Eugenie Bouchard has knocked out former world No.1 Maria Sharapova 7-5, 2-6, 6-4, in a tense second round grudge match at the Madrid Open in Spain.
The highly anticipated encounter between the two came shortly after Bouchard blasted Sharapova. Last week the Canadian described the former world No.1 as a ‘cheater’ following her return to the tour from a 15-month doping ban. Sharapova has since refused to comment, pledging to respond with the power of her tennis.
“My tennis speaks for itself, and that’s what I focus on.” She said on Sunday.
As darkness set upon the Caja Magica, both players managed to light up the court with a series of spectacular shot-making. Sharapova’s aggressive approach brought her delight and dismay. Meanwhile, Bouchard’s strategy of fighting along rewarded her dearly. A dramatic opening set saw five breaks of serves occur during six games. Sharapova’s 4-2 lead evaporated due to a series of unforced errors, as well as Bouchard resistance. Opportunities came and went for both before a cross-court forehand winner sealed a 7-5 lead. It was a far from flawless opening 12 games, with errors highly featured (15 for Bouchard and 21 for Sharapova), but the passion invested into the match was undisputed.
” It was a very tough match, not only physically and tennis-wise, but also mentally and emotionally.” Said Bouchard.
“Each point was a battle from the first point. It was really a fight.”
Engaged in what appeared to be their own version of the ‘Battle Royale’, Sharapova’s game plan of ‘becoming the aggressor’ soon brought her the breakthrough she sought. As the decibels in her screeching increase, a nightmare Bouchard service game concluded with a double fault to revive the hopes of the Russian player. Continuing her comeback, a Sharapova winner down the line forced proceedings into a decider.
Entering the third hour, the match soon turned into a battle of the fittest. Both were worthy winners and both illustrated the form that took them to the final of a major championship before. The first five games of the decider saw 12 break points, but no breaks. Eight of those was saved by Sharapova with the use of some strong serving. Bouchard continued to hit hard at the Sharapova wall, before a double break towards the closing stages knocked it down permanently.
Despite the gripping epic, it was clear that there was no love lost between the two. Bouchard’s next test in Madrid will be world No.1 Angelique Kerber.
“I want to go for it. I’m the underdog, by far. It’s nice to have this position these past couple years. So I want to at least take advantage of that, just go for it, play good tennis, build on this, and enjoy it, kind of just show what I can do.” She said about the upcoming match.
The Canadian currently leads Kerber 3-2 in their head-to-head.
