DFS Classic: Sharapova beats Daniilidou

Birmingham:

Top-seeded Maria Sharapova advanced to the final of DFS Classic on Friday after defeating Eleni Daniilidou of Greece 7-5, 2-6, 6-1. The first set went to Sharapova 7-5, before the Russian called for a medical time out in the second for treatment to her right thigh. Daniilidou mixed up slices with slower drives and sudden attacks to force Sharapova into several unforced errors in the second set and took that 6-2 to level the match.

Back in focus But Sharapova recovered her focus and simplified her tactics to hold on for victory in typically tenacious style for a 7-5, 2-6, 6-1 win. Afterwards Sharapova admitted that a slight cold and the injury meant she was not on top of her game, but that she will recover in time for Wimbledon on June 20. "It was tough. I wasn't feeling great today. Started a little sloppy, got up a break and then lost it in the first set, but gave away the second set and then really had to fight for it in the third," Sharapova said. Other games Fifth-seeded Tatiana Golovin of France downed Anna Chakvetadze of Russia 6-4, 7-6 (3), and third-seeded Jelena Jankovic of Serbia-Montenegro topped Mashona Washington of the United States 6-2, 6-4. Jankovic's low, controlled topspin consistently played havoc with Washington's volleying, setting up chances to pass the American with her next shot. In the other quarterfinal, American Laura Granville defeated Tamarine Tanasugarn of Thailand 6-4, 6-3. (AP)

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