Russia's Vera Zvonareva through to semi-finals of Qatar Ladies Open 2011
Number 2 seed at the Qatar Ladies Open 2011, Russian Vera Zvonareva steamrolled her way into the semi-finals after coming out victorious against Slovak Daniela Hantuchova in an arduous three-set tussle.
After going nip and tuck in the first set, Zvonareva took the set 7-5. However, in a reverse of fortune, the Russian lost the second set 6-7. Vera fought back in the final and deciding set and stormed to the semis after winning it 7-5 and sending Hantuchova packing.
Slightly disheartened to have lost, the Slovak said, “I’m disappointed to lose as I had so many chances. You never want to lose matches like this. I felt like I got on top of her, but she still found a way to take it. I beat her in Pattaya, but she’s number three in the world for a reason. It’s matches like this she finds a way to win.”
Earlier, Hantuchova defeated qualifier Vera Dushevina of Russia in the second round, prior to facing Zvonareva in the quarters. She had dominated the match against Dushevina after losing the first set 4-6 to win the next two sets 6-2 and 6-4.
Zvonareva will be facing Jelena Jankovic of Serbia in the semi-finals of the Qatar Ladies Open 2011. Jankovic thrashed Czech Republic's Klara Zakopalova, 6-2, 6-4 in straight sets to make it through to the semi-finals.
Talking to the press after the win, Jankovic said, “I just focused on my game and my tennis and I’m glad I was able to win today. I feel really good about my game lately. I've had some pretty good wins. I've played some really good tennis so I look forward to playing in the semi-finals. I'll try my best and hopefully I can play well.”
Prior to making it through to the quarter-finals, Zvonareva faced Dominika Cibulková of Slovakia in the second round. The unseeded Slovakian was no match for the world number three and was thrashed 6-1, 6-2 to be knocked out of the tournament.
Also amongst those to have made it through to the semi-finals is world number one, Caroline Wozniacki. She will be battling it out against Frenchwoman Marion Bartoli for a place in the championship final.
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