Li Na (the #6 seed) entered the match the favored to win over Sharapova (the #7 seed), but no one guessed it would be in straight sets (6-4, 7-5).
Li Na played a very smart game. Sharapova doesn’t play great on very windy days; and her serving usually leaves something to be desired when the wind is swirling like it was during this match.
A perfect example was Sharapova’s double fault on match point that gave Na the win.
Li Na made the best adjustment in the windy conditions and she executed an outstanding game plan that took advantage of Sharapova’s inability to slide to her forehand side.
Na kept setting up Maria to play and slide on Maria’s forehand side, which she can’t seem to do. She exposed the weakness by really working Maria’s forehand, using the cross court shot a lot, and working the deep corners of the court.
You could tell that Li Na was very comfortable with forehand to forehand play, and used it to make Sharapova go wide.
Li Na will face Schiavone in the French Open Final at Roland Garros.
Defending Champ Schiavone, beat French native Bartoli in straight sets (6-3, 6-3). Now only Li Na stands in her way of winning back to back French Open championships.
Schiavone is the #5 seed and Na is the #6 seed. Schiavone will be the obvious favored in the match (being the higher seed & the returning champ)…
But not by much. Both women are playing great tennis both physically and mentally.
Similar Posts:
- French Open Quarterfinals For Sharapova; First Quarterfinal Advance In 3 Years
- Wimbledon Defending Champ Avoids Death; Returns To Win On Center Court
- Novak Djokovic’s Perfect Season, Federer In The Way
- Bartoli Defeats Defending Champ; Serena Williams 4th Rd. Exit
- Nadal Confounds Federer; Wins 6th French Open; Wins 10th Grand Slam Title
