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QUEENS Wimbledon

Petrova sees off Stosur to reach Eastbourne final


Nadia Petrova ended the hopes of Australian Sam Stosur to win her first WTA Tour title at a damp Eastbourne. The Russian came through with a 6-3 6-3 win in 79 minutes after two rain delays.

Petrova will face Agnieszka Radwanska in Saturday’s final after the fourth seed from Poland beat 2007 Wimbledon finalist Marion Bartoli 7-5 6-3.

Sam Stosur only returned to the tour in April after seven months out with Lyme disease and viral meningitis, having watched her ranking drop to No.157. But she beat rising star Caroline Wozniacki in Eastbourne and then profited from Amelie Mauresmo’s injury-enforced retirement.

Against the No.8 seed Petrova, bidding for her first title of the year, her run came to an end. The Russian’s victory was even sweeter, given that she had been forced to retire in the semi-finals last year with a chest injury.

Marion Bartoli, meanwhile, was satisfied with her form as she heads to Wimbledon with a stack of rankings points to defend after her surprise run to the final last year.


Tim Farthing, Tennishead Editorial Director & Owner, has been a huge tennis fan his whole life. He's a tennis journalist and entrepreneur as well as playing tennis to a national standard. He also helps manage his local club and volunteers for his local tennis organisation. He's a specialist in content about the administration of professional tennis and tennis coaching for all levels.