Never-say-die Sharapova advances into last eight

Wednesday, 1 June 2011 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

(Reuters) - Former world number one Maria Sharapova was her usual belligerent self as she booked a place in the French Open quarter-finals with a 7-6 7-5 win over Polish 12th seed Agnieszka Radwanska on Monday.

Seventh seed Sharapova, who has yet to lift the Suzanne Lenglen Cup, went 4-1 down in the opening set as she sprinkled the court with unforced errors but fought back to force a tiebreak she won 7-4.

The Russian went a break down in the second set, argued with the umpire over a few line calls and then saved five set points before sealing a two-hour win when Radwanska sent a backhand wide. Sharapova blew kisses to the crowd in delight as she set up a meeting with countrywoman Maria Kirilenko, the 25th seed, or German 15th seed Andrea Petkovic.