image: Zuma Press

Sharapova has had a hard time with her most recent title occurring more than a year ago at the 2008 Bausch & Lomb Championships in Florida.

With the semifinals behind her, Li will now go on to face Magdalena Rybarikova in tomorrow’s finals.  Rybarikova advanced by defeating Sania Mirza 3-6, 6-0, 6-3 in 1 hour and 34 minutes.

Li is hoping to celebrate her third career title while Rybarikova is hoping to capture her first. The winner will receive $37,000.

Post from: EveryJoe

Sharapova Eliminated at Aegon Classic

It was a day of upsets in tennis at the Beijing Olympics on Thursday. First top-seeded Roger Federer of Switzerland was defeated by James Blake of the United States. Then both Venus and Serena Williams of the United States lost their respective matches.

Serena, seeded #4 in the women’s singles competition, was defeated by Russia’s Elena Dementieva (pictured above), the #5 seed, in three sets.

Venus played China’s Li Na, losing in two close sets, 5-7, 5-7.

Venus and Serena Williams are partners and still in the women’s double competition. They won the Gold Medal in doubles at the 2000 Games in Sydney.

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Williams Sisters Both Ousted in Day of Tennis Upsets