Sharapova, Federer advance at French Open

Maria Sharapova, the defending champion, passed a major test in pursuit of her third title at Roland Garros. The Russian got past 26th seed Samantha Stosur, the 2010 French Open runner-up, in straight sets, 6-3, 6-4. The win moves Sharapova into the fourth round of the tournament.

The same cannot be said for Sabine Lisicki. The big serving German was bounced out in just over an hour and a half against Czech Lucie Safarova. The final score was 6-3, 7-6.

Eleventh seeded Angelique Kerber also went down to defeat to Garbine Muguruza despite winning the first set. The Spaniard prevailed 4-6, 6-2, 6-2. And earlier, Annika Beck lost to Elina Svitolina from Ukraine 3-6, 6-2, 4-6 in what one could say was a suboptimal day for German women's tennis.

On the men's side, Roger Federer kept his hopes for an eighteenth Grand Slam title alive with a straight-sets win over Damir Dzumhur, 6-4, 6-3, 6-2. It was the first time playing the Bosnian for Federer who afterward said he was relieved.

"Mentally I'm not always as relaxed as people might think - there is so much at stake," the Swiss former champion said.

Friday was a good day for all the men's favorites - with no major upsets in Paris.