US Open Champion Samantha Stosur is all set to lock horns with Maria Sharapova in the quarterfinal of the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix in Stuttgart.
Sharapova has had a slightly disappointing year so far as she is yet to win a single tournament. She started the season at the Australian Open and was on song up until the final where she was outclassed by World No.1 Victoria Azarenka. In March she managed to reach the finals of both Indian Wells and the Miami Sony Ericsson Open but was beaten on both occasions. This is her debut at the high profile Stuttgart event, and so far she has looked in good form.
Samantha Stosur has had to endure a difficult year so far. She lost in the opening rounds at Sydney and then again in Australian Open. In February a much improved Stosur reached the finals of the Qatar Total Open, but lost to Victoria Azarenka. Her form fell once again in March and she disappointed in Miami and Indian Wells. She is still struggling to find the kind of form that helped her to win the US Open in 2011. She beat Julia Goerges 6-2,2-6,6-3 in round two of the on-going event.
These two have met 10 times during their career and Sharapova leads 9 to 1. However, their last match was won by Stosur at the WTA Championphips last year. The Australian could derive some inspiration from that, but based on the form that the two are in at the moment, Sharapova is the clear favorite to win this one.