Sharapova: Numbers Don't Lie

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Beating Serena Williams has been a challenge as daunting as trying to leapfrog the Arc de Triomphe for Maria Sharapova.

Williams has dominated the two-time Roland Garros champion winning 19 of their 21 meetings. Sharapova has suffered 18 straight defeats to Williams with her last victory coming in the 2004 WTA Finals.

More: Sharapova Punishes Pliskova

A 14-year ignominious streak of scar tissue leaves Sharapova realistic about the prospect of facing Williams in the French Open fourth round.

“Any time you play against Serena you know what you’re up against,” the 31-year-old Russian said after thrashing Karolina Pliskova in round three. “You know the challenge that is upon you. You know, despite the record that I have against her, I always look forward to coming out on the court and competing against the best player."

Three-time French Open champion Williams must beat 11th-seeded German Julia Goerges to set up a fourth-round showdown with Sharapova on Monday.

While Sharapova is coming off one of the best matches she's played since she returned from a 15-month doping ban, Williams' dynamic game and dominating head-to-head record leave Sharapova realistic about their match-up.

“I think there is a lot of things in her game that she’s done much better than I have," Sharapova said. "Numbers don’t lie.”

Photo credit: Mark Peterson/Corleve

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