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It was just Lucie Safarova’s day. Or rather, Lucie Safarova’s week.
The Czech tennis player made history on Monday, defeating defending champion, No. 2 Maria Sharapova in the fourth round of the French Open. The loss is Sharapova’s earliest exit from the Grand Slam tournament since 2010.
Now, Safarova faces the biggest test of her tennis-playing life on Saturday as she makes her first-ever Grand Slam final appearance. Oh, and she’s also taking on World No. 1 Serena Williams. It’s the first time she’s advanced beyond the fourth round of the French Open in 11 previous appearances.
Here’s what you need to know about the upset that took the tennis world completely by surprise:
1. Safarova Got Sharapova Off Her Game & Forced Mistakes To Earn Early-Match Points
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Sharapova did not exactly look like a two-time French open champion in the fourth round matchup. In fact, Safarova, seeded No. 13 in the tournament, earned he first match point after a Sharapova was called for a pair of double-faults. Despite an onslaught of defensive plays from Sharapova, Safarova settled into a rhythm behind the net and sealed her final victory with an aggressive forehand that the tennis world had only seen flashes of throughout her carrer.
Sharapova told Sports Illustrated:
I felt like I had small openings, and I just wasn’t able to play a good few points. I just wasn’t able to keep that level up today. She was able to do that for a longer period of time. She was the much more aggressive player. She took the time away from me, created her angles and I didn’t.
.@luciesafarova gets her 1st win over Maria #Sharapova since 2010, upsetting the World No.2 7-6(3) 6-4. #RG15 http://t.co/Zx2Ek8ASE2
2. Safarova Will Meet Spain’s Garbiñe Muguruza in the Quarterfinals
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The upset, of course, has a big-time impact on the remaining players in the tournament and will send Safarova to face off against Muguruza in the quarterfinals later this week.
Muguruza reached the quarterfinals for the second straight year after winning five of her last six games against 28th seed Flavia Penetta on Friday. If Muguruza’s name seems familiar, there’s a good reason; the Spain native made international headlines last season after she ousted world number one Serena Williams in only the second round, before going on to reach the last eight.
No hay mejor sensación que la recompensa al esfuerzo! There is no better feeling than the reward after the effort! http://t.co/rRjYvkrNFT
3. Safarova Plays Left-Handed With a Two-Handed Backhand
The Czech native plays left-handed, something she certainly used to her strength against Sharapova, and boasts a strong two-handed backhand as well. The style of play has drawn comparisons to Rafael Nadal.
Her quick feet and timing off the ground gives her some serious power to her groundstrokes and she has developed a reputation of quick, volatile returns off the serve.
Safarova’s preferred playing surface is clay – the same as the French Open.
4. Safarova Has Won Six WTA Tour Singles Titles & Reached the Semifinals of Wimbledon in 2014
Safarova, ranked No. 11 in the world as recently as March 2015, has found success on the WTA Tour circuit, winning six singles titles since 2005. She won her first title on May 1, 2005 in Portugal defeating China’s Li Na. Her most recent WTA title came on February 28 this year when she took down Victoria Azarenka in straight sets in the Qatar Total Open.
Safarova’s best Grand Slam performance came last year at Wimbledon when she reached the tournament semifinals before falling to No. 6 seed Petra Kvitova.
5. She Has Been Coached by Rob Steckley Since 2013
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The 34-year-old Steckley was a very good junior player, who peaked at No. 464 in the world, before, finally, finding his big break in coaching. He’s coached Safarova for the past few seasons and focused on improving her strength and on-court maturity.
Steckley’s coaching career began with Aleksandra Wozniak in 2009, leading her to a career-high ranking of No. 21. He followed up with India’s Sania Mirza and, in 2012, almost fell into his current relationship with Safarova. He officially took over as her coach at the end of the 2013 season. It’s a match made in opposite heaven with his humor finding a perfect balance for Safarova’s, admittedly, intense presence.
Safarova explained her relationship with her coach to Tennis.com:
My game improved a lot throughout the last couple of years. I think we did the great job together with my coach, Rob, on my game and it’s just hard work and also maturing a little bit,” Safarova said. “I think it’s everything together. Also, the health was good the last couple of years. So I really enjoy the game and enjoy to compete.
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Lucie Safarova: 5 Fast Facts You Need to Know