Sania enters last four of Japan Open

Sania Mirza on Friday advanced to the Japan Open semifinals after her second-seeded French opponent Marion Bartoli retired midway through the quarterfinal due to a shoulder injury with the Indian leading 6-4 2-0 at Osaka.

With Bartoli hampered by a right shoulder injury, Sania controlled the proceedings in the hour-long match, although Sania said she did not play all that well.

Sania will next play fourth seed Francesca Schiavone, who didn't even need to take the court as her seventh seeded rival Melinda Czink withdrew due to a right foot injury.