Maria Sharapova downs Agnieszka Radwanska to reach Roland Garros quarters

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Maria Sharapova won her ninth straight match on clay, the streak featuring her Rome title, by defeating Agnieszka Radwanska in the fourth round of Roland Garros 7-6(4) 7-5. The Russian will be playing her fifth quarterfinal at the tournament, but only once did she make one step further, in 2007 when she reached the semis.

The three-time Grand Slam champion Sharapova, who has a chance to complete a career slam this week, came back from 4-1 down in the first set, leveled to 4-4, then both players held their serves to take the set to a tiebreak. In the second set Sharapova faced set points, but saved all five of them and finished the job in that set.

It’s interesting to compare Sharapova’s and Radwanska’s stats because of contrasts in most departments. Sharapova hit 7 aces to Radwanska’s 1, but also 7 double faults to Radwanska’s 0. When it comes to winners and unforced errors the situation is equally unbalanced. Sharapova hit almost 4 times more unforced errors (44 to Radwanska’s 12), but also much more winners, 47 to 13.

Andrea Petkovic, who defeated Maria Kirilenko 6-2 2-6 6-4 in the fourth round, will be next Sharapova’s opponent. Other quarterfinal pairs are: Svetlana Kuznetsova vs. Marion Bartoli, Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova vs. Francesca Schiavone, and Li Na vs. Victoria Azarenka. (via Sharapova’s official website, photo courtesy of our reader Tony)

5 COMMENTS

  1. So difficult to pick a winner! Think Sharapova has a great shot the title, really hope both her and Azarenka make the semis – that will be a great match to watch I think…

  2. Wow – the statistics just paint the whole picture!! Is Maria is the most aggressive women’s tennis player of all time? Thank you for publishing this info! As always your blog rocks!!

  3. Aimee_iluvtennis, I want Sharapova to go through (all the way to the title that is). As for her semifinal opponent, it would be a good match with both Azarenka and Li.

    JohnnyB, Maria’s aggressiveness, combined with her spirit and class, make up her irresistible appeal. As for the most aggressive of all time statement, I’m not sure, but could easily be, but her determination and never say never attitude put her in Top 5 in that area, that’s what she’ll be remembered for.

    And thanks for compliments! 😉

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