Erakovic Escapes Upset Bid To Make Memphis Semis

Marina Erakovic got past Michaella Krajicek, while Sofia Arvidsson also continued her winning ways at the Memphis International.

Published Feburary 23, 2012 11:54

Erakovic Escapes Upset Bid To Make Memphis Semis
Marina Erakovic

MEMPHIS, TN, USA - The Memphis International was close to having a seedless final four, but fourth-seeded Marina Erakovic prevailed in a duel with Michaella Krajicek in quarterfinal play on Thursday.

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Erakovic was down 4-3 in the third set, but held, broke and held again for the 64 67(2) 64 triumph.

"I feel I'm hitting the ball well," said Erakovic, who is now 3-0 versus Krajicek. "This is a really good run for me. I really enjoy this tournament and I like Memphis and hopefully tomorrow, it will be another good day."

Erakovic's opponent in Friday's semifinals will be Vera Dushevina, who also withstood a challenge. She trailed Stéphanie Foretz Gacon, 63 31, but dropped only one more game the rest of the way in her 36 63 61 victory.

"I grew up playing indoors because of the Russian winters," said Dushevina, who is playing Memphis for the first time. "I really like it because there is no wind, no sun and I feel comfortable. Usually I play Doha or Dubai, but I decided to change my schedule this year."

Also into the semifinals is Sofia Arvidsson, a 62 76(9) winner over Lesia Tsurenko. The 2006 Memphis champion and 2010 runner-up was down 4-2 in the second set before eventually forcing a tie-break. She had a set point against her at 9-8 in the tie-break but finally clinched it on her fifth match point.

"It's my second home. I think I just like the atmosphere here," said Arvidsson, who came into Memphis having not gone beyond the first round of an event since Beijing in October. "The people are so friendly. It's a great tournament. As a Swede, you always like to play indoors. When you walk to center court, you can see there are a few posters of Swedish champions on the walls, so I guess we all like this event."

Next up for Arvidsson is Alberta Brianti, who raised her record against Varvara Lepchenko to 5-0 with a 75 63 triumph.

In doubles, Dushevina and Olga Govortsova reached the final, where they will play the winner of the semifinal between top-seeded Andrea Hlavackova and Lucie Hradecka and fourth-seeded Krajicek and Anna Tatishvili.

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