Cibulkova ends Sharapova’s run in French Open quarters, Safina through

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Wilson Blade 9

Dominika Cibulkova at Roland Garros 2009Comeback player Maria Sharapova, who definitely spiced up this Roland Garros, was defeated in the quarterfinals by Slovakian seed No.20 Dominika Cibulkova 6-0 6-2. The favorite for the title, top seed Dinara Safina, advanced to the semifinals, and her next opponent will be Cibulkova.

It’s fair to say Sharapova has gone further than expected, having in mind she reached the quarterfinals with only three competitive singles matches played in nine and a half months prior to Roland Garros. On her way to the final four on her least favorite surface, Sharapova beat seed No.11 Nadia Petrova and seed No.25 Li Na.

The former world No.1 Sharapova was close to being double bageled by Cibulkova in the Maria Sharapova at 2009 French Openquarterfinals, but the Russian broke Cibulkova’s serve at 5-0, even though Cibulkova had a match point. Then Sharapova impressively won the following game, and when Cibulkova served for the match again, Sharapova gave more resistance, by saving three match points in that game. However, she was defeated on the fifth.

In the first quarterfinal of the day, top seed Dinara Safina lost her first set at the 2009 French Open to ninth seed Victoria Azarenka of Belarus, who took out defending champion Ana Ivanovic in the fourth round. However, despite opening her quarterfinal by losing the opening set in just 23 minutes, the dominant Russian won the match 1-6 6-4 6-2.

I simply have to point out the spectacular stats of Safina’s first four rounds: the world No.1 won four sets at love, dropped only five games, and her average match time was just 59 minutes. (photos: Stephane Martinache)

14 COMMENTS

  1. Maria is back, bitches!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    Thanks Maria…you made this RG totally diferent!!!!

  2. I think that Sharapova has done incredibly well to come back as she has from the shoulder injury, and although she lost today I’d say she’s happy with how she played during RG. In the end though, Cibulkova was clearly far superior. I’m really interested to see how Sharapova does during the grasscourt season. I think it’ll be a Serena vs Dinara final and I think Dinara will win.

  3. hey, wta has a new web! what a surprise! I’m interested in next match, dinara-dominika!

  4. Bróna, I agree with you. Maria must be pleased with what she has achieved so far after coming back.

    Tangerine, yeah, I was pleasantly surprised. I like this new website, from what I’ve seen by now.

  5. Amazing come back by Maria. Hope her body recovers well. She seemed very ‘professional’ in the press conferences, even a little emotionally dull, it seems a long time since the bubbly emotional gal of her Wimbledon win days. But I”m sure she’s happy about her progress with her comeback – well done!

  6. yeah well done marija, i didnt know cibulkova had it in her. i hope sam wins today! she just one the first set so lets hope!

    i hope her rankings go up!!

  7. Cibulkova’s not fat.

    Jacob, this Roland Garros has passed by so fast. I feel like it started yesterday, and now the semifinals are coming to a close.

  8. Marijuana : Cibulkova is fat. She has a fat stomach which is ridiculous and disgusting. She could actually be hot if she lost 10 pounds.

    Fat chicks are so gross. Take the twinkie out of your mouth, Cibi.

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