Sharapova outguns Lisicki to storm into Wimbledon final

Nadal ready for Murray showdown today, chasing 11th Grand Slam title.

LONDON:

Maria Sharapova outgunned big-hitting German youngster Sabine Lisicki in straight sets to power into her first Wimbledon final for seven years.

The Russian fifth seed – the winner in 2004 – overcame a slow start to overwhelm wildcard Lisicki 6-4, 6-3 to advance to a final against eighth-seed Petra Kvitova tomorrow.

World number 62 Lisicki, who had stunned second-seeded French Open champion Li Na during a fairytale run to the last-four, was always in trouble after her powerful serve deserted her midway through the first set.

“It’s amazing to be back in the final at Wimbledon, it’s been a while,” said a delighted Sharapova.

“I’m really happy even though I didn’t play my best tennis,” added Sharapova, who totted up 13 double-faults during a patchy display.

“To be in the final is a great achievement for me but I still feel like I’ve got more to do.”

Sharapova did, however, get off to a horrendous start, double-faulting twice in her opening service game as Lisicki surged into a 2-0 lead.

Kvitova downs Azarenka in a thriller

Big-hitting Kvitova of the Czech Republic reached her first Wimbledon final when she defeated Belarusian fourth-seed Victoria Azarenka 6-1, 3-6, 6-2 in a rollercoaster semi-final.

The 21-year-old is the first Czech since Jana Novotna in 1998 to make the title match. She is also the first left-hander to make the final at the All England Club since her childhood inspiration Martina Navratilova, watching from the Royal Box on Centre Court, in 1990.

“I saw Martina in the locker room and she wished me good luck.

“I’m so happy but I don’t really believe I am in the final,” said Kvitova, whose 40 winners to Azarenka’s nine were the foundation of her triumph. She will now face Sharapova in the final.

Rafa is ready

Rafael Nadal said his mysterious foot injury will not prevent him chasing an 11th Grand Slam title at Wimbledon after he advanced to a semi-final showdown with Andy Murray.

“The match will be very difficult for me. I think he’s playing at very, very high level,” said Nadal. “For me the last few months of Andy were very, very good. We will see what’s going on in the semi-finals.”

Bopanna, Mirza in quarters

Indian pair of Rohan Bopanna and Sania Mirza ousted Czech duo of Martin Damm and Renata Voracova 6-3, 6-0 to power into the mixed doubles quarter-finals. The sixth-seeded Indian duo took the first-set lead and never let the opposition take the front seat. Mirza has also reached the women’s doubles semi-finals along with Russian partner Elena Vesnina.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 1^st, 2011.