By Bill Scott Jul 5, 2006, 2:03 GMT
London - A prancing male streaker who invaded centre court failed to rattle ice-calm Russian Maria Sharapova as the former champion turned the other cheek to advance to the semi-finals at Wimbledon Tuesday.
Maria Sharapova of Russia serves to compatriot Elena Dementieva during their quarter-final match of the Wimbledon Championships at the All England Lawn Tennis Club, Tuesday 04 July 2006. EPA/GERRY PENNY
Teenaged Sharapova demurely averted her gaze to the distraction, but gently chided security guards for being slow off the mark to corral the interloper.
Once the second-set fuss died down, the fourth seed proceeded to mop up a 6-1, 6-4 victory over compatriot Elena Dementieva, who had a good laugh when the nude hunk suddenly appeared.
Sharapova was all-business, though, in her quest for a second trophy after winning in 2004.
But she did get the giggles as she recalled the unplanned distraction.
'I didn't really look at the guy, thank God. I didn't want to look at all the details,' said one of the leggy pin-ups of the sport.
The second-set interruption, not unknown at the All England club, was more light-hearted than threatening.
'You look at the security guards and they're laughing. I mean... it's hard to be frightened then,' said Sharapova. 'Then they took out these red blankets.
'They must have been prepared. It was real bizarre. Even more bizarre that it took 10 seconds for security to come out.
'I would have liked that he didn't do a cartwheel and run around the court...but hey, you guys wanted some entertainment during a women's match - you got some.'
Told that some of the ladies liked the look of the uncovered intruder, the teenager added: 'Maybe next time I'll take a look.' But keeping her own eye firmly on the tennis ball paid dividends for Sharapova, who next faces world number 1 Amerlie Mauresmo after the French top seed fought through for a 6-1, 3-6, 6-3 defeat of Anastasia Myskain.
The second of the Thursday semi-finals will pit Belgian rivals Kim Clijsters and three-time Roland Garros winner Justine Henin-Hardenne, playing for the 20th time at the WTA level and 21st overall.
Clijsters ended the Chinese charge of surprise packet Li Na, in a 6-4, 7-5 decision, while Henin-Hardenne put out French qualifier Severine Bremond 6-4, 6-4.
Henin-Hardenne, who has won her last 16 matches to take a third French Open title followed by one on grass at Eastbourne, is hoping to go a step further after losing the 2001 Wimbledon final to Venus Williams.
'The main important thing right now, it's mentally and emotionally, it's more than the game itself,' said the five-time Grand Slam winner.
'When you in the semis or even in the quarters, everyone is playing good tennis. But you need to deal with the situation and that's what I'm trying to do right now.
'Let's go step by step. I hope I have another opportunity to play another final here in Wimbledon. That's my next goal.'
Clijsters beat Li, the first Chinese to reach this far at a Grand Slam, six months ago in Sydney.
'I had to play really good tennis and aggressive tennis. Her backhand is very powerful, she keeps the unforced errors down.
'She's a really, really good player, I think.'
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