Tennis: Injured Sharapova exits Pan Pacific Open

Wimbledon champion Kvitova advances into semis.

TOKYO: Maria Sharapova’s effort to avenge her Wimbledon final loss to Petra Kvitova was brought to an abrupt end after she twisted an ankle in the quarter-finals of the Pan Pacific Open.

The Russian world number two was serving 40-15 up at 3-4 in a well poised first set when she twisted her left ankle on landing after a serve. Sharapova received court-side treatment but decided to retire soon afterwards, giving the Czech a free ticket to the semi-finals.

Kvitova, who claimed her first Grand Slam title beating Sharapova in June’s Wimbledon final, will play Vera Zvonareva, in the semis after the Russian beat compatriot Maria Kirilenko 6-3, 6-3 earlier in the day.

“It always feels great to be in a semi-final,” said Zvonareva. “I’m just trying to play my game, trying to find some chances that can cause her discomfort and trying to execute the way I can. So far it’s been working well for me.”

Third-seed Victoria Azarenka of Belarus produced a storming finish by taking the last nine games to beat Marion Bartoli of France 7-5, 6-0 for a place in the other semi-final.

“It was a battle in the first set,” said Azarenka. “In the second set I stepped up my level and played a more aggressive game. I’m really happy to be in the semis after a little bit of a break as it can sometimes be difficult to get the momentum going.”

Published in The Express Tribune, September 30^th,  2011.