Halep, Muguruza enter semis with contrasting wins

0 Comment(s)Print E-mail Xinhua, June 7, 2018
Adjust font size:
Garbine Muguruza of Spain returns a shot during the women's singles quarterfinal match against Maria Sharapova of Russia at the French Open Tennis Tournament 2018 in Paris, France on June 6, 2018. Garbine Muguruza won 2-0. (Xinhua/Chen Yichen)

World No. 1 Simona Halep and 2016 winner Garbine Muguruza won in different manners to set up their semifinal clash at the French Open on Wednesday.


Halep, in chase of her maiden Grand Slam title, came back from one set down to edge Germany's Angelique Kerber 6-7 (2), 6-3, 6-2.


The Romanian led 5-4 in their previous head-to-head matches, including her 2018 Australian Open semifinal victory after two hours and 20 minutes.


Kerber, who had already matched her best record in Paris with a quarterfinal appearance, heated up quicker with four straight games in hand.


Although Halep forced a tiebreaker, she let the first set slide away after losing the tiebreaker 7-2.


Halep then regrouped herself to triumph in the second set 6-3.


Kerber called for medical treatment three games into the third set, before she conceded a break, and never appeared to threaten Halep's position.


Muguruza conceded just three games to race past Russia's Maria Sharapova 6-2, 6-1 in one hour and 10 minutes.


"Being aggressive is a part of my game. When you're facing somebody that also has an aggressive style of game, it's about who takes the command, who takes the first opportunity," said Muguruza.


Two-time winner Sharapova made her return to Roland Garros after three years, and advanced to her 25th Grand Slam quarterfinal after her arch rival Serena Williams withdrew prior to their 22nd encounter.


However, she failed to challenge the Spaniard throughout the match, and easily conceded their first duel in four years.


Muguruza remained as the only player in women's draw that has never dropped a set.


"I just didn't feel free, and I felt there was a lot of force behind all the shots and that it wasn't coming natural to me. I didn't have the rhythm.


"She's a great returner. I think that's definitely one of the things that she did really well today," Sharapova pointed out.


Follow China.org.cn on Twitter and Facebook to join the conversation.
ChinaNews App Download
Print E-mail Bookmark and Share

Go to Forum >>0 Comment(s)

No comments.

Add your comments...

  • User Name Required
  • Your Comment
  • Enter the words you see:   
    Racist, abusive and off-topic comments may be removed by the moderator.
Send your storiesGet more from China.org.cnMobileRSSNewsletter