Serena Williams to face Maria Sharapova at French Open

Serena Williams will battle against Maria Sharapova on Monday for the 22nd time after both won at Roland Garros. Williams is playing her first grand slam in 16 months and only her third tournament of 2018 after giving birth to daughter Olympia in September.  Sharapova is also returning from a drug suspension for taking meldonium in April 2017 and an arm injury this year.

"We are both on a comeback for two totally different reasons, and she's been on her journey for over a year and I just started mine a couple months ago," said Williams. "So it's just something new and different."

Serena's ranking is down to 451st due to a lack of matches since winning the 2017 Australian Open in the early stages of pregnancy. But, she still defeated 11th-seed Julia Goerges 6-3 6-4 Saturday evening.

"I feel like every match I play I'm getting better and I'm playing tougher opponents and I'm hanging in there, and I feel like it's going to hopefully keep going," said, the 23-time grand slam winner.

Sharapova ranks 28th but also beat 6th-seed Karolina Pliskova 6-2 6-1 in the afternoon.

Trying to beat Williams is a big challenge for Sharapova.

Maria Sharapova trails the series 19-2 and last overcame Serena Williams in 2004.

"I think any time you play against Serena you know what you're up against," the five-time grand slam winner told reporters. "You know the challenge that is upon you.

"Despite the record that I have against her, I always look forward to coming out on the court and competing against the best player."