French Open: Kirilenko reaches quarters

Paris, June 4 (IANS/RIA Novosti)

Russia’s Maria Kirilenko beat Bethanie Mattek-Sands in straight sets to advance to the quarterfinals of the French Open.

It took Kirilenko, the world No. 12, more than two hours for the 7-5, 6-4 victory Monday, reaching her first-ever quarterfinal at Roland Garros.

The Russian started the match down 0-3, but managed to pull out the first set despite five double faults and 17 unforced errors.

“I was unsatisfied with my performance against Mattek-Sands,” Kirilenko said. “But I understand that I can’t win every time showing my best tennis, sometimes you should win with your teeth clenched.”

In the second set, Kirilenko had two early breaks and held her advantage for the rest of the match.

In the quarterfinal, Kirilenko faces world No.3 Victoria Azarenka, who breezed past Francesca Schiavone earlier Monday.

“I should be good in all components against Azarenka, so I have a chance to beat her,” Kirilenko said. “Today I didn’t manage to watch her match. But she has been playing for many years and I know her very well, so I probably wouldn’t have seen anything new anyway.”