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Radwanska downs Li in epic, faces Lisicki in semis

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AFP London
Poland's Agnieszka Radwanska downed China's Li Na today to set-up a Wimbledon semi-final against Sabine Lisicki, the slayer of Serena Williams.

Fourth-seeded Radwanska, the highest seed left following the exit of defending champion Williams, Victoria Azarenka and Maria Sharapova, beat Li, the sixth seed, 7-6 (7/5) 4-6 6-2 in a gripping two-hour, 43 minute contest which was completed under the Centre Court roof.

Radwanska, the runner-up in 2012, took victory on an eighth match point.

The 24-year-old Pole, who had gone into the quarter-final with a 4-6 losing record against Li, also overcame an injury scare when she needed her right thigh tightly-strapped at the start of the deciding set.
 

"Li played unbelievable tennis. I was just happy to get through after struggling in the final set," said Radwanska who had also needed three sets to beat Tsvetana Pironkova in the fourth round.

"I have played so much tennis in the last few days, that's why I have the problem."

Radwanksa and Lisicki have played twice on the WTA Tour, winning a match apiece.

"We have known each other since our junior days -- it'll be a great challenge on grass," said the slender Pole.

Li fired 58 winners in today's quarter-final but was undone by 40 unforced errors.

Lisicki followed-up her shock defeat of Williams with a 6-3, 6-3 win over Estonia's Kaia Kanepi to reach her second Wimbledon semi-final.

The German 23rd seed also made the last-four as a wildcard in 2011, three months after her world ranking had slumped to 218.

"It was an amazing match yesterday, but I had to make sure that I had calmed down and was ready for today," said Lisicki, who completed victory in her fourth Wimbledon quarter-final just before rain began to fall.

"I have had experience of other years to help me. I also played the semi-finals in 2011 so that helped me be ready for today.

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First Published: Jul 03 2013 | 12:10 AM IST

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