March 21st, 2008
Indian Wells, California
The Pacific Life Open began on March 10th, with many of the World's top players arriving in the desert to compete for the prestigious Tier I title. Big names were on hand including, Ana Ivanovic, Jelena Jankovic, Maria Sharapova, Svetlana Kuznetsova, Lindsday Davenport and more. Action got off to a start early and was predictable for the most part. No real big losses occured as up until the Semi-Finals.
The first Semi-Final of the day was an all Russian battle between the number 2 seed, Svetlana Kuznetsova and the number 4 seed and undefeated in 2008, Maria Sharapova. Kuznetsova came out strong and was firing away, Sharapova wasn't backing down but couldn't hold off Kuznetsova as she took the first set 6-3. The 2nd set was tighter, with both players trying to keep the momentum on their side and eventually Sharapova showed she was the stronger player, winning that set 7-5. The 3rd set was a complete reversal and domination by Kuzzy. Sharapova struggled with her serve, like much of 2007 and it showed. Kuznetsova took the match and won, 6-3, 5-7, 6-1. Kuznetsova now moves into her second straight Pacific Life Open. She got to the 2007 Finals and lost to Daniela Hantuchova. Sharapova moves on to Miami next week, with her 18 match winning streak snapped.
The night Semi-Final featured the number 1 seed, Ana Ivanovic and the number 3 seed, fellow Serbian Jelena Jankovic. The two were sure to put on an entertaining match and that is exactly what they did. Jankovic was going into the match, with the knowledge of never beating Ivanovic before and she tried her best to come out and finally get a win, but it was to no use. Ivanovic proved she was stronger both physically and mentally as she once again defeated Jankovic, 7-6(3), 6-3. Ivanovic moves into the Pacific Life Open Finals for the first time in her career and will try to continue her in form season.
Pacific Life Open
Center Court
Svetlana Kuznetsova d. Maria Sharapova- 6-3, 5-7, 6-1
Ana Ivanovic d. Jelena Jankovic- 7-6(3), 6-3
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