Sharapova to Meet Kvitova in 2012 Australian Open Semifinals
Russia’s Maria Sharapova and Petra Kvitova of the Czech Republic, two former Wimbledon winners, will go head to head in the 2012 Australian Open semifinals after both won their quarterfinal matches in straight sets.
Sharapova defeated fellow Russian Ekaterina Makarova, 6-2, 6-3, who had defeated American Serena Williams in the previous round of play. Kvitova also reached the semifinals after defeating Italian Sara Errani, 6-4, 6-4. In last year’s Wimbledon championships, Sharapova defeated Kvitova, claiming her first Grand Slam title.
"Obviously it was a tough one at Wimbledon. She’s full of confidence and playing the best tennis right now. I look forward to it," said Sharapova.
Sharapova and Kvitova have kept their hopes alive until only one will advance past their upcoming match. Caroline Wozniacki once again will not have a title this time around after her quarterfinal loss to Kim Clijsters.
Kvitova must match or do better than the run of Victoria Azarenka, as the only two players still in the running for the number one ranking. Sharapova has only dropped one set and 21 games in route leading up to her first Australian Open semifinal since her 2008 victory.
“It’s been a long road back to this stage,” said Sharapova.
In regards to Kvitova’s quarterfinal match she said, “I was a little nervous because I knew that everybody expect it will be easy match. Probably I had in my head that it’s a good draw.”
