• AEGON Classic

Sharapova powers past Karatantcheva

ESPN staff
June 11, 2010
Maria Sharapova produced a dominant display on serve © Getty Images
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Maria Sharapova showed no ill effects from her busy schedule the previous day as she breezed into the semi-finals of the AEGON Classic with a 6-2 6-4 win over Sesil Karatantcheva.

The weather problems that have disrupted the tournament in Edgbaston this week forced Sharapova to play two games on Thursday. She was first on court on Friday as well, but made light work of the challenge.

The Russian No. 2 seed produced a serving masterclass which bodes well for Wimbledon as she did not give up a single break point until the final game of the match. She staved off the threat with a booming ace - her sixth of the match - and a subtle drop shot.

Karatantcheva had no answers to the power hitting of Sharapova who wrapped up the match in an hour and 13 minutes and she remains on course for her third win in the tournament.

Yanina Wickmayer, who proved too strong for Laura Robson in the second round, was sent spinning out of the competition by Alison Riske, who battled back from a set down to claim a 6-7(5) 6-4 6-3 win and with it a clash with Sharapova in the semi-finals.

Aravene Rezai booked her place in the last four with a 7-6(2) 7-5 win over Sara Errani. The Italian will face No. 1 seed Na Li after she overcome Kaia Kanepi 6-4 6-2.

Laura Robson and Heather Watson were in doubles action, but the British pair found Bethanie Mattek-Sands and Liezel Huber too strong - going down to a 6-4 6-4 defeat.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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