The top-seeded player in women’s tennis was ousted from Wimbledon on Monday as Maria Sharapova fell to Sabine Lisicki in straight sets, losing 6-4, 6-3. Sharapova was eliminated in the fourth round just four weeks after she completed a career grand slam while winning at the French Open.
Lisicki outplayed Sharapova on windy, rainy conditions, claiming her first victory against Sharapova in four matches including a loss to Maria in the semifinals of last years Wimbledon grand slam tournament.
The loss marks the fifth time in six years that the No. 1 seed at Wimbledon failed to reach the final on the women’s side.
After the match Lisicki said of her win:
“It’s just unbelievable” and “I just went for my shots. Really from the first point on I felt great out there. It’s my favorite tournament. I love playing on grass; I love the crowd here. I just love it.”
She then added:
“For the third time I’ve beaten the French Open champion here. I’m just so happy. I’ve lost the three previous meetings against her. Now I just played well and beat her for the first time.”
Fourth-time Grand Slam champion Kim Clijsters also failed to advance in what is likely her last Wimbledon performance. Clijsters also lost in straight sets to German, No. 8 Angelique Kerber with a final score of 6-1, 6-1, Clijsters who is set to retire after this years U.S. Open had returned to the sport in 2009 after a two-year break but was met this year with several injuries that slowed her play.
Also advancing to the next round were defending champion Peter Kvitova alongside Serena Williams and Victoria Azarenka.
Lisicki who is playing in her third straight Wimbledon quarterfinals match will take on Angelique Kerber.
