(June 1, 2013) -- It was a day of struggle and joy for those hoping to reach the round of 16 at this year's French Open. While several top seeds found themselves in trickier than expected matches, two veteran underdogs took delight in reaching the second week.
For 2010 champion
Francesca Schiavone, this week in Paris for her has proved to be a magic elixir of sorts. After struggling throughout the season, the gutty Italian veteran is once again showing off her trademark versatility that allowed her to claim the title three years ago. This resurgence from the woman who taught us "impossible is nothing" proved too much for No. 13 seed
Marion Bartoli who found herself at the receiving end of a clay court masterclass from the Italian in their third round match.
Schiavone leapt out to a 4-1 lead in the opening helped in part by Bartoli's woeful serving. By mixing up shots with pace and spin, Schiavone soon took the first set 6-1 much to the begrudging dismay of the local crowd packed into Court Suzanne Lenglen.
Schiavone showed no effects from her sublime three set win against No. 21 seed
Kristen Flipkens yesterday that had both women scrambling to the net in that contest. Bartoli, somewhat in desperation, tried to hustle up to net herself in the second set, but with little impact as her opponent would flick topspin lobs over her head.
The French No. 1 tried her best but was simply outplayed by the Italian who hit 32 winners to the Frenchwoman's mere nine. One of them being a perfect backhand slice drop shot winner on the full stretch late in the set that Bartoli couldn't reach.
Bartoli fought off a dreaded bagel set by holding serve, but it only delayed the inevitable as Schiavone closed out the convincing 6-2, 6-1 win. Afterwards, Schiavone acknowledged her opponent and the fact that the crowd was rooting against her.
"I know that you are pissed that I beat her," said Schiavone in her on-court interview. "But Bartoli is a great player and will always fight for you."
When asked about her next opponent No. 3 seed
Victoria Azarenka, who struggled but overcame another Frenchwoman in
Alize Cornet 4-6, 6-3, 6-1, Schiavone took a positive outlook when asked by Cedric Pioline how she would beat the former No. 1 and current Australian Open title holder.
"If you tell me the tactic, I will do it," said Schiavone with a laugh. "She is at the top with Serena and Maria. But on the clay I have a good feeling to play my backhand and my spin so I feel I have a good chance."
Sharapova Stumbles But Gets Past Zheng in Straights.
What looked like yet another routine easy straight sets win for defending champion
Maria Sharapova proved anything but in her third rounder against
Jie Zheng.
After rolling through the opening set, Sharapova soon found herself down 1-4 after she hit a double fault down break point. Sharapova questioned the umpire about the mark on the court that was called out with an unofficial review showing her serve to be in.
Sharapova soon rallied to get back to 4-all but then dropped serve again. That gave Zheng the opportunity to serve for a third set, but Sharapova broke her right back. That opening was enough for Sharapova to slam the door shut on her opponent as she took the 6-1, 7-5 win.
Waiting for Sharapova in the fourth round will be American
Sloane Stephens who endured a roller-coaster three set battle with New Zealand's
Marina Erakovic. Stephens won 6-4, 6-7(5), 6-3.
Mattek-Sands Into Fourth Round of Major for First Time Since 2008.
American
Bethanie Mattek-Sands backed up her surprise upset win over former champion
Li Na with another tough three set win today. Facing
Paula Ormaechea, Mattek-Sands dropped the opening set but steamrolled her way through the second.
Despite being broken when serving for the match when up 5-2, Mattek-Sands recovered to win the final game and claim a 4-6, 6-1, 6-3 win. She is now into the fourth round of a Major for the first time since Wimbledon 2008.