SHARAPOVA INTO SEMI FINALS OF THE DFS CLASSIC
Maria Sharapova moved another step closer to making it a
hat-trick of titles at the DFS Classic today after removing
12th seed Mara Santangelo of Italy to reach the semi finals.
The 19 year Russian was in commanding form winning 6-2,6-2
in just one hour and seven minutes.
“I knew she had a really good grass court game, so
I had to be ready from the beginning,” said Sharapova.
“I felt very comfortable out there today and I seem
to be improving as each round goes by.”
In the semi finals, Sharapova will meet giant-killer Jamea
Jackson. The 19 year old American removed her third seed of
the tournament so far when she defeated 4th seed Elena Likhovtseva
of Russia 6-4,6-3 this evening in a match interrupted by rain.
This will be Jackson’s first ever semi final on the
Sony Ericsson WTA Tour.
“Jamea, she has been playing great tennis this week.
Her results speak for themselves, so I am expecting a tough
match," said Sharapova.
With the DFS Classic, held at the Edgbaston Priory Club,
Birmingham, celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, HRH
the Duchess of Gloucester, Honorary President of the Lawn
Tennis Association paid a visit to the tournament today. The
visit was part of a series of events to mark the anniversary
including a special presentation on court tomorrow.
Qualifier Meilen Tu became the first player through to the
semi finals when she upset 6th seed Marian Bartoli of France
6-4,6-4. The 28 year old American veteran became the first
qualifier to reach the semi finals since Sharapova made her
debut in 2003.
“It’s been a while since I’ve been in a
semi, so I’m really excited,” said Tu, who last
reached a semi final five and a half years ago. “I’ve
surprised myself with what I’ve done this week. A few
days before I hadn’t even decided whether I was going
to fly to Birmingham or not, so I’m definitely glad
I did.”
Tu will now play good friend Vera Zvonareva who upset 2nd
seed Francesca Schiavone of Italy 6-4,3-6,6-1. The Russian
was a permanent fixture in the top 10 until a year ago, but
has since slid down to 78 in the Sony Ericsson WTA Tour rankings.
Today’s victory over the world number 14 represents
her best result in almost 18 months.
“I’m really happy I managed to get it together
in the third set. It was a tough match as Francesca is such
a great player,” said Zvonareva. “I have known
Meilen (Tu) for a long time, as we practice a lot. I’m
happy for her and she is happy for me. It won’t make
the match any different though.”
Both Tu and Zvonareva, along with fellow quarter finalist
Elena Likhovtseva are all coached by Sam Sumyk.
“He’s already said he is going on vacation tomorrow
when we play,” joked Zvonareva. “He’ll probably
just watch the soccer while we are playing.”
Saturday’s action begins at 2:00pm will the all unseeded
clash between Tu and Zvonareva, followed by top seed Sharapova
against Jackson.
All centre court tickets have been sold for Saturday’s
play, but a limited number of ground passes are still available.
For ticket booking please call the Box Office: 0870 909 3015,
or visit www.LTA.org.uk or http://birmingham.lta.org.uk for
more information.
The main draw of the DFS Classic will run between 12th and
18th June at the Edgbaston Priory Club in Birmingham
|
