Bogotá Gallery: Francesca On The Up?

Maria Sharapova's first opponent at the BNP Paribas Open isn't your typical World No.47 - she's a Grand Slam champion and former World No.4. And how many Top 3 wins does she have?

Published March 08, 2013 12:00

Francesca Schiavone went into Bogotá a few weeks ago on the heels of an eight-match losing streak.

But there's something about the Colombian clay that revived Schiavone's Grand Slam-winning game.

Schiavone has won four of six matches - and barely lost the other two - since going to Bogotá.

Schiavone is a fan favorite wherever she goes, such as this autograph signing that week in Bogotá.

Schiavone's upturn in results has led to a second round match with Maria Sharapova at Indian Wells.

Schiavone is 0-3 against Sharapova, but she did extend two of those three meetings to three sets.

And there's something else in Schiavone's past that could give her a boost against the World No.3...

The former No.4 has six career wins over Top 3 players - four on clay courts and two on hardcourts.

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