Another great match from Maria Sharapova that had to recover a 1 set down deficit to win in 3 sets.
Muguruza started in great fashion to concede just 1 game to the Russian in the opener. Maria got used to this kind of situation and she knew that she still had a shot. Probably the most important part of the match was the second set. Maria squandered a 3-1 lead, but eventually she managed to get the decisive break in the 11th game to win 7-5. In the decider Garbine imploded soon after winning the first game. It was time for Maria to win 6 consecutive games and clinch the match 1-6 7-5 6-1.
Maria: I knew the match was not over
Sharapova said she was always positive about winning “I knew that the match wasn’t over. I still had a fair bit of time to change things around. Little by little I started playing a bit better, started getting in the court a little bit more, playing a little bit more aggressive, serving better than I did in the first set, returning as well, giving myself more looks at break points.”
The semis vs. Bouchard
Maria will play her “heiress” Genie Bouchard in the semifinal. H2H is 2-0 for Maria. They have already played last year in Paris, but this time we have an all new Bouchard. Sharapova is still the favorite, but an upset is definitely possible.
