Russian Vera Zvonareva beats Tsvetana Pironkova in Wimbledon semifinals

Zvonareva beats Pironkova in Wimbledon semis

WIMBLEDON, England — Russia’s Vera Zvonareva has advanced to her first Grand Slam final after rallying to defeat unseeded Bulgarian Tsvetana Pironkova 3-6, 6-3 6-2 in the semifinals of Wimbledon.

The Bulgarian won the first set Thursday after breaking the 21st-seeded Zvonareva’s serve in the sixth game, with the aid of a net cord.

The momentum swung the Russian’s way after she broke Pironkova in the sixth game of the second on her way to leveling the match.

Zvonareva broke Pironkova in the first and fifth games of the third set, then saved two break points in the sixth game before converting her second match point.

Pironkova’s defeat ended her bid to become the first unseeded woman to reach the final at the All England Club.