Fifth seed Agnieszka Radwanska eased past fourth seed Elena Dementieva 6-4 6-3 to move into the semifinals of the Premier-level tournament BNP Paribas Open, where the Pole will play close friend Caroline Wozniacki of Denmark who advanced to the final four with a 6-4 4-6 6-1 victory over seed No.18 Zheng Jie of China.
Radwanska converted six of her eight break opportunities against Dementieva, had her own serve broken only once, and hasn’t lost a set at Indian Wells. The Russian was left frustrated after the match, because the weather was perfect for tennis, but she played the wrong game, long rallies that suited Radwanska.
The second-seeded Wozniacki survived a difficult match against Zheng and defeated the Chinese for the first time in their three meetings. The 19-year-old Wozniacki broke Zheng three times in the third set and let out a shriek of delight the moment she won the match which ensures her return to her career-high ranking of No.3.
Even though they are good friends, Wozniacki and Radwanska have competed only twice so far on the tennis court and are tied at 1-1. (photos: Tidalist, chascow)
i hate how australia is first time wise, i hate waiting for american and european matches. haha, i think at about 4am tomorrow is when samantha will be playing. what are your thoughts on her match up with maria jose?
jacob, I don´t want any of her to win cause wozzy lost to both of them and I want her to win 🙂 it´s difficult to choose betwen them 😛
The match between Sunshine and Jie was played at very high level. I’m impressed with Sunshine’s game, it has improved a lot, but there is still room for improvement. If she keeps this level of play I don’t see anyone beating her.
Well Jacob it’s the same for us Americans when we listen to the Australian Open. I’m up at odd hours of the night/morning listening to the radio.
I really wanted Zheng Jie to get through, but I’m rooting for Caroline in the next match. Hopefully she’ll gain more confidence from the match and since she’s back to #3, she’ll feel good playing against Agnieszka.
Jacob, I don’t have a strong opinion on that one. Stosur is much higher ranked, they are tied in head-to-heads, Stosur was the winner of their last encounter which was this season, however, it was a three-setter. Martinez Sanchez can be proud of victories over Azarenka and Wickmayer, while Stosur took out defending champ, although lower ranked, Vera Zvonareva. I would give the edge to Stosur, but both sides could win.
Polish Dual!! Exciting…only one can go into the final! Aggie is playing really well, I’m pleasantly surprised!
I hope JJ wins the tournament and gets her confidence levels up! She deserves it the most! I’m very hopeful!
GO JJ…she is the best, although it will be a battle against Sam and one of the Poles!
what do you think Marija?
I think JJ has finally showed off her guns are alive and well. But I would not underestimate Caroline. Many say she has very defensive simple game but it has earned her a place in last UO final. I would give JJ a slight slight edge though.
Nice to see JJ and Wozniacki in the final. I would like to see whether JJ will be able to pull off the whole tournament and keep the perfect record against Wozniacki. Hoping for a strong final, and not somebody’s meltdown.