Injured Sharapova exits Pan Pacific Open
Maria Sharapova's effort to avenge her Wimbledon final loss to Petra Kvitova was brought to an abrupt end on Thursday after she twisted an ankle in the quarter-finals of the Pan Pacific Open.
Maria Sharapova's effort to avenge her Wimbledon final loss to Petra Kvitova was brought to an abrupt end on Thursday after she twisted an ankle in the quarter-finals of the Pan Pacific Open.
The Russian world number two was serving 40-15 up at 3-4 in a well poised first set when she twisted her left ankle on landing after a serve.
Sharapova received court-side treatment but decided to retire soon afterwards, giving the Czech a free ticket to the semi-finals.
Kvitova, who claimed her first Grand Slam title beating Sharapova in June's Wimbledon final, will play Vera Zvonareva, in the semis after the Russian beat compatriot Maria Kirilenko 6-3, 6-3 earlier in the day.
"It always feels great to be in a semi-final. I'm excited about it. It is always nice to go a little bit further than the previous year. I'm looking forward to my semi-final match," said Zvonareva.
Zvonareva, who stood firm in her game while breaking Kirilenko three times, stretched her winning streak against her rival to six in a row without a loss.
"I have no secret," said the fourth seed. "I'm just trying to play my game, trying to find some chances that can cause her discomfort and trying to execute the way I can. So far it's been working good for me."
Third seed Victoria Azarenka of Belarus produced a storming finish by taking the last nine games to beat Marion Bartoli of France 7-5, 6-0 for a place in the other semi-final.
"It was a battle in the first set. Second set I stepped up my level and played a more aggressive style of game. I'm really happy to be in the semis after a little bit of a break as it can sometimes be difficult to get the momentum going," said Azarenka.