QUESTION
You've had a week off, got some grass court matches in, probably two more than you wanted in one day. But can you tell us about the shoulder? How much better is it? Can you stand up there and hit 110 miles an hour serves right now?

MARIA SHARAPOVA:
I can. Some days are better than others. It's still not exactly where I want it to be. But I've said that in the last few weeks and I've been able to play good and steady.
I'm happy that I got to play. My goal in Birmingham was to play as many matches as I can, and I did that. After playing that many matches in a couple days my shoulder held up well. That was a really good sign.

QUESTION
It's hard to imagine you could have seen that coming from her. What are your thoughts on that?

MARIA SHARAPOVA:
Yeah, it definitely was to her level. That was expected, especially how well she's been playing recently and the confidence she's come to this tournament with. She definitely carried that over.

Maria Sharapova advanced to the Semi finals at Roland Garros afer winning the Russian Battle over Anna Chakvetadze. Read (or view) Maria's opinion after the jump

QUESTION
You had double faults in the second. Were they caused by shoulder problems, were they?

MARIA SHARAPOVA:
Yeah, like I said, I can't expect a lot from my shoulder this week. Just try to loosen it up as the match goes on. Sometimes I feel it during the match, but it's normal. It's okay.

QUESTION
On Monday you said your shoulder was still giving you a bit ‑‑ or was it Tuesday, your shoulder was giving you a bit?

MARIA SHARAPOVA:
Wednesday, yeah.

QUESTION
How did it feel today?

MARIA SHARAPOVA:
I mean, I feel it at times in the match, but I don't know. I try not to think about it, yeah. It's still there at times.