Russia's Nadia Petrova said she had to believe in herself and think of nothing but the game as she played against Venus Williams of the United States in the 4th round match of the 2010 French Open.
The hard-hitting Russian was seeded 19th, but overcame the American No. 2 seed in straight sets, 6-4, 6-3, with five aces, on Sunday to reach the quarterfinals of the Grand Slam tournament.
"I had nothing to lose, I began calmly, played my tennis and thought of nothing," Petrova said at a news conference after the match.
Petrova broke Williams early in each set and cruised to victory in an hour and a half.
The Russian said it was easier for her to play against Williams on clay than on any other court.
"The clay buffers the power of strike, which is her [Williams'] trump," she said.
The 27-year-old Muscovite will meet her compatriot Dementieva in the quarterfinals after the fifth seed beat South African Chanelle Scheepers 6-1, 6-3 earlier in the day.
"My next opponent is Dementieva and it is difficult for me to play against her... I can't say who this victory is more important for," she said.
PARIS, May 31 (RIA Novosti)
