Sharapova, Jankovic renew childhood rivalry

Maria Sharapova and Jelena Jankovic, who fine-tuned their fierce rivalry as youngsters uprooted from Europe to Nick Bollettieri's Florida production line, duel for a spot in the French Open semi-finals on Wednesday.

Defending champion Sharapova has an imposing 7-1 career lead over Jankovic but this will be their first meeting on clay -- and it should be a feisty affair.

Both women were juniors at Bollettieri's with Sharapova arriving from Russia as a nine-year-old while Jankovic was 12 when she pitched up from Belgrade to work with the renowned US coach.

AFP