Here we are at the semifinals of a very exciting tournament in Tokyo.
Radwanska – Wozniacki 6-4 6-3
This match was about breaks (8 in total on 19 games). Eventually it was the more solid Pole to defeat Caroline in 1 hour and 37 minutes to become the highest seed in the tournament after Azarenka and Sharapova bowed out.
Azarenka Retires
Agnieszka will play Angelique Kerber in the semi as the German benefited from a walk over because Azarenka had to pull out for a mysterious illness.
“Before the tournament, I was starting to not feel really good and I haven’t been doing better,” said Azarenka, “It took too much energy to push the last two matches and today was just not possible for me. Maybe it’s the tiredness from the whole year,” the Belarusian added. “I’m going to have to run a few tests to see. It’s a little bit of an unknown right now.”
“It’s too bad I couldn’t play more because I enjoy playing here every year. Health is more important right now and I need to be careful.”
Stosur – Sharapova 6-2 7-6(10)
Great match from Sam that won a 1h 53 minutes thriller.
“One point here, one point there could have changed a little bit but it didn’t go my way,” Sharapova said. “I think she played a really solid match today. She was much more consistent and although I had a good record against her, the last few matches we’ve been played have been quite long and difficult. She’s a steady player on the tour and is a difficult opponent for whoever she plays.”
SEMIFINALS
Radwanska – Kerber
3-2 for the Pole that has recently defeated Kerber in the semis in Wimbledon (6-3 6-4) and she beat the German also last year in the second round in Tokyo 3-6 6-3 6-3. Radwanska is the pick.
Petrova – Stosur
Head to head is 5-3 for Petrova, but Sam is 3-1 in the last 4 games (from 2011). The Australian is the favorite.
