Maria Sharapova Beats Sabine Lisicki, Advances To Australian Open Quarters

MELBOURNE, Australia -- Maria Sharapova is back into the quarterfinals of the Australian Open for the first time since she won the title at Melbourne Park in 2008.

The No. 4-ranked Sharapova had a 3-6, 6-2, 6-3 win over No. 14 Sabine Lisicki at Rod Laver Arena on Monday night and will meet fellow Russian Ekaterina Makarova in the next stage.

No. 56-ranked Makarova staged the biggest upset of the Open so far when she beat five-time champion Serena Williams in straight sets earlier Monday to reach the quarterfinals of a major for the first time.

Comments

[BeesKness]

03:08 AM on 01/24/2012

Maria is looking good for this one. I honestly feel Clijsters is the only other player that could take her out.

[ChiefLaughsAtSheep]

02:16 AM on 01/24/2012

Ever turned the picture off and just LISTENED to women's tennis? So hot.

[Highball]

07:57 PM on 01/23/2012

Sabine Lisicki is a really fun player to watch. She's got lots of shots, and she goes for it, and she can move around the court. I hope she keeps using good results to build up her confidence, and doesn't get down on herself.

But Masha is so awesome. She's my favorite athlete in the world, male or female. And I'm happy that she's at least back in the QF. I was worried about her ankle.

Now, however, I'm worried about the match against Makarova. It could be a real blast to watch, though. I just really hope Masha manages it.

[sealawyer260]

03:01 PM on 01/23/2012

I have this fantasy that I were in the arena at one of Sharapova's matches and that every time Maria loses a point I would let out the loudest most obnoxious imitation of one of her screams. I know that would get me thrown out, but it would be worth it. But then again, as a paying fan, shouldn't I be allowed to 'cheer' loudly as long as I weren't distracting the players during a point?

[dvglass3]

06:53 PM on 01/23/2012

Yep, sucks to be jealous.......

[Bruce Forbes]

12:04 PM on 01/23/2012

Maria is playing awesome. What a comeback after shoulder surgery! Good luck in the rest of the tournament, Maria.

[LogicalMathMan]

11:48 AM on 01/23/2012

Wow! It was 1am PST and I went to bed after Maria lost that first set after leading 3-0. I'm encouraged to learn that she won that match and perhaps, this first actual test at the Open, should help her in the rounds ahead.

To those complaining about women screaming and how 'unladylike' it is, use the 'mute' button on your TV.

[ZeroCoke]

12:00 PM on 01/23/2012

'use the 'mute' button '

how lame. what if i want to listen to the commentary, or the crowd

[LogicalMathMan]

12:05 PM on 01/23/2012

then do what everyone who loves the game does....endure the yelss.

[Howzat]

09:57 AM on 01/23/2012

Ignore Chaucer Maria...scream as much as you want and keep winning.

WTG

[chaucer1]

09:36 AM on 01/23/2012

The 2nd most annoying screamer after Azarenka will find her antics somewhat limited when WTA finally acts next month. It's not legal to harass your opponent, and that's exactly what screaming is intended to do.

[plebian43]

10:06 AM on 01/23/2012

It is absolutely unsportsman (woman) like, and it renders the game all but unwatchable. Another shrieker of note amps it up to an almost deafening level when she is behind. I don't see how her opponents can concentrate, but then that's the whole point. It makes you appreciate the ones who don't all the more. Spot on.

[sealawyer260]

02:49 PM on 01/23/2012

You are right on the mark. Isn't it odd that Federer, Nadal, Murray and Djokovic can hit the ball so well and so hard without screaming like a banshee on every hit? They should have done something about this years ago, starting with Monica Lewinsky, I mean, Monica Seles. It is so obviously stupid gamesmanship.

[Jimboshack]

03:56 PM on 01/23/2012

Moreover, the screaching does not allow the player on the other side of the net to hear the ball being hit. That makes it more difficult to anticipate how the ball will land and where.
In other words, screaching is kind of cheating.