Russian tennis players have dominated the red clay courts of Paris with four Russian women and two men reaching the fourth round of the French Open.
Second seeded Maria Sharapova of Russia defeated countrywoman Anna Chakvetadze in straight sets 6-1, 6-4. U.S. Open champion Svetlana Kuznetsova defeated Marissa Irvin of the United States in three sets (6-1, 2-6, 6-0).
Seventh-seeded Nadia Petrova of Russia had little trouble with Israel's Shahar Peer (6-3, 6-1). Number-12 seed Elena Bovina of Russia ousted Tatiana Golovin of France in straight sets (6-3, 7-5).
In men's play, third seed Marat Safin of Russia reached the fourth round with a four-set win over former champion Juan Carlos Ferrero of Spain (7-6, 7-5, 1-6, 7-6). Twelfth seeded Nikolay Davydenko of Russia defeated German Tommy Haas in straight sets (7-5, 6-0, 6-0).
Elsewhere in women's play, third seed Amelie Mauresmo of France lost in three sets to Serbia-Montenegro's Ana Ivanovic (6-4, 3-6, 6-4). Tenth-seeded Justine Henin-Hardenne of Belgium scored a three-set win over Anabel Medina Garrigues of Spain (4-6, 6-2, 6-3).
Two other French women made their exits from the tournament. Nuria Llagostera Vives of Spain beat 13th-seed Nathalie Dechy of France (7-6, 6-3). Switzerland's Emmanuelle Gagaliardi overcame a first-set loss to defeat Emilie Loit of France in three sets (4-6, 6-3, 6-3). Also, Italian Francesca Schiavone ousted Anna-Lena Groenefeld of Germany (7-6, 7-5).
In men's play, eighth-seed and 2004 runner-up Guillermo Coria advanced with a straight-set win over Jurgen Melzer of Austria (6-1, 6-1, 7-6). Fifteenth-seeded Tommy Robredo of Spain made the fourth round with a three-set win over countryman David Sanchez (6-4, 6-3, 6-1).
Two other Argentine players -- Jose Acasuso and Mariano Puerta -- also advanced. Acasuso reached the fourth round when his opponent, Italian Filippo Volandri retired. Puerta beat Switzerland's Stanislas Wawrinka in four sets (1-6, 6-3, 6-1, 6-4).
Some information for this report provided by AP.
