TORONTO - Maria Sharapova advanced to the Rogers Cup final with a 6-2, 4-6, 6-4 victory over Russian compatriot Alisa Kleybanova on Saturday.
Unseeded Sharapova will face fourth-seeded Elena Dementieva in the tournament’s first all-Russian final. Dementieva beat second-seeded Serena Williams, 7-6 (2), 6-1, in the first semifinal.
Sharapova, who missed nearly a year with a serious shoulder injury, will be making her first appearance in a final since April 2008.
“It’s really exciting ... it’s success by itself,” said Sharapova. “To go out there (Sunday) and play my sixth match is really an accomplishment. Coming back after not playing for a while is always tough, so I’m really grateful that I have a chance to be in another final in my career.” (AP)