Sharapova blasts into the semis of WTA Finals

MARIA SHARAPOVA DEFEATED Flavia Pennetta in two sets 7-5, 6-1 to not only secure her spot in the semifinals of the WTA Finals in Singapore but also helped Agnieszka Radwanska with a ticket to the semi-finals.  

Pennetta, looked very strong early on, breaking in the first game of the match and hanging onto that break for a 4-2 lead. But Sharapova took it to a whole new level from there, painting the lines with her huge groundstrokes and mixing in some pinpoint drop shots to win five of the next six games and sneak out the 54-minute first set, 7-5.

The No.3-seeded Russian only got better in the second set, completely running away with it in 34 minutes to end the No.7-seeded Italian's WTA Finals hopes. 

A thrilled Sharapova expressed her satisfaction of moving into the semis to wtatennis, 

"I've lost the last couple of times against Flavia. I know what a tough competitor and opponent she is. I just wanted to get a little bit of revenge before she goes out of the game!" 

"I just heard this was her last match. It's really sad to see such a great champion go. She's had an incredible career, and I was so happy she got the Grand Slam at the US Open. I was smiling for her."

Pennetta played a solid match - her winners outnumbered her unforced errors, 18 to 14. But Sharapova put together some phenomenal numbers - 30 winners, including seven aces, to 19 errors.

By beating Pennetta and improving to 3-0 in the Red Group, Sharapova feels confident about her chances in Singapore.

"I didn't have a great result here last year, but as I left the court I won my last match, a really tough three-setter against Radwanska. Even though I didn't make it to the semifinals last year I was proud I won my last match. That gave me energy, and now I'm back 12 months later."

In the semis, which will take place on Saturday, Sharapova, who finished No.1 in the Red Group, will play No.2 from the White Group, while Radwanska, the Red Group No.2, will play the White Group No.1.