In their first meeting Sugiyama defeats Vera Zvonareva in three sets. 6-3, 3-6, 6-4. In the first set both players had problems keeping their service games. Sugiyama lost the second and fourth while Zvonareva could not hold the first, fifth, seventh and ninth service game. Sugiyama had four double faults and Zvonareva two serving errors leading to a 6-3 lead for the Japanese.

Zvonareva could come back and win the second set 6-3. She could not hold on in the third set and Ai Sugiyama managed to break the service of the 19 years old Russian in the sixth game. Zvonareva had breakpoint in the eighth game on Sugiyama’s serve to save the set but the Japanese fought back and won her service game. Ending the set and the match 6-3, 3-6, 6-4.

In the following semi final Swiss Patty Schnyder had to face Russian Nadia Petrova. The 21 year old from Moscow needed two straight sets to win her match against Schnyder who played an almost perfect match against Amelie Mauresmo previous week at the Swisscom Challenge.

Schnyder was broken in her second service game after smashing a ball into the net and a double fault on 15-40. Petrova who was attacking from the start was not shocked by Schnyder’s many dropshots. She was fast on her feet to return the dropshots and won most of the point at the net. P

Petrova won her service games on 40 love and 40-15 and managed to win the first set 6-2. Schnyder produced three double faults and an ace. Petrova got two aces in the first set.

In the second set Petrova kept on to her strategy and attacked Schnyder as soon as possible. Every time she was forced to go to the net she won the point even though Schnyder’s dropshots were well placed and covered.

The Basel born Swiss had too many unforced errors on her list to be dangerous for Petrova who won her service games a little less easy than in the first set. Schnyder did put more variety in her shots and the Russian had to show her athletic skills to cover the court in order to return Schnyder’s shots. Fortunately athletic skills are in Petrova’s genes being the daughter of track and field athlete parents.

Nadia Petrova will face Ai Sugiyama in the Generali Ladies Open final in Linz after winning the second set and match 6-2 6-2.