• WTA Tour

Sharapova books Jankovic showdown in Cincinnati

ESPN staff
August 21, 2011
Vera Zvonareva was beaten in three sets by Maria Sharapova © Getty Images
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Former world No. 1 Maria Sharapova will take on Jelena Jankovic in the final of the Western & Southern Open on Sunday, with both looking to send a message to their rivals ahead of the US Open.

Sharapova, seeded seventh, has a 5-1 record against Jankovic in their meetings to date - but had the tougher route through to the final, beating Vera Zvonareva 2-6 6-3 6-3.

Meanwhile, Jankovic strolled past Andrea Petkovic 7-6 6-1. "It is going to be a tough match [against Sharapova], she is playing very well," said Jankovic.

Sharapova stressed the importance of a quicker start, having been sluggish out of the blocks against second seed Zvonareva. "I had a slow start, to say the least," Sharapova said. "I needed to get my energy back and when I did that I started to make some shots and was able to turn it around."

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