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)
