French Open 2011: Maria Sharapova Skids, Andrea Petkovic Moonwalks into Quarters

Starting rather slowly, Maria Sharapova routed Agnieszka Radwanska 7-6 (4), 7-5. Next she will face Andrea Petkovic, who ousted Maria Kirilenko in exactly three 44-minute sets, 6-2, 2-6, 6-4.

Maria Sharapova seemed inconsistent on the court, having a slow start and then being overly aggressive later. Her 44 errors almost matched her 47 winners, seeming colossal compared to her opponent's 12 errors and 13 winners. 

Radwanska was leading several times against the seventh seed. She began with a 4-1 lead in the first set but Sharapova began hitting aces and winners. In the second set, the 12th seed was up 5-3 and had two set points but Sharapova came back and finished the match. 

Commentators and observers alike noted and were impressed by how much Sharapova moved to the inside of the court and won 17 of 22 net approaches, while most of the players have been staying behind the baseline. 

This marks the Russian's fifth quarterfinal appearance in Paris and she's now three matches from a career Grand Slam. 

Andrea Petkovic did her new moonwalk after defeating 25th-seeded Maria Kirilenko, bringing the victory dance back after she began to lose without it prior to Roland Garros.

Both had more double faults and errors to winners and aces but ultimately, the German was able to break five of six opportunities putting her ahead.

This is the No. 15 seed's second major quarterfinal this year and her third meeting with Sharapova in 2011.

Sharapova has a 2-1 record against Petkovic, but the German pulled off an upset against the former No. 1 in the fourth round at the Australian Open. Sharapova got her revenge in Miami, winning in three sets. 

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