Mauresmo, Henin, Sharapova, Clijsters Into WTA Champs SemisPosted on November 11, 2006 Current No. 1 Amelie Mauresmo has been eliminated from the race for the year-end No. 1 ranking, but that didn't stop her from coming from a set down Friday to defeat Justine Henin-Hardenne 4-6, 7-6(3), 6-2 to advance out of round robin play into the semifinals.
"I'm just very, very happy and very proud about (coming back from Tuesday's loss)," Mauresmo said. "The next day, I went back on the court and let the frustration out and also came back yesterday and today from one set down to finally get the win." Henin-Hardenne, despite the loss, also moved into the semis after a 2-1 round robin record. "I walked on to the court to win the match," Henin-Hardenne said. "I proved it during two sets. I had a lot of motivation. I played well during two sets. It wasn't good enough at the end..." Title favorite Maria Sharapova kept her round robin record perfect after a 6-1, 6-4 thumping of fellow Russian Svetlana Kuznetsova, and Kim Clijsters also moved into the semis after blistering Russian Elena Dementieva 6-4, 6-0. Lining up for the Saturday semifinals are Henin-Hardenne vs. Sharapova in a clash that could decide the year-end No. 1 ranking, and Mauresmo vs. Clijsters. "It's going to be a good match. I beat her in the US Open and I'm looking forward to tomorrow," Sharapova said. "She's playing good tennis again after months of injuries, and I'll go out there and give my best and do my best." |
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