Defending champion Maria Sharapova is out of the French Open. Russia’s Sharapova, who has reached the final in the previous three years, was beaten 7-6 (7-3) 6-4 by Czech 13th seed Lucie Safarova in the fourth round. It is second seed Sharapova’s earliest defeat at Roland Garros since 2010. “I felt I had small openings but I wasn’t able to play a few good points and Lucie was a much more aggressive player,” said Sharapova. “My opponent was at a much higher level, more consistent than I was, and that resulted in a bad day at the office.” Safarova, 28, will take on Garbine Muguruza in the last eight, after the Spaniard beat Italy’s Flavia Pennetta 6-3 6-4. “Maria is an amazing player. I needed to play aggressive and to come forward for the points,” said Safarova.