WTA Rome: Caroline Wozniacki retires, Maria Sharapova in semi-final

Caroline Wozniacki is eliminated in the quarter-finals of the WTA tournament in Rome. Maria Sharapova, on the other hand, has reached the semi-finals after a hard fight.

It was loud at Foro Italico. But Maria Sharapova and Yelena Ostapenko not only had a real decibel duel, but also a big fight for the ticket to the semi-finals.

Sharapova had difficulties finding their rhythm at the beginning of the game and Ostapenko consistently exploited their chances. After a short game sour it was 4:1 for the Latvian and the first set seemed already in dry cloths.

Sharapova fought her way back, however, found her way into the game better and was able to use her strong basic strokes skilfully. The decision in the opening set was made in the tiebreak, which went to Ostapenko after 80 minutes with 8:6.

As a result, an open exchange of blows developed with opportunities on both sides. Especially the service games of the players were not characterized by dominance.

The spectators saw five breaks in the packed arena – three of them for Sharapova, who won the second set 6-4 and forced the third round.

In the decisive round Sharapova and Ostapenko raised the level of play once again and enraptured with powerful and spectacular points. Sharapova was leading with a break and had the chance to end the match with his own serve.

Ostapenko managed the break and then relinquished their serve. After 3:10 hours of play, “Masha” turned her third match point with a cracking backhand winner and continues to dream of her fourth title in Rome.

Maria Sharapova, on the other hand, has dreamed it out. The Australian Open winner had to admit defeat to Estonian Anett Kontaveit in two sets.

Too many mistakes did not allow Wozniacki to come into play and after only 76 minutes a 3:6 and 1:6 defeat was on the score sheet for the Dane.