The semi finals went as expected with the world's top two winning their matches.
(Rank/Seed)
1/1 Serena won her 18th successive match in beating (7/7) Errani 75 62 to reach a second successive final here. In a match between the two most prolific match winners this year (both had won 29 matches), Errani twice let a break lead slip by in the first set. Serena made a number of errors, particularly off smashes and Errani played some fine clay court tennis. However, before long Serena began zoning in on the return and ultimately dominated the match. Serena is now unbeaten in 5 meetings with the Italian and the first to win 30 matches this season.
2/2 Sharapova did just as she'd done in Stuttgart two weeks ago; beat (16/16) Ivanovic, this time 64 63. The match was closer than the score line suggests, with Ivanovic often having chances; particularly when Maria served five double faults in two games mid way through the first set. However, she often missed her forehands under pressure and Maria was consistently powerful, breaking Ana six times in all. It was Maria's 25th straight red clay win and her 21st on any coloured clay, whilst also being her 500th career victory too! This is also her 6th Premier Mandatory level final in the last seven!
So, the world's top two will meet again. Serena's in her 5th final of the year, looking for her fourth title. Maria's in her 4th straight final, looking for her 3rd title. Serena leads the head to head 12-2 and has won both their meetings this year, though Miami was close for a set and a half. However, this is their first meeting on red clay. I predict Serena will win her 50th title in straight sets and retain her number one ranking.
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