Sharapova tops Red Group to set up likely Henin final
Plagued by injury for much of 2007, the Russian has largely had a season to forget and has played in just a dozen tournaments, winning her only title at San Diego in August. Yet despite her problems, the former world number one finds herself in the semi-finals of the prestigious season-ending event and just two wins away from her second title here in four years.
While Sharapova and Ivanovic entered their round-robin clash knowing they had already qualified for the last four, there was still something to play for.
By finishing first in the Red Group, Sharapova will face compatriot Anna Chakvetadze in today’s semi-finals instead of defending champion and Yellow Group winner Justine Henin.
Ivanovic is instead saddled with the task of trying to beat the Belgian superstar, who has not lost in 23 matches and has yet to drop a set in Madrid.
The WTA season finale features the world’s top eight players, initially in a two-group, round-robin format.
Earlier yesterday, Marion Bartoli won the final match in the Yellow Group when an ill Jelena Jankovic was forced to retire while trailing 6-1, 1-0.
Bartoli was playing in place of Serena Williams, who withdrew from the event on Wednesday with a left knee injury.
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