STANFORD, Calif. (AP) Maria Sharapova shook off a first-set loss to beat Poland’s Agnieszka Radwanska 1-6, 6-2, 6-2 on Saturday in the Bank of the West Classic to set up a championship match against Victoria Azarenka.
Azarenka, from Belarus, celebrated her 21st birthday with a 6-2, 6-3 victory over top-seeded Samantha Stosur 6-2, 6-3.
Fifth-seeded and 15th-ranked, Sharapova remained undefeated in four semifinal matches this season and will be looking for her third title.
The Russian star and the third-seeded Radwanska are both expected to move up in the rankings when they are released Monday. A tournament title would give Sharapova her best ranking since returning from a shoulder injury in May of 2009.
Radwanska, 0-3 in semifinals, is projected to nudge into the top 10.
Sharapova committed eight unforced errors, all on double faults, but none in the third set. She recorded four aces with a serve that reached 183 kph.
Sharapova has won 17 of her last 20 matches and hopes to crash Azarenka’s celebration.
“I’m legal!” Azarenka screamed, and waved her arms high over her head to acknowledge the crowd after her win. She reached her third final of the season and is looking for her first title of the year ? though both of her potential opponents will offer a stiff challenge.
“They’re both great players,” said Azarenka, who also played a semifinal doubles match with Maria Kirilenko shortly after beating Stosur. “I have to be prepared.”
Azarenka has won 10 of her last 12 matches and is unbeaten in four career meetings against Stosur, who was playing her first tournament since reaching her career-high ranking at No. 5.
“I was pretty good on the return,” Azarenka said. “I think I just have long arms and that’s the key. If I can react fast enough I can usually get there.”
The 26-year-old Stosur lost to eventual champion Marion Bartoli in last year’s semifinal at Stanford.
“She played well today and it wasn’t my best day,” Stosur said. “She punished me when I was being too conservative.”
Azarenka took advantage of Stosur’s difficulty on first serves and played a solid return game. She kept the Australian on her heels with strong forehands.
“I’m finally injury free and enjoying my time on the court,” Azarenka said.
