Maria Sharapova Bests Klara Zakopalova to Advance at 2012 French Open

Maria Sharapova has advanced to the quarterfinals of the French Open with a 6-4, 6-7, 6-2 victory over Klara Zakopalova

Sharapova has made it as far as the semis twice, in 2007 and 2011. She will need to defeat Arantxa Rus or Kaia Kanepi to get that far this time around.

She is playing not just for a French Open title. She's also playing for her world ranking. Sharapova is expected to become the world's No. 1 player if she makes it to the finals.

She overcame aches and pains in the third set and horrendous serving by playing and excellent return game.

Breaking Zakopalova's serve also helps. Sharapova stole games from her on 12 occasions. This balanced Sharapova's 14 double faults and nine broken serves.

It was not an easy match by any stretch. Three-plus hours played in swirling winds do not make for favorable tennis. Sharapova struggled with her footing culminating with a third-set slip.

Despite her shortcomings in tennis's most important skill, she managed to outlast her opponent. Great players of any sport understand how to win the ugly ones just as easily as the blowout, one-sided beatings.

Sharapova will be favored in his next match as well. Fatigue could play its part after her fourth round marathon, but you should expect her to make the necessary adjustments.

She remembers losing to Li Na in last year's French Open semifinals. Don't expect her to go down without a fight.