Defending champion Maria Sharapova moves on to the French Open final for the second straight year after she defeated third-ranked and first-time Roland Garros semifinalist Victoria Azarenka in a match that’s filled with errors. The Russian eventually won in three sets 6-1, 2-6, 6-4 despite a mini comeback for the Belarrusian in the third set.
Up next for Sharapova is a player that she has not beaten since 2004 – 15-time Grand Slam champion Serena Williams. For now, Sharapova will just have to relish the fact that she’s reached the final of a claycourt Grand Slam once more. She’s been known to have said that she hated playing on clay but interestingly, she has had impressive win-loss record in this tournament. She also reduced the lead of Azarenka in their head to head series which is now at 6-7.
“I was trying to make things happen too quickly and started missing the ball. I’m not happy about the match, but I think it was a good fight. Overall I have to give myself credit for going one step further. This French Open is definitely the best for me so far,” Azarenka said.
As for Sharapova?
“I had a tremendous year last year, and it’s extremely special to get back on that stage where it comes down to the last two players in the tournament,” she said.
“I’m a better mover on clay than I used to be but what’s helped me is the confidence I have on court in terms of getting myself back in to position. I hope I can bring my best tennis to the last match,” she added.
