Halep, Kerber, Sharapova, Kasatkina enter QF of French Open

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Patna : World No 1 in WTA rankings Simona Halep, 26, Romania, World No 12 Angelique Kerber, 30, Germany, and World No 30 Maria Sharapova, 31, Russia, entered the quarter-finals of French Open 2018 on June 4, 2018. But, World No 2 Caroline Wozniacki, 27, Denmark, suffered a shock defeat at the hands of World No 14 Daria Kasatkina, 21 Russia.

Halep crushed World No 16 Elise Mertens, 22, Belgium, 6-2, 6-1, in the Round of 16 on Philippe Chatrier Court, Roland Garros, Paris, on June 4 to enter the quarter-finals of French Open 2018. Both the players fired one Ace each in the match. Mertens, however, committed 4 double faults compared to just 1 by Halep. The Romanian also won 6 break points while Mertens won just 1. Halep won 8 games in a row during the match. Halep’s first and second serve percentage was also much better than hat of her opponent.

Kerber, a former Australian Open and US Open Champion,  beat World No 7 Caroline Garcia, 24, France, 6-2, 6-3, in the Round of 16 on  Suzanne Lenglen Court to enter the quarter-finals. Garcia had reached Quarter-finals of French Open in 2017. Kerber won 5 break points compared to just 1 by Garcia. Kerber’s first and second serve percentage was also much better.

Winner of 5 Grand Slam singles titles Maria Sharapova entered the quarter-finals without breaking a sweat as her Round of 16 opponent and winner of 23 Grand Slam singles title Serena Williams, 36, USA, retired before the match due to right arm injury. Williams said she was unable to serve due to the pectoral injury. Sharapova, who had won French Open in 2012 & 2014, wished her speedy recovery. Williams has a 19-2 head to head record against Sharapova. Serenahad won French Open in 2002, 2013, and 2015.

Kasatkina, 21, Russia, stunned World No 2 Caroline Wozniacki 7-6, 6-3, in Round of 16 to enter quarter-finals of French Open for the first time.