Dinara Safina‘s joy was short-lived, as her inspiring win over Samantha Stosur was followed by a 6-2 6-0 blowout by Maria Sharapova in the fourth round of the BNP Paribas Open. In the Russian battle of former No.1s, Sharapova gave no chances to Safina with her precise, powerful and aggressive display. Fellow blogger Forty Deuce, who is at the tournament, says that Safina was often left frozen on the court and that everything besides Sharapova’s serve was reminiscent of the Australian Open 2008 Sharapova. Next for Masha will be Peng Shuai.
Top-seeded Caroline Wozniacki was made to work against Alisa Kleybanova in the fourth round, before prevailing 2-6 6-3 6-1 in one hour and 55 minutes. Wozniacki’s quarterfinal opponent will be good friend Victoria Azarenka, seeded 8th. Azarenka saved four match points to battle past Agnieszka Radwanska 4-6 6-3 7-6(3) after three hours and four minutes. (photo: Tidalist)
O.o This wasn’t the result I was expecting, but I’m glad Maria played great and at least Dinara showed improvement in previous matches. 🙂
Well done, Maria!!!