Undefeated Radwanska advances to Sydney final on 8th match point

Sydney's top seed, Agnieszka Radwanska, who is 8-0 so far this season, advanced to the final yesterday when she defeated 2011 champion Li Na 6-3, 6-4. Both players were undefeated for the season coming into the semifinal, and Li had beaten Radwanska in their three 2012 matches. But Li made 46 unforced errors, taking herself out of the competition.

Li looked tired a good deal of the time, but nevertheless saved seven match points, two on her own serve. The Chinese star is often at her best when a loss is imminent, and this match was a good example. Toward the end, she threw everything she had at Radwanska (including an unsuccessful 'tweener), and gave the crowd some of the thrills they'd been waiting for.

Radwanska has yet to drop a set in 2013. Her opponent in the Sydney final will be Dominika Cibulkova, who defeated Angelique Kerber 6-2, 4-6, 6-3. I wasn't able to watch the match, but my understanding is that both players were somewhat over-the-top in displaying their more well-known on-court characteristics; wish I'd seen it.

In doubles, top seeds Sara Errani and Roberta Vinci reached the final, in which they will play Nadia Petrova and Katarina Srebotnik. Petrova and Srebotnik took out 2nd seeds Andrea Hlavackova and Lucie Hradecka in the semifinals.

In Hobart, Mona Barthel ended Tsvetana Pironkova's run. Barthel will play Kirsten Flipkens in the semifinals. Also competing in the semifinals are Elena Vesnina and Sloane Stephens.