In 2008 Ana Ivanovic won the French Open and that year she defeated Lucie Safarova 6-1 6-2 in the second round, but ever since, the Serb has never defeated the Czech again, and today Safarova celebrated her fifth straight victory over Ivanovic, a 6-3 6-3 triumph in the third round of Roland Garros. Actually, Safarova’s last four wins over Ivanovic finished in straight sets.
The 23rd-seeded Safarova scored more winners and less unforced errors than her eleventh-seeded opponent and from 2-3 0-30 in the first set she marched to 6-3 5-2 and soon afterwards took the former champion out. Now the women’s singles draw has two former champions left – Svetlana Kuznetsova, who today won a third-round thriller against Petra Kvitova 6-7(3) 6-1 9-7 and is to be Safarova’s next opponent, and Maria Sharapova, who yesterday recorded the first double bagel of the tournament in her third-round win over Paula Ormaechea.
Other top seeds in action this Saturday all advanced to the fourth round. Fourth seed Simona Halep and sixth seed Jelena Jankovic lost just three games against María-Teresa Torró-Flor and Sorana Cirstea respectively. Tenth-seeded Sara Errani was even more decisive, needing just 52 minutes to beat Julia Glushko 6-0 6-1, while No.15 seed Sloane Stephens took out Ekaterina Makarova 6-3 6-4. (photo: Jimmie48)
Absolutely delighted to see Lucie pull off a big win. She has been threatening this all year. Lucie already had a great record against Ana, but on a Grand Slam stage, I wasn’t sure she would be able to hold her nerve. Kuznetsova v Safarova should be a great match.
James, I’m not so happy that she took out Ana, but ok… I agree, Lucie vs. Svetlana should be a great match.