Maria books quarter-final clash with Serena

Maria Sharapova, enjoying a sparkling season so far, will test herself against an old foe in Serena Williams in the quarter-finals of the Family Circle Cup. Sharapova, ranked No.4 in the world and seeded second, defeated unseeded Tatiana Perebiynis 7-5, 6-2.

Maria has stormed through the early stages of 2008, going 23-1 with three titles, including the Australian Open. However, the Russian has struggled against Williams, losing each of the last three meetings and four of six overall.

Williams claimed both matchups last year, including a showdown in the championship match in Melbourne.

Yet, Sharapova has shown that she has grown as a player, picking up her first clay title at Amelia Island on Sunday.

She also started strong at this green clay event on Wednesday, crushing American Bethanie Mattek 6-0, 6-0.

Sharapova also could benefit from the fact that Williams may be hurting for the quarter-finals. The American tumbled to the clay court after turning her right ankle in the second set against Srebotnik.