Sharapova entered her fourth round meeting versus No. 19 seed Sam Stosur of Australia not only as the presumptive favorite in that match, but also for this year's title in a wide open women's draw.

But the former 2012 champion had her hands full early versus an inspired Stosur who reached the finals of Paris four years ago.

Stosur, playing some of her best tennis all year, challenged Sharapova right from the start. With strong serving and deep returns, Stosur kept her opponent on the run early in the set. Stosur broke Sharapova and then held her own serve for 5-3.

Down set point in the next game, Sharapova tossed in a tentative double fault to hand Stosur the set 6-3.

Despite falling behind 0-2 early in the second set, Stosur recovered by once again challenging Sharapova. Breaking back a few games later, Stosur threw down a massive kick serve followed by a forehand winner for 3-2. With Sharapova looking unsure of herself, it was Stosur who was now only a few games away from the once thought improbable upset.

That all changed though with Stosur leading 4-3. At 30-all, Stosur rushed a forehand return into the net on a Sharapova second serve.

Sharapova escaped potentially going down a break by holding for 4-all and from there the entire match dynamic changed. Stosur played a horrible next service game to get herself broken at love. Sharapova didn't waste any time as she soon held her own serve and with it forced a deciding set.

The final set was all Sharapova as her confidence returned while Stosur struggled to find answers. Now in control of the rallies, Sharapova would break Stosur's serve three times for a 5-0 lead.

Serving for the match, Sharapova threw in a double fault on her first match point. Sharapova would not miss on her second match point chance though and soon celebrated with relief the 3-6, 6-4, 6-0 victory.

Sharapova will next face Spain's Garbine Muguruza who reached her first ever Grand Slam quarterfinal. Muguruza defeated France's Pauline Parmentier 6-4. 6-2 to reach the last eight.

 

Latest News