(October 24, 2012) Maria Sharapova rallied past Agnieszka Radwanska in a three-hour, 12-minute contest, 5-7, 7-5, 7-5 on Wednesday for her second round-robin win at the WTA Championships in Istanbul, securing the Russian a place in the semifinal round.
“It was a very physical match,” said Sharapova. “Just came down just to a few points in the end. I think today was an example of not playing my best tennis at all, fighting through it, hanging in there, and getting it done.
“I mean, obviously I didn’t play the way I wanted to from the beginning. I didn’t break her once in the first set. Just wasn’t doing a lot on my returns; wasn’t playing aggressive enough.
“But I fought and I won, so I’m happy.”
Sharapova hit 66 winners to 64 errors to Radwanska’s 18 winners and 19 errors.
“I feel like I was doing the right things,” said the Russian. “Obviously there’s a reason why she’s No. 4 in the world. She showed that today. Her capability of anticipating where the ball goes and getting it back. No matter if it’s, you know, a hard shot or a lower slice that has no pace, she makes you work for it.
“She did until the end. I found a way to get through those points against her which is not always easy, especially on a slower court like this. But I managed.”
“It was actually great match,” said Radwanska. ” All of those set(s) were very tight. You know, of course I had my chance in the second set, but when you’re not using them against really top player, great player, it’s hard to come back.”
The victory advances Sharapova out of the White Group and into the semifinals, joining Serena Williams who advanced out of the Red Group earlier Wednesday evening.
TEB BNP PARIBAS WTA CHAMPIONSHIPS – ISTANBUL 2012
Istanbul, Turkey
October 23-28, 2012
$4,900,000/SEC
Hard/Indoors
Results – Wednesday, October 24, 2012
Round Robin – Red Group
(1) Victoria Azarenka (BLR) d. (5) Angelique Kerber (GER) 67(11) 76(2) 64 (saved 2mp)
(3) Serena Williams (USA) d. (8) Li Na (CHN) 76(2) 63
Round Robin – White Group
(2) Maria Sharapova (RUS) d. (4) Agnieszka Radwanska (POL) 57 75 75
Order Of Play – Thursday, October 25, 2012
Stadium (from 17.00hrs)
[5] Angelique Kerber (GER) vs [8] Li Na (CHN)
[1] Victoria Azarenka (BLR) vs [3] Serena Williams (USA)
[9] Samantha Stosur (AUS) vs [7] Sara Errani (ITA)