Razzano to face Wozniacki in AEGON International final

VIRGINIE Razzano will face Caroline Wozniacki in the final of the AEGON International on Saturday after she overcame compatriot Marion Bartoli in the last four.

Razzano's place in the final was confirmed when Bartoli - a 2007 Wimbledon finalist - was forced to retire when 6-4 1-0 down with a leg injury.

"I pushed off on my right leg to serve and felt a sharp pain in my leg," said Bartoli, who has now bowed out in Eastbourne at the semi-final stage for the last three years.

"After that I couldn't push off on my right leg on my serve, it really disturbed my service action. It wasn't really bothering me in rallies at first but then, after a few games, it began to bother me in rallies as well.

"This is two days before Wimbledon. I start playing Monday so it is very difficult. The doctors can't really say what the problem is. I have to wait until tomorrow to see if it is just a bit of tightness and I can play Wimbledon or if it is a strain of more than 6cm and it will not be possible for me to play."

Razzano, who reached the French Open fourth round last month, converted all four of her break points opportunities in the first set which proved the determining factor in giving her the lead.

"I played my game, looked at the ball and didn't look at her. I was happy to win today because when you are playing her you have to prepare for anything. If you don't play your game against her you are lost."

Wozniacki, sixth seed and world number nine, came from behind to book her place in the final, beating Canadian Aleksandra Wozniak 3-6, 6-4, 6-4 in just under two hours.

"It was a little bit tough conditions today but it was the same for both players," said Wozniacki. "In the beginning I thought I maybe made too many unforced errors."

 Leading life assurance and pensions company AEGON is lead partner of British Tennis and is backing the sport at all levels, from grass roots to world class tennis events. For tickets and further information visit www.lta.org.uk