Maria Sharapova vs Jelena Jankovic: Semi Final of Australian Open 2008

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Maria Sharapova vs Jelena Jankovic: Live Score and Live Updates

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Maria Sharapova and Jelena Jankovic will take on each other in the semi final of Australian Open 2008 as both of them won respective quarter final matches today. Maria Sharapova, fifth seed, knocked out the Justine Henin, the world no. 1, in straight-sets leaving Henin stranded on the ground. The 6-4, 6-0 victory bought a revenge for Sharapova of her defeat to Henin in Madrid last year. Sharapova was in an imperious form throughout the match. Sharapova revealed that it was her day as she had the feeling of doing the right thing.

AFP reported:

"I really felt like I was in my own bubble today," said Sharapova, who will meet Jelena Jankovic in the semi-final after the Serbian third seed ousted defending champion Serena Williams earlier Tuesday.

"I came on the court, I wasn't trying to pay attention to her record or how many tournament's she won, which is an increbible number.

"It's amazing when you go out on court and you feel like you're doing the right thing."

Image Source: Wikipedia

Jelena Jankovic also projected an inspirational 6-3, 6-4 victory over the defending champion Serena Williams. It was really unexpected that an injurious Jankovic would make it to the semi final defeating Serena Williams, who has been in ominous form in the previous round matches. It is true that Jankovic was not in dominant form in the match, but the way she was playing proved too much for Serena Williams. Jelena Jankovic has been suffering from injuries since earlier this month and she had to take treatment during almost all the previous matches.

Image Source: Wikipedia

The Serbian also admitted that with injuries she does not have the expectation to go far. However, she did not forget to claim herself as a wounded animal.

Monstersandcritics reported:

'I've beaten the Williams sisters a couple times. But here it is very special, because last year actually in this tournament in the fourth round I lost to her,' said the winner.

'Getting revenge it feels so good. I'm so happy to be in the semi-final, having no expectations, having injuries, and not really thinking that I can go far.

'But I just played one match at a time, and I really don't know how I'm doing, but I'm in the semis, and it feels great.

'This doesn't happen every day, I'm glad to get another win against her.'

'Players think that I'm injured and cannot play. But I'm like a wounded animal, but I still keep going.'

Well, it is clear the Jelena Jankovic is full of mental strength. Reaching the semi final is the best ever performance for Jelena Jankovic in Australian Open. So, it seems that both Maria Sharapova and Jelena Jankovic had something to take inspiration from their quarter final matches before the two take on each other in Australian Open semi final.

Tennis fans experienced Maria Sharapova vs Jelena Jankovic match four times in the past including the 2004 U.S. Open. Sharapova won three times, while Jelena Jankovic managed her only victory in their last meeting at Birmingham last year. However, Maria Sharapova was not in her great form last year with suffering recurring injury in the big part of the year. Moreover, this is the first time Maria Sharapova is going to face Jelena Jankovic who is now in the top ten.

So, there are many who will bet on Maria Sharapova ahead of the match and it is logical as well. However, Sharapova should not take Jelena Jankovic lightly. Otherwise Sharapova might be at the losing side even before reaching the final. However, I hope to see a classic semi final between the top five ranked players.

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