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MELBOURNE: Top seed Maria Sharapova crashed Kim
Clijsters’ Australian Open farewell Thurs-day, setting up a Grand
Slam final against Serena Williams after downing the Belgian, 6-4,
6-2.
There was no room for emotion as
Sharapova clinically ended Clijsters’ final campaign at Melbourne
Park to become the first Russian woman ever to reach the tournament
decider in Australia.
The 19-year-old pin-up has the
chance to win her third Grand Slam title after hanging on against
Clijsters, committing a flurry of unforced errors and double faults
late in the match to offer her opponent a lifeline.
“I saw these double faults come
in at the wrong time but somehow I managed to fight through and make
the first serve when I had to,” she said. “I think that was the
key and will also be the key in the finals.”
Sharapova joined the standing
ovation for crowd favorite Clijsters, who is retiring at the end of
the year to settle down.
“It’s kind of sad because Kim
is such a great champion on and off the court,” she said in
tribute to Clijsters, but is already looking ahead to Saturday’s
final.
“Serena came into the
tournament with no expectations and is playing great tennis. She has
won many more titles than me but I’m looking forward to catching
up.”
The 25-year-old Williams rolled
back the years to beat Czech teenager Nicole Vaidisova in straight
sets, 7-6 (7-5), 6-4.
The seven-time Grand Slam
champion has been written off but proved she still has what it takes
as she bids to become the first unseeded player to win the
championship since 1978 when Australia’s Chris O’Neil lifted the
trophy.
“I’m really excited, I’ve
got nothing to lose, I’m having fun, back into the top 20, that
means so much to me,” said Williams after reaching her first Grand
Slam final in two years.
Williams had to fight hard for
the win as her 17-year-old opponent staged a late drive which the
2003 and 2005 Australian champion said showed qualities similar to
her own.
She said she feared choking as
the Czech stormed back into the match but hung on to claim victory
in one hour 46 minutes.
“Almost did a gag-arooney
there,” she said. “She played some incredible points on match
point, she just got relaxed, she reminded me a little of myself.
“I just tried to stay focused
and tried to stay calm.”
Vaidisova admitted Williams’
big-match experience shone through.
“I think she used her chances
definitely much better,” she said. “She’s definitely a great
champ. She played the tight points very well. I had my
opportunities. I didn’t use them. That was the big difference.”
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