17 Francesca Schiavone d 5 Elena Dementieva - 76(3) ret.
I was just as shocked as Fran was when Elena walked over to call it quits.
Just saw a part of the presser and Elena says she has a tear in her calf.
An injury she sustained during her 2nd round match.
She didn't call a trainer because she said that it wouldn't have mattered.
It was simply to painful to continue to play.
In 46 consecutive Slam appearances she has never retired a match.
1st time in the Open era there was a retirement at RG in the semis (or final).
*****
Francesca becomes the 1st Italian woman to reach a Slam final in Open era.
With this win she will move into the top 10 for the first time in her career.
She had previously had a career high of #11.
The look of surprise on her face when Elena retired was priceless.
It looked as though it took her a full minute to realize she just won the match.
Fran fought back from a break down to win that set but...
Elena said she wouldn't have played a 2nd set so Fran would've won anyway.
Odd win. But a win none-the-less.
Photo: Getty Images
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