On the middle Sunday, as play turns into the home stretch at Roland Garros, the intensity increases at the season's second Grand Slam.

Bouchard Blazes

Eighth-seeded Angelique Kerber had been impressive, quietly working her way through the women’s draw. But on Sunday, she was no match for 18th seed Eugenie Bouchard, who scorched Court Philippe Chatrier. Bouchard defeated Kerber 6-1 6-2 to reach her second consecutive Grand Slam quarterfinal.

The result was not shocking, but the manner in which Bouchard won may have been. In a match that lasted just 52 minutes, the Canadian broke Kerber on four of seven opportunities while protecting her serve throughout. Bouchard dominated points on the German's serve, particularly her second, where she won 72 percent of those points.

Bouchard was pleased with her effort. “I think I executed my game plan really well, so I'm happy with that. I was really mentally prepared for anything, for a battle.’

Kerber was only able to muster 12 winners in the match. “I can say that it was not my best day today,” she said. “I was trying, but I had no rhythm. I made so many mistakes, I was not moving very good.”

With the victory, the 20-year-old will face clay specialist Carla Suarez Navarro, who defeated Ajla Tomljanovic in straight sets.

Sharapova Outlasts Stosur

Two true fighters squared off in the round of 16 on Court Suzanne Lenglen. Seventh-seeded Maria Sharapova faced 19th seed Sam Stosur, and, as expected, it was a hard-fought battle for the quarterfinals between two fierce competitors. But it was Sharapova unleashing a late assault to advance 3-6 6-4 6-0.

After feeling each other out, it was Stosur who obtained the first break in the match. However, in true Sharapova style, she fought intensely to even the set, pounding the Stosur backhand with a barrage of strikes. But the Aussie held up under pressure holding serve and in turn broke the Russian once more to take the first set at 6-3.

Looking to reclaim control of the match, Sharapova gained a quick break in the second set as a Stosur forehand went awry. However, Stosur evened the match at 2-2 after a time violation appeared to temporarily rattle Sharapova, who tossed in a double fault on break point. The Russian was only momentarily derailed, breaking Stosur once more and serving out the set to even the match.

In the third set, it appeared that Sharapova's battering array of shots had finally taken its toll on Stosur who lost her serve immediately and remained on the defensive. Sharapova refused to let Stosur off of the ropes, overpowering and wearing down the Queenslander to take the set and the match.

Sharapova will face giant-killer Garbine Muguruza, in the final eight. The Spaniard eliminated the last Frenchwoman in the draw with a 6-4 6-2 victory over Pauline Parmentier.