Record Russians dominate quarter-finals

Maria Sharapova [Images] is one of a record four Russian women in action as Wimbledon [Images] reaches the quarter-final stage on Tuesday.

With the men taking the day off, two Americans and two Frenchwomen complete the lineup in the last eight at the All England [Images] Club.

Although she has been relegated to Court One, focus will once again be on the 18-year-old defending champion Sharapova for her encounter with Moscovite Nadia Petrova.

The two meet for only the second time in their careers and Sharapova knows her compatriot will be a difficult proposition.

"I played her a long time ago," she said. "Big game, big serve. Obviously it's going to be another tough match."

The 18-year-old has looked in good form so far and is clearly relishing being back on the famous grass courts that propelled her to international fame.

"I go out there and give everything I've got just because I enjoy it, I love being out there," she said. "I love competing especially here."

Attempting to repeat her 1999 victory, American top seed Lindsay Davenport [Images] faces another Grand Slam-winning Russian when she takes on US Open [Images] champion Svetlana Kuznetzova.

The 29-year-old set down a marker by beating Kim Clijsters [Images] in a fierce fourth round match and hopes she can keep that form going into the match against the fifth seed.

"It's tough when you when you play really tough matches and really matches that you need to get through so early," she said. "I'm going to have to come down from my little high and start again tomorrow."

If they can avoid the storms forecast on the weather front, a turbulent encounter is in prospect on Centre Court as twice champion Venus Williams [Images] takes on temperamental recent French Open finalist Mary Pierce.

Venus believes her form is improving as she looks to add to the titles she won in 2000 and 2001.

"I feel like I'm raising to the next level ... and I'm able to step it up a gear, especially if I get a high percentage of first serves in," she said.

Still striving for a first Grand Slam victory, third seed Amelie Mauresmo faces the fourth Russian, the 2004 French Open winner Anatasia Myskina in what is likely to be another tight encounter.

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