Sharapova downs Azarenka and marches into the French Open final

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Wilson Blade 9

In the first semifinal of the 2013 French Open, defending champion Maria Sharapova once again reminded us and herself that the days when she hated clay are long gone and the Russian worked her way past Victoria Azarenka on Court Philippe Chatrier.

Bombarding Azarenka with winners, Sharapova rocketed to a 6-1 lead in just 28 minutes, while her opponent forgot what it means to hold a serve. The second set opened with Azarenka winning her first service game of the match and after the first five games went with serve, Azarenka broke Sharapova for a 4-2 lead and then again in the eighth game to win the set. A short rain delay followed and when play was resumed, after two tight holds of serve and then two breaks for 2-2, Sharapova took her opponent’s serve to lead 3-2 and from then on she slowly but surely, despite dropping serve and wasting four match points when serving for the match at 5-2, earned her place in the prestigious final with a 6-1 2-6 6-4 victory.

The other semifinal follows, if the weather permits, with Serena Williams and Sara Errani meeting on the same court. (photo: © Neal Trousdale)

2 COMMENTS

  1. So proud of Sharapova for making it through a tough draw, but I really hate the thoughts of what will happen on Saturday. I’m not ready for another beatdown at the hands of Serena!! :/

  2. Bróna, Serena is merciless, even though Sharapova is playing well, it would be extremely surprising if she beats Serena.

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