PARIS, France – An inspired Lucie Safarova pulled off the biggest upset of the fortnight at the French Open on Monday, taking out No.2 seed and defending champion Maria Sharapova, in straight sets.
It’s always been a dangerous match-up for Sharapova – she’d won four of their previous five meetings, but their last three matches were marathon three-setters – and from the beginning Safarova gave her trouble, jumping out to a 3-1 lead and, after getting broken back, sneaking the set out in a tie-break.
The second set was a similar story, Safarova racing out to a 3-0 lead, Sharapova grinding back to 3-all, and the two staying on serve the next few games. But with Sharapova serving 4-5, Safarova pounced, missing her first match point with a netted forehand but immediately bringing up match point No.2.
The No.13-seeded Safarova ripped one last forehand winner to finish Sharapova off, 7-6(3), 6-4.
Una inspirada Lucie Safarova protagoniza la mayor sorpresa del Abierto Frances este unes al eliminar a la preclasificada dos y Campeona defensora Maria Sharapova en sets seguidos..
Siempre seria una partido peligroso para Sharapova, habia ganado los 4 partidos previos, pero 3 de estos fueron maratonicos extendiendose a 3 sets…y desde el comienzo Safarova le dio problemas saltando de una a un 3-1…
El segundo set fue una historia parecida, Safarova de entrada tomando ventaja de 3-0…al final los parciales se confirmaron para la numero 13, Lucie Safarova quien se impuso con parciales de 7-6 y 6-4 para avanzar a cuartos de final de torneo de Grand Slam…