Sharapova stunned by Bouchard in epic Madrid battle

Maria Sharapova was stunned by Eugenie Bouchard – the woman that called her a ‘cheat’ – in a marathon three-setter, as the latter advanced to the third round of the Madrid Open on Monday.

Sharapova, who defeated Croat Mirjana Lucic-Baroni 4-6 6-4 6-0 to set up a second round clash with Bouchard, couldn’t go through a brutal encounter 7-5 2-6 6-4 that lasted almost three hours on court.

Bouchard had called Sharapova “a cheater” last week and suggested she should have been banned for life — instead of 15 months — after testing positive for meldonium at the 2015 Australian Open.

“She’s a cheater and I don’t think a cheater in any sport should be allowed to play again,” Bouchard had said.

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“I think from the WTA it sends the wrong message to young kids: cheat and we’ll welcome you back with open arms.”

The Canadian finally came through against the 30-year-old, who won the Madrid Open in 2014, and will now face World No. 2, Angelique Kerber in the round of 16.

Kerber fought back from 5-3 down in the deciding set of the clash as she overcame Katerina Siniakova 6-2, 1-6, 7-5 earlier on Monday.

Bouchard and Kerber will battle in the next round on Wednesday.

 

 

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