Top-seed Caroline Wozniacki blasted her way into the Indian Wells final, allowing three-time Grand Slam winner Maria Sharapova just one service hold in a ruthless display.
World number one Wozniacki demolished her Russian opponent 6-1, 6-2 in front of a crowd of about 7,000 at the BNP Paribas Open to set up a clash with France’s Marion Bartoli.
“It was very important for me to play good defence today, because Sharapova is hitting the ball hard,” said Wozniacki.
“You are not allowed to give her too many short balls and to let her dictate too much because then she’s very dangerous.”
Speaking about her opponent in today’s final, the 20-year-old said of Bartoli, “Marion is a player who is also trying to play very aggressively, taking the ball early. She’s not going to give me a lot of free points.”
Federer, Djokovic set up showdown
Meanwhile, world number two Roger Federer defeated his Swiss compatriot and doubles partner Stanislas Wawrinka 6-3, 6-4 to reach the round of four.
Federer will now face reigning Australia Open champion Novak Djokovic who earlier extended his perfect record this season to 16-0 with a 6-2,6-4 quarter-final victory over Richard Gasquet.
Federer set up match point with a thundering forehand down the line then clinched the win when Wawrinka punched a backhand wide, ending the 64-minute match on center court.
“I have had a wonderful hardcourt swing,” said Federer. “I had a good start to the year, a good six months. I am excited, pretty healthy and really motivated.”
The Swiss pair is also teaming up in the doubles draw. No sooner had they finished their singles match then they had to get ready to return to the main stadium court, where they beat Spaniards Rafael Nadal and Marc Lopez 7-5, 6-3 in the first match of the night session.
Federer said he is ready to face Djokovic in what will be their third contest in the past three months.
“I won’t be just chipping in the ball,” said Federer. “I will go after it. You have to take it to Djokovic and I am sure he will do the same to me.”
The outcome of this match will determine who stands higher in the rankings. Federer has a 13-8 career record against Djokovic.
Published in The Express Tribune, March 20th, 2011.
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