Maria Sharapova "excited" by US Open quarter-final

Maria Sharapova has admitted that she is "excited" to have reached the quarter-finals of the US Open for the first time since she won the title back in 2008.

The Russian secured her spot in the final eight thanks to a three-set victory over Nadia Petrova last night.

She will now take on Italian Marion Bartoli in the final eight - a player that she has faced on numerous occasions.

"It's nice to see her back in the quarter-finals of a Slam. I think she's been a little bit up and down, but obviously her level has stepped up here at the US Open," said Sharapova.

"I've played her before. I know her game style. It's a little bit different, non-traditional. But it's the quarter-finals and I'm excited."

Sharapova has won all four of the Grand Slam titles.