It was the first appearance in a Slam quarterfinal for the Slovak. For Sharapova it was an unexpected run after injury on her worst surface, where her movement remains a liability.

On tap for Tuesday quarterfinal play are (1) Dinara Safina vs. (9) Victoria Azarenka, and (20) Dominika Cibulkova vs. unseeded former No. 1 Maria Sharapova.

It had to be little consolation for the elder Williams when she saw herself on the latest cover of the American TENNIS magazine, touted as a favorite for Wimbledon.

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“These types of matches are really important for me,” Sharapova said. “I’m spending more time out there than I want to, but I’m learning so many new things as well. When you haven’t played for such a long time and you’re put in these situations, many things come back to you.”

The women had the drama at the French Open the first three days, but will it continue?

Other Top 10 seeds in action did not have such an easy time, with No. 3 Venus Williams squeaking by fellow American Bethanie Mattek-Sands 6-1, 4-6, 6-2, and No. 10 Caroline Wozniacki at a set all against Vera Dushevina when the match was suspended.

The big names like Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer and Andy Roddick are schedule to play Monday in Roland Garros.

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“I have come to find my place,” Safina said. “I feel comfortable being No. 1. It was my dream from the beginning to be No. 1 and I always believed I could get it. Once I got it, I was ready for it. That’s why I think I’m enjoying it so much. Since I became No. 1 I’ve played better and better.”

“I think yesterday’s match really helped me to push myself to play my best,” Safina said, referencing her win over Venus Williams. “Really, really I think I played one of my best matches yesterday. Against Kuzy, I had in my head that I had lost three finals this year. I didn’t want to have a reputation that I’m losing finals.”

Safina was 0-2 career against Williams, but the elder Williams sister could not hold on to a set and a break in the second lead. Safina leads Kuznetsova 7-5 in career meetings, but lost to her countrywoman last weekend in the Stuttgart final.

“Well, we all know who the real No. 1 is,” Williams said Monday in response to a question regarding her world No. 2 standing and Safina’s top spot. “Quite frankly, I’m the best in the world.”

Kuznetsova had lost her last four meetings with Safina entering the final, and collected her first title since New Haven in 2007.

“He was very angry with me and I changed my game completely,” Safina said. “It was smart to call him.”