Maria Sharapova’s return to competitive tennis is progressing very well, as the Russian comfortably defeated Darya Kustova of Belarus 6-2 6-0 to win the second singles match she played after the nine-month injury layoff and reach the quarterfinals of the Warsaw Open.
The 22-year-old three-time Grand Slam champion showed signs of her glory, playing much more consistently than in the first-round three-setter against Italy’s Tathiana Garbin.
Sharapova will next have a stiffer test, as she’ll fight eighth seed Alona Bondarenko for a place in the semifinals of the Warsaw Open.
Additional info: Sharapova is expected to play Roland Garros, and then to continue her comeback at the June 8-14 AEGON Classic in Birmingham, which will be her preparation for grasscourt Wimbledon. (photo: Ralf Reinecke)
Its just brilliant to see her play like this. She was a joy to watch today. If she gets past Bondarenko it will be interesting to see just how far she can go in this tournament. I’m expecting a really close three set match with those two. It’s good to see Daniela Hantuchova playing well again aswell. Its hard to say at this point who will win the title, as it could be anyone.
I really can’t predict who will be the winner, Sharapova or Bondarenko. That’s what makes the match-up interesting.