Sharapova Beats Kerber to Reach Porsche GP Final
Defending champion Maria Sharapova came from behind in the third set to beat Angelique Kerber 6-3, 2-6, 7-5 Saturday and earn a spot in the final of the Porsche Grand Prix.
The top-seeded Russian committed two consecutive double-faults to drop her serve at the start of the decisive set. But Sharapova won the last eight points and clinched the match when her third-seeded German opponent hit a backhand long. Sharapova had wasted a chance to serve out the match in the ninth game after taking a 5-3 lead.
Sharapova will play either second-seeded Li Na or qualifier Bethanie Mattek-Sands for the title in the indoor clay-court tournament Sunday.
After winning in Stuttgart last year, Sharapova went on to take the French Open title as well.
Sharapova, ranked No. 2 in the world, is looking for her second title of the year after winning in Indian Wells. She would be the first player to defend her title in Stuttgart since Lindsay Davenport in 2005. Sharapova now has 15 straight wins on clay.
The Russian set the tone in the first set by breaking serve in the opening game. Kerber saved two set points but then produced a double-fault to give it away. But the German rallied in the second, twice breaking Sharapova's serve with aggressive play.
Both players mixed sizzling winners on the lines with errors on simple shots. Sharapova was particularly inconsistent, hitting 42 winners but also producing 44 unforced errors.
But her strong finish in the last two games allowed Sharapova to collect her fourth career win against the sixth-ranked Kerber, against one defeat.
Source: Associated Press
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