Tennis star Maria Sharapova managed to pull off a French Open semi-final win against Victoria Azarenka despite some ugly shots and inconsistent play. Sharapova finished the match with a final score of 6-1 2-6 6-4.
Sharapova managed 12 aces during her up and down victory but also suffered through 11 double faults against the Belarussian.
Maria Sharapova managed to race through the opening set in less than half an hour before her gameplay turned sloppy. In the first set, Sharapova allowed her opponent only seven points. Azarenka struck back with brilliant shots and consistent play in the second set, finding the angles she was missing during her first 30 minute set. After a 30-minute rain delay, the match’s momentum shifted back in favor of Sharapova.
After the match, Sharapova told reporters:
“I’m really happy with the way I came out from playing a tough match yesterday. I wish I could have carried that through in two – but I did the job and I’m happy from where I was in the beginning of the tournament to where I am today.”
Sharapova added: “I just hope that I can improve for the next one.”
Sharapova will not face off against Serena Williams in the French Open final. Sharapova has lost her last 12 matches against Serena.
Speaking about her loss Azarenka revealed:
“Today I’m disappointed about the match and what happened out there, but overall I have to give myself credit for going one step further … Even though I lost today I still tried to come back and tried to make something happen, which before was much more difficult for me to do.”
In revealing the change in momentum following the 30-minute rain delay, Azarenka added:
“I think the break kind of changed the momentum. I was just trying to make things happen too quick and started missing the ball.”
Do you think Maria Sharapova can overcome Serena Williams to claim the French Open 2013 title?
