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Wozniacki Moonballs; Sharapova Sizzles in Indian Wells Semis

They used very different game plans and styles, but Maria Sharapova and Caroline Wozniacki advanced into Sunday's BNP Paribas Open finals

By Erik Gudris

Maria Sharapova BNP Paribas Open (March 16th, 2013) -- One used power and accuracy. The other a change of tactics that included multiple moonballs. But both strategies worked as Maria Sharapova and Caroline Wozniacki advanced into Sunday's BNP Paribas Open finals.

Caroline Wozniacki had lost her last three matches to her semifinal opponent Germany's Angelique Kerber and looked destined to be beaten again when Kerber came out red hot in the opening set. Kerber racked up five quick winners and hit all the angles as she jumped out to a 3-0 lead.

Down 1-4 later in the set, Wozniacki called for her father to give her a coaching consult and it was clear what the tactic he prescribed for her daughter was when she started moonballing Kerber to break up the German's rhythm.

It didn't help at first as Kerber served out the first set and then went up an early break in the second thanks to an on the run crosscourt forehand pass winner.

But the real turning point came at 3-all when Wozniacki fought off five break points in a marathon 17 minute game where each woman held advantage. Wozniacki held serve and from there Kerber's level dropped as she surrendered the next three games to give Wozniacki the set.

Wozniacki got an early break in the third and jumped out to a 4-1 lead as Kerber began to struggle with back issues. At one point, both women began moonballing in tandem earning them derisive laughter from the crowd. But Kerber's use of Wozniacki's own strategy paid off as she got level with the Dane for 4-all.

Kerber held serve to stay in the match at 4-5 and soon was serving to force a final set tiebreak. But the momentum that was once hers was now gone as Kerber's attempt at more moonballs backfired as one sailed wide giving Wozniacki match point. A final netted forehand from Kerber sealed the 2-6, 6-4, 7-5 win for Wozniacki sending her into the finals.

This marks the third time in four years Wozniacki has reached the Indian Wells finals including her title run in 2011.

"I really enjoy this tournament," Wozniacki said later on WTA.com "It's everything. I think the court suits me very well. I like that it goes fast through the air but it's a pretty slow court. So I feel like I get out of the ball what I want; but at the same time, I feel like I get to a lot of balls. To have that mix is good. And the crowd is amazing. Weather is nice. It's very chill. Staying in a house. All of those things."

Sharapova Over Kirilenko; Returns to No. 2.

Things were more straightforward for Maria Sharapova in her semifinal meeting with fellow Russian Maria Kirilenko who upset two top ten players en route to her first ever Premier Mandatory WTA event semi.

With help from errors from Kirilenko, Sharapova secured an early break of serve for 2-1. Sharapova wrapped up the 6-4 first set with a massive crosscourt backhand that Kirilenko couldn't handle.

Sharapova held serve at love three times in the opening stages of the second set and never allowed Kirilenko a sniff at a break point. A helpful let cord winner gave Sharapova the break she needed for a 4-3 lead. Sharapova never relinquished control as she ripped a final forehand down the line winner to close out the 6-4, 6-3 win.

With her return trip to the finals, Sharapova will now move up to No. 2 in the world when the new rankings are released on Monday. Sharapova leads the overall head to head against Wozniacki 4-2, but Wozniacki did win their only meeting at Indian Wells two years ago.

(Photo Credit: Corleve)

 

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