Chapter 35 Internazionali BNL D’Italia
INTERNAZIONALI BNL D’ITALIA
Freeman Falls to Sharapova in Rome Semis
NBC Sports
ROME, ITALY
Maria Sharapova may have ended Belén Freeman’s run at the Internazionali BNL d’Italia with a commanding 6–2, 6–4 semifinal win, but the American teen’s clay-court surge continues to turn heads across the WTA tour.
It was Sharapova’s second win over Freeman this season, having also beaten her in Miami last March. But this time, Freeman made her work harder, hanging toe-to-toe with the former world No. 1 in extended baseline rallies and saving five break points in the second set.
Though seemingly disappointed, Freeman remained composed in her post-match press conference.
“Some matches don’t feel like losses,” she told the reporters.
“My game wasn’t at its best, but one learns from every point.
Maria is tough. It’s definitely an honor to get the chance to play against her again.
” After a pause, she added with a smile, “I mean, I’m a big fan.
Always have been. This one meant a lot.”
With 3,540 total points and great performances in Madrid and Rome, Belén Freeman climbs to No. 6 in the world and enters Roland Garros as the defending champion.
Sharapova praised Freeman’s fearlessness, noting, “The tour should be watching her closely.” Sharapova’s Rome run ended the next day in the final, where she was dismantled by top-seeded Zoya Kruschenko, 6–1, 6–0, a result that raises eyebrows heading into the French clay courts.
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Prize Money: €175,000
Ranking Points Earned: 350