Sharapova Stomps On Stosur; Serena v Azarenka Saturday At French Open

by Staff | May 29th, 2015, 4:05 pm
  • 15 Comments

Defending champion Maria Sharapova won her ninth straight match at the French Open defeating former finalist Sam Stosur 6-4, 6-3. The two met a year ago in the fourth round with Sharapova overcoming a set and a break down to win. This time, it was much easier for the 2-time French Open champion.

“I was just really happy to win this one,” Sharapova said. “I knew it was going to be a tough one going into the match. I just wanted to be as ready as I could, and I was really happy I was able to win it.

“Against Sam I know I have to take care of my service games because she’s capable of serving really well. I’m also a tall girl, so the kick she’s able to give on the second serve maybe doesn’t bother me as much as other players. I quite like that ball. But we’ve had many tough matches despite my record, and it’s not something I look at very lightly when I go up to that match. I know that I have to beat a good player.


“She’s been playing really well and loves playing here. So I thought it was a great result for me.”

Sharapova now meets lefty Lucie Safarova in the fourth round on Sunday.

Former champion Ana Ivanovic was also a winner, dominating 18-year-old Donna Vekic 6-0, 6-3. She’ll now face Ekatarina Makarova, who beat her doubles partner.

Alize Cornet thrilled the French crowd outlasting former teen prodigy Mirjana Lucic-Baroni 4-6, 6-3, 7-5.

“The crowd was amazing once more today. They really helped me get through the tough times on the court,” Cornet said. “Mirjana was playing very aggressively and I had to play with all my heart, and the crowd behind me like that was helping me a lot, giving me a lot of energy to keep going and not let go.

“I owe them a lot today, because I think I went over my limits.”

It’s Cornet’s first French Open fourth round. She’ll face Elina Svitolina next.

Garbine Muguruza also advanced, she’ll Flavia Pennetta who upset the hot-handed Carla Suarez Navarro in straight sets 6-3, 6-4.

“First of all, Flavia played really well today,” the World No.8 said. “Of course it’s disappointing to lose, but Flavia is a really good player. She works really hard and is playing really good tennis.

“She’s playing good matches here and could go through to the quarterfinals or semifinals.”

Tomorrow, it’s the 19th meeting between Serena Williams and Victoria Azarenka. Serena leads 15-3 including an incredible win earlier this month in Madrid where Azarenka served for the match at 6-5, 40-0 in the third set before imploding losing 12 of the last 13 points.

“Out of all of the top players, for whatever reason, she’s given me some particular troubles,” Serena said of Vika. “She’s great at what she does. She fights hard and never gives up, and she’s really feisty. I think that’s obviously why she’s been able to be a Grand Slam champion, not just on one occasion. Those players aren’t the easiest to play; they also get you excited to play those matches.”

Petra Kvitova and former finalist Sara Errani are also in action as is Sloane Stephens and Madison Keys.


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15 Comments for Sharapova Stomps On Stosur; Serena v Azarenka Saturday At French Open

RZ Says:

Still saddened by Stosur’s lack of quality play in the past few years. She should have been one of the top claycourters in the “post-Henin” era.


django Says:

Is there a way to do searches? I post on threads then don’t remember where I posted lol


chris ford1 Says:

Vika vs. Serena should be a nice 4th rounder to see.
Serena said she was the one that 1st let Vika know they were playing the 4th Round. “What” (Or unsaid, “Oh crappa dappa doo!”).
Not actually true. Of all the women, I think only Vika looks forward to playing Williams.
Gabby and Alize are going to be two easy on the eyes players with drama queen aspects going on in their 4th Rounder.


PJ Says:

Azarenka/Williams is actually third round, not fourth


jane Says:

django, there used to be a “search” function here, but i don’t see it anymore. maybe the mods can help?


chris ford1 Says:

3rd round? I thought the ladies were done and ahead of the men’s Draw matches…


jane Says:

is anyone watching serena vs azarenka? serena is down a set and a break.


jane Says:

serena just got the break back, could be a momentum shift here.


jalep Says:

I just now found where it was on, jane! Been following it on Flasshcore.

Wow, Vika going toe to toe with Serena.

Into the 3rd set to decide.


autoFilter Says:

Yeah, jane, I’m watching. That replayed point was brutal.


jalep Says:

Serena is looking unbeatable. Vika had chances but too many errors.

If Serena breaks again here…


jalep Says:

jane, i have two bracket games going on GTN where I picked Monfils over Federer, the other on Tennis Channel where I picked Federer over Monfils. So far my GTN bracket is doing better. My picking skills are rusty.

I have Serena winning both WTA brackets. Picked Serena over Vika here. But Vika has improved her game = good to see.


Okiegal Says:

How about Serena’s former hitting partner, Sasha, now Vika’s. That was a surprise to me. Hadn’t heard that little tidbit of info. I’m sure TX aired the news but guess I missed it!


jalep Says:

It’s true about Sasha going to Team Vika, Okiegal.
Not sure tennis-x had the news. I heard it months ago on Tennis Channel.

Maybe Sasha is helping Vika. She played well even had an early chance in the 3rd set but Serena went into a zone. Can’t see who would beat her now.

Some fun matches Sunday:

Cornet v Svitolina
Flavia v Muguruza
dear Ana v Makarova
Sharapova v Safarova.


Snowbird Says:

@Okie: I think quite a few of the WTA ladies switched coaches. It’s becoming difficult to keep track of the many changes.

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