World number two Maria Sharapova will face a formidable opponent in the final of the 2012 Italian Open. The Russian tennis star is aiming to defend this prestigious claycourt title against the 2011 French Open champion, who’s aiming to win her first title in almost a year.
Li advanced to the final without playing in the semifinals because her opponent, sixth-seeded Serena Williams, had to pull out because of a back injury. Sharapova, on the other hand, had to work hard to dispatch 12th-seeded Angelique Kerber. Despite the loss, Kerber is assured of her entry in the world’s top ten for the first time on Monday.
Sharapova is going for her second WTA title of the year, she won a Premier-level claycourt tournament last month in Stuttgart.
Watch 2012 Italian Open Final: Maria Sharapova vs Li Na Live Online Video Stream Coverage
