Maria Sharapova defeated Agnieszka Radwanska 57 75 75 to advance into the semis of the TEB BNP Paribas WTA Championships in Istanbul.
In a match that lasted three-hour, 12-minute Masha was able to come back from 75 42 down to join Serena in the semis.
Watch video highlights from Istanbul right here on wtatennis.com!
During the first half of the encounter Aga was in control as she keept the Russian on the run. The Pole broke Sharapova in the last game of the first set, then broke again for 4-2 in the second set.
But even she was down and close to lose the match, Masha never gave up and eventually turned things around to take the second set and then the decider.
Sharapova hit 66 winners to 64 errors, while Radwanska had 18 winners to 19 errors.
"I was a little bit frustrated early on," Sharapova said. "I wasn't doing the right things and she was doing all the right things, and making me make mistakes. I was just trying to hang in there."
"It was a very physical match with so many ups and downs - I wasn't playing my best tennis, but I kept fighting," Sharapova said. "And when you win when you're not at your best, it gives you extra motivation to do better in the next one."
At the press conference, Sharapova praised her opponent.
"There's a reason why she's No.4 in the world. Her capability of anticipating where the ball goes and getting it back - and no matter if it's a hard shot or a low slice with no pace, she makes you work for it. She did until the end. I found a way to get through the points, which isn't easy."
Sharapova is now in the semifinals and also keeps her chances to get the number 1 spot in the rankings.
"I'm happy to get to that stage - the goal is always to get out of your group," she said. "I was injured last year and didn't play very well, so to be in the semifinals this year makes me very proud, and especially given the way I fought tonight."
After the match Radwanska gave praise to her opponent.
"It was a great match, and all the sets were very tight," she said. "I had my chance in the second set, but when you don't use your chances against a top player, a great player, it's hard to come back and win."
Source WTA
Photos AP/Getty Images
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