French Open: Garbine Muguruza after a smooth victory against Maria Sharapova in the semi-finals

Garbine Muguruza has reached the semi-finals at the French Open 2018: The Spaniard gave Maria Sharapova no chance in two sets.

When two former champions enter the Court Philippe Chatrier in Paris, expectations are high. And Garbine Muguruza, who did not disappoint her supporters at the Bois de Boulogne in 2016: The Spaniard, seeded in third place, defeated Maria Sharapova 6-2 and 6-1, and for Muguruza it was the first victory ever over Sharapova.

Neither player had much work to do in the previous round: Sharapova only had to attend a press conference after Serena Williams’ injury-related absence, and Muguruza benefited from Lesia Tsurenko’s task after just two games.

The Spaniard set the tone from the very beginning and kept putting Sharapova under pressure. Also because Muguruza was acting from a better position – closer to the baseline. After only 69 minutes, Sharapova put a backhand into the net, allowing Muguruza two match points. The Russian fended off the first with an ace, Sharapova beat the second into the net.

Muguruza will meet the winner of the match between Simona Halep and Angelique Kerber on Thursday. In the second semi-final, the Americans Madison Keys and Sloane Stephens will face each other.