Sharapova hits back at Wozniacki over scheduling row following her 7-5, 6-2 third round victory over American Kenin; says her focus is only on winning
Russia's Maria Sharapova returns to American Sofia Kenin during the third round match of the US Open on Friday. Pic/Getty Images. (Right) Caroline Wozniacki
Maria Sharapova fired back at Caroline Wozniacki over her criticism of the US Open's scheduling.
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Wozniacki, who has been one of Sharapova' most outspoken critics since her return from a 15-month doping ban, said it did not set a good example to give the Russian prime-time billing for every match.
Sharapova played her third contest in a row on Arthur Ashe Stadium on Friday night and defeated American teenager Sofia Kenin 7-5, 6-2 to reach the fourth round.
'Big competitor'
Asked about the comments from Wozniacki, who was beaten in round two by Ekaterina Makarova, Sharapova said: “I don't make the schedule. I'm a pretty big competitor. If you put me out in the parking lot of Queens in New York City, I'm happy to play there. That's not what matters to me. All that matters to me is I'm in the fourth round. I'm not sure where she is.” After three-set struggles against Simona Halep and Timea Babos, Friday's match was slightly more comfortable for Sharapova, although she endured a 66-minute first set against her 18-year-old opponent.
Kvitova marches on
Petra Kvitova produced her best Grand Slam form since her career-threatening hand injury to beat Caroline Garcia 6-0, 6-4 and set up a fourth-round clash with favourite Garbine Muguruza.
Earlier, Muguruza, swept Magdalena Rybarikova 6-1, 6-1 to qualify for the fourth round.
Venus Williams, too, advanced to the fourth round with a win over 95th-ranked Maria Sakkari 6-3, 6-4 on Friday.
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