Sharapova Strolls as Kvitova Struggles in Roland Garros Quarterfinals

By Erik Gudris

Photo Credit: Mike Hewitt/Getty Images

(June 6, 2012) -- Maria Sharapova and Petra Kvitova were both expected to win their quarterfinal matches today at Roland Garros, but both women took very different routes in setting up an anticipated semifinal clash.

No. 2 seed Sharapova took on No. 23 seed Kaia Kanepi and though each women traded early breaks to start the match Kanepi ended up being a bystander for most of the match as Sharapova held for a 3-1 lead and then closed out the first set. An early break for Sharapova in the second set pretty much sealed the deal for Sharapova who hit 21 winners and 19 unforced errors in the match, proving she was the one dictating play.

Kanepi managed to break Sharapova at love when the Russian was serving for the match after the Estonian hit a clever drop shot that Sharapova couldn't quite chase down. That brought a rare smile to Kanepi's face but it was short-lived as Sharapova broke Kanepi's serve in the next game to earn a 6-2, 6-3 win and with it a return trip to the Roland Garros semifinals.

"I really hope that the win can come this year," said Sharapova afterwards. "My preparation has been really good - it was nice to win two tournaments coming in. I'm happy with the way I've improved, but it only gets tougher from here."

Facing Sharapova will be No. 4 seed Kvitova who endured a roller coaster of a match against qualifier Yaroslava Shvedova who was aiming to be the first female qualifier ever to reach the semis of the event. With Kvitova starting the match looking rather flat, it was Shvedova who jumped out to an early break advantage and went onto claim the first set. But Kvitova, after dropping her opening service game of the second set, found her range again that saw her reel off 16 winners and showed off her fine net play.

After ripping a forehand return winner to take the second set, Kvitova jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the third before the errors returned from the Czech allowing Shvedova to pull even and then earn a 4-2 lead. But the final momentum shift belonged to Kvitova, who hit a swinging forehand winner to pull even at 4-all and then held serve for 5-4. A nervy double fault from Shvedova indicated she was feeling the moment and soon it was match point for Kvitova.

Kvitova hit long on the next point but soon got another chance on her second match point and converted when it was Shvedova's turn to hit long thus giving Kvitova a 3-6, 6-2, 6-4 victory.

Kvitova is now into the semis of the French Open for the first time in her career while this marks the third time Sharapova has been this far.