Tennis: Maria Sharapova sweeps aside fellow Russian to target gold medal
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Maria Sharapova will fight for an Olympic gold medal tomorrow after beating fellow Russian Maria Kirilenko in the women's singles semi-finals this afternoon.
The third seed, who is playing in her first Games and carried Russia's flag at the opening ceremony, continued her fine form on the Wimbledon grass this week to win 6-2 6-3. She will play Serena Williams in the final.
Sharapova has served particularly well despite windy conditions and she overpowered Kirilenko in the first set in particular.
The 14th seed, a quarter-finalist at Wimbledon last month, hit back in the second set and was a break ahead at 3-2, but Sharapova responded with a run of four games in a row, putting away a forehand on her second match point.
In the final she will face either Serena Williams or Victoria Azarenka, while Kirilenko will meet the loser in the bronze medal match.
PA
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments