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Sharapova beats Dementieva in Stanford quarters |
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STANFORD, California: Maria Sharapova outlasted fellow Russian Elena Dementieva, 6-4, 2-6, 6-3, in a match that lasted 2 hours, 47 minutes in the quarterfinals of the Bank of the West Classic. The fifth-seeded Sharapova improved to 6-3 against Top 10 competition since returning from shoulder surgery last May. She advanced to her fourth semifinal of the year. "I wasnt swinging through well," Sharapova said. "Sometimes my arm doesnt want to swing. I didnt want to let up on my serve, though. I wanted to keep going for it. When things arent going that well, you keep doing the right things and hope it turns around." It was another classic battle between two of the top Russians in the womens game, and was the longest match of the tournament. The 15th-ranked Sharapova leads the series against the second-seeded and sixth-ranked Dementieva 9-3 after playing a third set for the first time since the 2004 meeting in Zurich, and third overall. "I think it was a good match. I feel like I played much better than my first match," Dementieva said. "I think my serve wasnt good enough and she was serving very well. It was a pretty tough game." Dementieva was playing in her first tournament since the French Open because of a right shoulder injury. "This is what I was hoping for, to play a few tough matches here, to feel the competition and feel the game," she said. "Hopefully the next time its going to help me." Victoria Azarenka of Belarus beat defending champion Marion Bartoli 3-6, 6-3, 6-3, ending the Frenchwomans run of eight straight victories in the event. |
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STANFORD, California:
31/07/2010 |
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