Maria Sharapova reaches Acura Classic final in San Diego
Posted by Aaress Lawless on Aug 5, 2006 | Print | Email | Bookmark | Free Subscription
Russia’s Maria Sharapova is through to the final of the Acura Classic in San Diego today after defeating Switzerland’s Patty Schnyder 7-5, 6-4.
Both players easily held serve until Maria Sharapova gained the first break of the match at 5-5 and once again held to take the opening set 7-5. Sharapova raced to a 5-1 lead in the second set, but Schnyder was able to come back to 4-5 before Sharapova finally served out the match at 6-4.
Although Maria Sharapova plays right-handed, she is naturally a lefty. Whether or not this helped her defeat left-handed Patty Schnyder today is questionable, but regardless, she blasted Schnyder off the court in straight sets.
I have liked Maria’s chances at winning the title during the past couple of rounds, and heading into the final tomorrow, I would have to give her the advantage over either Kim Clijsters or Nicole Vaidisova. Clijsters has ruled the hardcourts for the past year, but her form this week in San Diego has only been average. Sharapova’s match today at San Diego was not perfect, but she has not dropped a set this week at the Acura. She held serve all but once during the match today and finished up with a remarkable 78% first serve percentage.
She will play the winner of tonight’s second semifinal between Kim Clijsters and Nicole Vaidisova in the championship match tomorrow afternoon.
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