Sharapova sent packing as Federer rolls on
(Agencies)
Updated: 2008-06-03 10:56

PARIS - Maria Sharapova's French Open dreams were shredded by a familiar foe on Monday, while Roger Federer plunged a dagger into French hearts.

Russia's Maria Sharapova reacts during her match against compatriot Dinara Safina at the French Open tennis tournament at Roland Garros in Paris June 2, 2008. [Agencies]

Sharapova has never felt at home in the heartland of claycourt tennis and on Monday her weakness was unashamedly exposed during a 6-7 7-6 6-2 demolition job by fellow Russian Dinara Safina.

As Sharapova was booed out of Paris by a hostile crowd, Federer maintained his aura of calm to subdue the brave challenge of local hope Julien Benneteau 6-4 7-5 7-5 and reach the quarter-finals of Roland Garros for the fourth year running.

The Florida-based Sharapova had arrived in Paris announcing herself as the new face of a well-known jewellery company but during her nine-day stay here, her game failed to sparkle.

"It's not easy trying to write an incredible story that everybody's going to love," said the Australian Open champion.

"As much as I want to go out there and do everything perfect, especially on this stuff, it's not as easy."

After huffing and puffing past three obscure opponents in the previous rounds, she met her match in 13th seed Safina, who had beaten the top seed at the same stage here two years ago.

At 5-2 down in the second set, Safina looked to be heading out. Instead of accepting her fate, she chose to take out her anger on her racket, smacking it into the red dirt.

Her hot-headedness proved to have the desired effect as in the next game she went on to save a match point by unleashing a spectacular winner.

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