Sharapova to face Li in semi-final after pair both win in straight sets
Maria Sharapova blasted her way into the French Open semi-finals to complete a line-up of such quality the Williams sisters will hardly be missed.
The former Wimbledon champion hammered rising German star Andrea Petkovic 6-0, 6-3 and today meets Chinese No 1 Li Na, who also had a surprisingly easy 7-5, 6-2 win over Victoria Azarenka.
In the other semi-final, quirky Frenchwoman Marion Bartoli will tackle Italy’s defending champion Francesca Schiavone in what is bound to be an emotional encounter.
The diversity of the last four provides a timely rebuttal to critics who question why the women earn equal prize money to a very strong set of men.
Neither Sharapova or Li are at their happiest on the clay, which emphasises the wide open nature of a women’s tournament that saw its top three seeds bow out early — in contrast to the men’s event. Schiavone, the No 5 seed, is probably the favourite.
Meanwhile, Britain’s leading junior Oliver Golding beat highly-rated American Marcos Giron, 6-3, 3-6, 6-3 in the boys’ singles. Fourth-seeded Golding, the highest ranked player left, now meets American Bjorn Fratangelo in the last eight.
Semi-final date: Maria Sharapova (left) faces Li Na (right).
Semi-final date: Maria Sharapova (right) faces Li Na (left).
Semi-final date: Maria Sharapova (left) faces Li Na (right).
Maria Sharapova blasted her way into the French Open semi-finals to complete a line-up of such quality the Williams sisters will hardly be missed.
The former Wimbledon champion hammered rising German star Andrea Petkovic 6-0, 6-3 and today meets Chinese No 1 Li Na, who also had a surprisingly easy 7-5, 6-2 win over Victoria Azarenka.
Semi-final date: Maria Sharapova (left) faces Li Na (right).
The diversity of the last four provides a timely rebuttal to critics who question why the women earn equal prize money to a very strong set of men.
Neither Sharapova or Li are at their happiest on the clay, which emphasises the wide open nature of a women’s tournament that saw its top three seeds bow out early — in contrast to the men’s event. Schiavone, the No 5 seed, is probably the favourite.
Meanwhile, Britain’s leading junior Oliver Golding beat highly-rated American Marcos Giron, 6-3, 3-6, 6-3 in the boys’ singles. Fourth-seeded Golding, the highest ranked player left, now meets American Bjorn Fratangelo in the last eight.
Semi-final date: Maria Sharapova (left) faces Li Na (right).
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