June 27, 2011
WIMBLEDON, England – Maria Sharapova of Russia returned to the quarterfinals of Wimbledon for the first time since 2006, using her rejuvenated game to dispatch Shuai Peng of China, 6-4, 6-2, in their fourth-round match that was a testament to Sharapova’s growing confidence.
Sharapova, the No. 5 seed, won nine of the first 13 games in just 61 minutes. She used tenacious recovery strokes that blunted the forceful shots of Peng, who was seeded 20th and the last Chinese player in the draw.
Sharapova’s game was so effective that Peng was powerless to find a solution. It was a vivid turnaround for Sharapova. In their last meeting, at the BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells in March, the two had slugged it out in a three-set match won by Sharapova, 6-2, 5-7, 6-3.
Sharapova quickly pushed Peng to match point at the All England Club but could not close out the match at 5-1. Peng’s slashing backhand down the line saved the point and a moment later, she held serve and walked to her chair for the change-over.
Sharapova served out the match and headed for the quarterfinals for the fourth time at Wimbledon, where she won in 2004.
Resources : http://straightsets.blogs.nytimes.com
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