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 30th, 2011.
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 30th, 2011.