Sharapova advances to French Open semifinals

Russian tennis star Maria Sharapova ensured on Wednesday her return to the French Open semis for the first time in three years by defeating Germany’s Andrea Petkovic 6-0, 6-3.

It took an hour an a half for seventh-seeded Sharapova, who has significantly improved her game on clay courts, to stride past 15th-seeded Petkovic.

The Russian player will face sixth-seeded Li Na for a place in Saturday’s final after the Chinese beat Belarusian fourth-seeded Victoria Azarenka 7-5, 6-2.

Three-time champion Sharapova has a good chance to complete a career Grand Slam with an elusive title at Roland Garros as she is the most experienced player left in the current draw.

“In general, I put a lot of work in to be at this stage of the Grand Slams, and I’m really happy that it’s here and I have a chance to go further,” Sharapova said at a press conference after the match.

Sharapova last won a major title in 2008 but her brilliant career has been hampered by injuries ever since.

MOSCOW, June 1 (RIA Novosti) 

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