Errani ousts Jankovic to keep Italian dream alive

Sara Errani of Italy returns the ball to Jelena Jankovic of Serbia during the ATP-WTA Rome’s Tennis Masters semi-final on May 17, 2014, at the Foro Italico in Rome. AFP/GABRIEL BOUYS

ROME — Sara Errani beat Jelena Jankovic 6-3, 7-5 on Saturday to book her place in the final of the Rome Masters and maintain her hopes of becoming the first Italian woman to win the tournament in 29 years.

Errani, seeded 10, claimed her second consecutive semi-final place on Friday when she produced a stunning upset in overcoming China’s number two seed Li Na 6-3, 4-6, 6-2.

Jankovic had accounted for Agnieszka Radwanska, the third seed from Poland, 6-4, 6-4 to claim her last four place.

But the Serbian sixth seed was never in the game against 2012 French Open finalist Errani, who will appear in Sunday’s final for the first time in her career.

“It was quite difficult out there, Sara played a great match and credit to her,” said Jankovic.

“She sent a lot of balls back, she made me hit a lot of extra ball and she used the spin.

“Overall it was a difficult day, I gave my best but there are a lot of things I could have done better.”

Errani, 27, was ousted from the semi-finals last year by Victoria Azarenka of Belarus.

In Sunday’s final she will meet either Jankovic’s 11th seeded compatriot Ana Ivanovic or defending champion and top seed Serena Williams, who meet in the second semi-final later Saturday.

Raffaella Reggi was the last Italian woman to win the Italian Open in 1985.

Jankovic, meanwhile, hopes her run to the semis is enough for a solid campaign at the French Open, where she has been stopped at the semi-finals three times.

“I had a good return in Rome. I wish I could to the final, that was my goal,” added the Serbian.

“It was a good week before the French Open, I had a lot matches especially against top players.

“I’m looking forward to competing in Paris and hopefully to play my best tennis over there.”