(January 4, 2013) En route to the Auckland semifinals, No. 4 Agnieszka Radwanska lost only ten games. The Pole was tested by No. 71American Jamie Hampton 7-6(4), 7-6(3) on Friday to move into the ASB Tennis Classic final.
“Actually, it was very tough and I was just happy to be two points better in each set,” Radwanska said.
Radwanska saved a set point at 5-6 in the first set, came back to win the tiebreaker and rolled up a two-break 3-0 lead in the second set. Hampton made her way back into the set to force a second set tiebreaker.
Jamie Hampton
Hampton who was playing her first WTA tour semifinal was making her second main draw appearance at Auckland.
Radwanska will take on former Auckland champion Yanina Wickmayer. The Belgian eked out a 6-4, 1-6, 7-6(3) victory over Germany’s Mona Barthel.
Wickmayer spoke about the topsy-turvy match -”I started well, but she came out really aggressive in the second set, particularly against my serve. I went to the bathroom and thought it all through and focused on playing my best tennis. I was lucky it went my way in the third set.”
The finalists have a 1-1 head-to-head record.
Regardless of the outcome Radwanska will keep her No. 4 ranking. She is making her Auckland debut this year. By making the final, Wickmayer is assured of reaching the top 20.
$ 235,000.00
29 DECEMBER- 5 JANUARY 2013
RESULTS – 4 JANUARY 2013
Women’s Singles – Semifinals
[1] A Radwanska (POL) d J Hampton (USA) 76(4) 76(3)
[3] Y Wickmayer (BEL) d [8] M Barthel (GER) 64 16 76(3)
Women’s Doubles – Semifinals
[1] J Goerges (GER) / Y Shvedova (KAZ) d J Coin (FRA) / M Pelletier (CAN) 64 61
ORDER OF PLAY – SATURDAY, 5 JANUARY 2013
CENTRE COURT start midday
[1] J Goerges (GER) / Y Shvedova (KAZ) vs C Black (ZIM) / A Rodionova (AUS)
Not before 2pm
[1] A Radwanska (POL) vs [3] Y Wickmayer (BEL)
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