Another interesting day at the final showdown in Istanbul.
Azarenka deafeats Li Na to secure the top spot of the WTA ranking for 2012, Sharapova trashes Stosur and Radwanska won one of the best matches of the year against Sara Errani.
Let’s get there
Azarenka – Li Na 7-6 (4) 6-3
Vika did it and in style. The Belarus will end 2012 as the world no.1. The match with Li Na was a very closed one as Azarenka won 67 points against 63.
Talking about her achievement “It feels great, a dream come true,” said Azarenka “I want to play my last matches here and then enjoy being the world number one. I want to focus on this competition, there are still lots of challenges ahead. All the players are on top of their game and it’s great to be part of the women’s game doing so well at the moment.”
Sharapova – Stosur 6-0 6-3
Another good match for Maria that bagelled the Australian in the first set. This match was a comfortable 1 hour and 5 minutes stroll.
“After a really long match in my previous round, I was just trying to be really aggressive today and not spend as much time as I did the other day,” said the Russian beauty “I knew coming in I was already going to be in the semis, but I didn’t want to lose. I wanted to do the right things today and I did them.”
Radwanska – Errani 6-7 (6) 7-5 6-4
This was an epic 3 hours and 29 minutes encounter. Radwanska produced an array of stunning shots to finally down the superfocussed Italian.
“After my last match I wasn’t that fresh, so I was afraid of what would happen,” Radwanska said. “I don’t know how I did it today, especially after almost three and a half hours on the court, but I’m so happy.”
Semifinals
Azarenka – Sharapova
This is a never ending story. These 2 played 5 times in 2012 (4 finals) and Vika won 4 out 5.
The Belaruss is the favorite
Williams – Radwanska
Head to head is 3-0 for Serena. If you add that the Pole has played two +3 hours’ matches in the last 3 days, Serena is the super favorite. Actually a trash wouldn’t be so strange (or Radwanska retiring in the 2nd set…).
