Eugenie Bouchard may have found her groove.
After beating rival Maria Sharapova on Monday, the Canadian prevailed 6-3, 5-0 (retired) over top-seeded Angelique Kerber on Wednesday at the Madrid Open.
Bouchard has now won four of six matches against the German. Three of those victories have come in six straight sets.
- Milos Raonic advances to 3rd round in Madrid
- Maria Sharapova: Controversy sells — fairness does not
- Eugenie Bouchard blasts 'cheater' Sharapova
- 'Inspired' Bouchard beats 'cheater' Sharapova in drama-filled match
After losing six straight tour-level matches following the U.S. Open, Bouchard now owns a three-match winning streak in Madrid.
On Wednesday, it was Kerber finding herself on the wrong end of Bouchard's new-found confidence before retiring with a left thigh injury down 5-0 in the second set.
Bouchard defeated Sharapova Monday for the first time by taking advantage of the Russian's 49 unforced errors and struggles on serve, including nine double faults. The victory backed up Bouchard's comments referring to Sharapova as a cheater who should be banned for life.
Bouchard defeated Alize Cornet in three sets in the first round.
She is set to face eighth-seeded Svetlana Kuznetsova on Thursday in the quarter-finals.
Raonic advances
Earlier Wednesday, Raonic moved on to the men's third round with a 6-4, 6-4 win over Luxembourg's Gilles Muller.
The world No. 6 from Thornhill, Ont., never faced break point and broke Muller twice on five opportunities. Raonic, seeded fifth in Madrid, will next face ninth seed David Goffin of Belgium on Thursday.
Raonic is playing in his second tournament since returning to action following a hamstring injury. He advanced to the final of the Istanbul Open last week before losing to Marin Cilic.
To encourage thoughtful and respectful conversations, first and last names will appear with each submission to CBC/Radio-Canada's online communities (except in children and youth-oriented communities). Pseudonyms will no longer be permitted.
By submitting a comment, you accept that CBC has the right to reproduce and publish that comment in whole or in part, in any manner CBC chooses. Please note that CBC does not endorse the opinions expressed in comments. Comments on this story are moderated according to our Submission Guidelines. Comments are welcome while open. We reserve the right to close comments at any time.
Note: The CBC does not necessarily endorse any of the views posted. By submitting your comments, you acknowledge that CBC has the right to reproduce, broadcast and publicize those comments or any part thereof in any manner whatsoever. Please note that comments are moderated and published according to our submission guidelines.
