After a shaky start in her opener, Errani regained her focus to eventually prevail 4-6,6-2,6-2 over Australian Casey Dellacqua. She followed it up with an easy 6-2,6-3 triumph over American Melanie Oudin before scoring one of the biggest wins of her career, beating the rejuvenated former Roland Garros champion, Ana Ivanovic, 1-6,7-5,6-3. The string of surprises continued and the Italian disposed of yet another opponent with Grand Slam pedigree, storming past Russian Svetlana Kuznetsova 6-0,7-5 to book her place in her second consecutive Slam.
While many were expecting her adventure to end there, the feisty Errani had other plans. She played a brilliant tactical match to conquer the latest top 10 addition, German Angelique Kerber, and seal her first semifinal berth. Inspired by Schiavone's story, Sara was relentless in tackling Sam Stosur, the Australian who lost to Francesca in the 2010 final. More determined than ever, the gusty Italian fought for every point and her 'never give up' mentality paid off. After an excruciating three setter she managed to get the better of her opponent, qualifying for a final showdown with Russian Maria Sharapova. She continued thus the Italian tradition in Paris, making it three years in a row that an Italian woman is disputing the singles final.
Tackling an overpowering rival, Errani gave it her all, but it just wasn't enough to deny Maria her career Slam. Although she fell short in her quest of winning the maiden Slam crown, the Italian has plenty of reasons to celebrate her Parisian fortnight. In addition to her outstanding performance in singles, she teamed up with compatriot Roberta Vinci to take home the doubles title. Starting on Monday, she will make her top 10 debut, becoming the third Italian to achieve this feat after Flavia Pennetta and Francesca Schiavone.
While many were expecting her adventure to end there, the feisty Errani had other plans. She played a brilliant tactical match to conquer the latest top 10 addition, German Angelique Kerber, and seal her first semifinal berth. Inspired by Schiavone's story, Sara was relentless in tackling Sam Stosur, the Australian who lost to Francesca in the 2010 final. More determined than ever, the gusty Italian fought for every point and her 'never give up' mentality paid off. After an excruciating three setter she managed to get the better of her opponent, qualifying for a final showdown with Russian Maria Sharapova. She continued thus the Italian tradition in Paris, making it three years in a row that an Italian woman is disputing the singles final.
Tackling an overpowering rival, Errani gave it her all, but it just wasn't enough to deny Maria her career Slam. Although she fell short in her quest of winning the maiden Slam crown, the Italian has plenty of reasons to celebrate her Parisian fortnight. In addition to her outstanding performance in singles, she teamed up with compatriot Roberta Vinci to take home the doubles title. Starting on Monday, she will make her top 10 debut, becoming the third Italian to achieve this feat after Flavia Pennetta and Francesca Schiavone.
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| Sara Errani and Roberta Vinci have quickly become the hottest duo on the WTA tour. The Italians concluded a flawless clay-court season by conquering the biggest trophy of them all, the Roland Garros doubles crown. In the final they beat Russians Maria Kirilenko and Nadia Petrova 4-6,6-4,6-2. |
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| Although she lost to Maria Sharapova, Sara Errani has established herself as one tough ladies, becoming the first player since Kim Clijsters in 2003 to reach both singles and doubles Roland Garros finals. |
photos: GETTY IMAGES
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