Sharapova advances to first final since injury comeback; will face countrywoman Dementieva for crown in Toronto

Maria Sharapova was able to hang on in her tough semifinal match against Alisa Kleybanova, as she reached her first final since her injury comeback, while No. 4 seed Elena Dementieva awaits, after ousting No. 2 seed Serena Williams in straight sets on Day 6 in Toronto.

Sharapova won the first set with ease, but Kleybanova regrouped and took the second set. In the third set, Kleybanova took a 3-1 lead, then Sharapova broke back to make it 3-3. Kleybanova then won her own serve, making the score 4-3. Sharapova then did the same to make it 4-4. Sharapova was then able to take her comaptriot's serve, braking her to make the score 5-4 on her won serve. Sharapova relied on her own serve to take the match and head to the final, winning the match with a score of 62 46 64.

Dementieva didn't have such a hard time against her American opponent, winning the match to Serena with a score of 76(2) 61.

The head-to-head result between Sharapova and Dementieva is 8-2 to Sharapova, the last meeting being in the round of 16 in the 2008 Australian Open, and Sharapova eventually went on to win that Grand Slam.

Saturday, August 22, 2009

Singles - Semifinals

(4) Elena Dementieva (RUS) d. (2) Serena Williams (USA) 76(2) 61

Maria Sharapova (RUS) d. Alisa Kleybanova (RUS) 62 46 64