Desert queen Hantuchova eyes match with Sharapova
INDIAN WELLS, California: Maria Sharapova's perfect start to the year and Daniela Hantuchova's love affair with the California desert were on a collision course after Tuesday's fourth round of the Pacific Life Open.
Australian Open champion Sharapova and holder Hantuchova won their matches at Indian Wells Tennis Garden and will meet in a mouth-watering quarterfinal on Wednesday.
"It's going to be an exciting match," fifth-seeded Slovakian Hantuchova told reporters.
"Maria's obviously in great form so it will be a good test for me. I feel like I own this place and I'm confident but obviously if I want to win I have to play my best.
"I think mentally she's one of the toughest players," added the 24-year-old Hantuchova, who claimed her first WTA career title at Indian Wells in 2002.
"Even though sometimes her game is not there, she never fights against herself. She is always on her side, and that's what makes her so strong."
Sharapova, who has beaten Hantuchova six times in seven career meetings, accepts the Slovakian enjoys a huge comfort level at Indian Wells.
"Considering two of the three titles she's won were here, of course those would be her words," the 20-year-old Russian said. "She's playing well this year but this is a different part of the year and a new match. We've played each other numerous times and we know each other's games well.
"I've had success here and over the years I've played great tennis and had many good memories here," added the world number five, who beat Ukrainian Alona Bondarenko 6-2, 5-7, 6-4 in the fourth round.
"But you know, it all comes down to the person that takes their chances and is more solid."
Agencies
(China Daily 03/20/2008 page22)
