Russian second seed Maria Sharapova will take on Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova in the French Open semi-finals after both progressed on Wednesday in Paris.
Sharapova knocked off Kaia Kanepi 6-2, 6-3 to progress, while the Czech world number four got past Kazakh qualifier Yaroslava Shvedova 3-6, 6-2, 6-4 in a hard-fought clash.
Kvitova famously knocked off Sharapova in last year’s Wimbledon final, but the Russian, who holds a 3-2 career record against the Czech, was confident she could win on this occasion.
“She is an extremely tough opponent and someone that I have had good success against in the last couple of our previous meetings but always tough matches,” Sharapova said.
“The last one in Stuttgart was a tough two setter from me, she had opportunities in that second set to win it. She seems to be playing really well and when she is confident and she’s hitting the ball she’s quite dangerous.
“Obviously it’s going to be another level as well and I hope that I can raise my level as well too.”
On the other half of the draw, Australian Sam Stosur will take on Sara Errani after they both progressed on Tuesday.