Sharapova Through To Semis
Maria Sharapova dug herself out of trouble to reach the the semi finals of the Auatralian Open with an unconvincing 7-6 6-4 victory over Nadia Petrova.
Sharapova clinched a terrible first set 8-6 in the tie break through sheer determination.
The fourth seed did improve in the second set and made the decisive break at 4-3 before serving out the match.
The all Russian encounter was littered with unforced errors and Sharapova will have to steps up a gear or two if she is to get past either Lindsay Davenport or Justine Henin-Hardenne for a place in the final.
“It was very difficult,” said Sharapova. “I’ve been able to pull through so I’m very happy.”
“I feel like the biggest weapon of mine is just my toughness and I know that over any girl, until the end, I’m going to be a tough opponent.”
Meanwhile in the men’s draw, David Nalbandian cruised through to the men’s semis by beating Fabrice Santoro 7-6 6-0 6-0.
He will now meet either Ivan Ljubicic or Marcus Baghdatis for a place in the final.
