Maria Sharapova vs. Samantha Stosur: Score and Reaction from 2015 French Open

Maria Sharapova continued her quest to repeat as French Open champion with a 6-3, 6-4 victory over Sam Stosur on Friday. She will face Lucie Safarova in the fourth round.  

Sharapova and Stosur also faced off at Roland Garros last year. It was one of the Russian star's toughest tests of the tournament, as she lost the first set and was on the ropes in the second before fighting back to take control of the match.

Jim Caple of ESPNW.com passed along comments from the five-time major champion ahead of the rematch about what makes the Australian such a tricky opponent on this surface:

"

She has a very heavy ball, and I think on clay specifically it just really penetrates through the court. The spin that she's able to create from her forehand and her serve, she has one of the best kick serves in the game. She's really able to put that power into it and kick. There are a lot of untraditional things that she does, but I enjoy that challenge.

"

It was a sluggish start from Sharapova, who got broken at love in the third game and lacked the precision hitting she showcased in the earlier rounds.

But she was able to regain her footing—literally, she changed her shoes—and Stosur's play dropped off markedly, especially from the service line. It allowed the reigning champion to score three consecutive breaks of serve to grab the edge in the first set.

The final game was a battle, but Sharapova was able to close it out on serve with her second set point.

Ben Rothenberg of the New York Times highlighted Stosur's struggles:

Carole Bouchard of the Yellow Ball Corner was impressed with Sharapova's effort:

The second set was a grind. Both players decided to back off a bit considering the windy conditions and sloppy first set, which led to longer points and some extended games.

Sharapova was able to grab the pivotal break in the seventh game. A double-fault from Stosur gave her the 4-3 edge, and Courtney Nguyen of Sports Illustrated noted the reaction:

The No. 2 seed was able to calmly hold serve twice to close out the match. The battle was more competitive than the routine scoreline would suggest. Sharapova was lucky Stosur didn't play up to her usual clay standards, as well.

But the most important thing is she advanced and is now just four wins away from repeating. The challenges are likely only going to get more difficult from here, though.

Nick McCarvel of USA Today noted Stosur just wasn't able to find the next gear she needed:

ESPN Tennis showcased Sharapova's recent success in the season's second major:

"

Sharapova beats Stosur 6-3 6-4 for her 10th straight victory and 28th win in last 30 matches at @rolandgarros. #RG15 pic.twitter.com/i71ALizocZ

— ESPNTennis (@ESPNTennis) May 29, 2015"

SI Tennis pointed out the Russian sensation has also been dealing with an illness as she fights through the first week:

Tennis Connected expanded on that point:

As mentioned, Sharapova moves on to face Safarova for a spot in the quarterfinals. It will mark the sixth meeting between the pair with the defending champion holding a 4-1 edge. The No. 13 seed's only win did come on clay in Madrid back in 2010.

Sharapova didn't play her best tennis to knock out Stosur. She will certainly need to improve her form if she's going to capture the title for a second straight year. Safarova, who knocked out Sabine Lisicki in straight sets, represents another solid test.