October 1, 2009 – Former World Number 1 Maria Sharapova advanced to the semifinals with her win over Iveta Benesova today in the Toray Pan Pacific Open. Sharapova is the 2005 champion of the Pan Pacific Open. Sharapova defeated Benesova 6-4 7-5 in 1 hour, 39 minutes.
With this win, Sharapova is set to play 11th seed Agnieska Radwanska, who defeated Magdalena Rybarikova of Slovakia 6-3 6-1.
Sharapova demonstrated more comfort and ease on the court today. She has been struggling quite a bit since returning from a 10-month injury layoff from shoulder surgery last October.
Sharapova could potentially face World Number 8 and also former World Number 1 Jelena Jankovic later this week. Jankovic defeated Marion Bartoli 6-4 6-3, putting an end to her match-losing streat against the French 14th seed.
