Tag Archive | "Bartoli"

Bartoli Joins the Majors Club by Winning Wimbledon

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Bartoli Joins the Majors Club by Winning Wimbledon



Without questions, this denouement to the ladies’ draw was not foreseen as the fortnight commenced. Regardless, Marion Bartoli and Sabine Lisicki found themselves contesting for the big prize at Wimbledon. Bartoli made the most of her second trip to the final at the All-England Club, crushing the German 6-1, 6-4 to lift her inaugural majors’ trophy.

In 2007, Bartoli, the 18th seed, surprised Justine Henin in the semifinals to reach her maiden major final. Bartoli went down to Venus Williams, the 23rd seed and outright favorite.

Lisicki, another 23rd seed, was pegged as the oddsmaker’s choice because of booming serve and powerful forehand despite making her debut in a major final. On this occasion, Bartoli did not intend to stick to the script.

With Maria Sharapova ousted in the second round, Victoria Azarenka forced to forfeit her second round match due to injury and 2011 winner Petra Kvitova bounced in the quarterfinals, Bartoli was the vestige of a bottom half of the draw left in disarray.

Not only did the Frenchwoman win all her matches in two sets, the highest seed she battled was Sloane Stephens at 17. Prior to this tournament, Bartoli’s showings this season were three quarterfinals, all non-majors.

Moreover, Bartoli’s last title was in Osaka in 2011. That same year, Bartoli prevailed on grass in Eastbourne, stunned Serena Williams at Wimbledon in the fourth round only to be bounced in the quarterfinals by the woman she faced today.

The anxiety was palpable as each competitor double faulted on break point her first time serving. However, with her first ace, Bartoli subsequently held for a 2-1 lead.

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Sharapova Hangs on to Reach Fourth Sony Ericsson Open Final

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Sharapova Hangs on to Reach Fourth Sony Ericsson Open Final



Maria Sharapova out dueled Caroline Wozniacki 4-6,6-2,6-4 to advance to her second successive final at the Sony Ericsson Open.

Sharapova saw a 4-1, double break lead disappear in the first set as her serve collapsed. Wozniacki captured five consecutive games to steal the opening set.

Still Sharapova was able to turn the match around. Subsequent to breaking the initial game and holding, Sharapova struck a forehand winner to again build a double break advantage.

This time around by racing ahead 5-1, Sharapova was able to ultimately close out the second set.

The third set after failing to convert on a bevy of break points, Sharapova finally banked the break for 3-2. Then, the Russian seized another break for 5-2.

Despite Wozniacki resisting, salvaging a match point and narrowing the deficit to 4-5, the second time of asking, Sharapova put the match to bed.

A three time finalist at the Sony Ericsson Open including last year, Sharapova will attempt to grab her initial title in South Florida. Sharapova is also striving for her first trophy of 2012 after being second best to Victoria Azarenka at the Australian Open and Indian Wells.

Sharapova’s opponent will be either Marion Bartoli or Agnieszka Radwanska, their match will take place tonight. Sharapova has a winning record against both ladies despite not competing against Bartoli since 2010.

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Djokovic Battles for Semifinal Slot, Sharapova Seeks Another Final at Sony Ericsson Open

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Djokovic Battles for Semifinal Slot, Sharapova Seeks Another Final at Sony Ericsson Open



The first match on stadium court at the Sony Ericsson Open has world number two Maria Sharapova and former world number one Caroline Wozniacki fighting for a berth in the final.

After reaching her maiden semifinal in Miami, Wozniacki will attempt to advance to her initial final of the season. Subsequent to her enormous victory in the quarterfinals over Serena Williams, the 21 year old will not be deterred by the challenge.

A runner up three times including 2011, Sharapova has been to the final on every occasion that she’s progressed past the fourth round at this event. It’s the initial encounter between these two this year. Sharapova has a slim advantage in their head to head of 3-2.
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Sweet Retribution Serena Relishes Stanford Title

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Sweet Retribution Serena Relishes Stanford Title


Last June in the round of 16 at Wimbledon, Marion Bartoli stared down Serena Williams for her initial victory over the defending champion. Despite Williams’ twelve month absence from competition and only her second tournament back, Bartoli’s triumph was classified as a major upset.

Whether one calls it revenge or redemption, Williams was looking to make a statement in the final against Bartoli. After a tough first set, Williams vanquished Bartoli 7-5,6-1 at the Bank of the West Classic to claim her premier title since 2010 Wimbledon.

Due to Dominika Cibulkova withdrawing from their semifinal match because of an abdominal strain, Bartoli had an extra day of rest. Yet, unlike Wimbledon, fitness has not been an issue for Williams this week.

A noticeably more in shape Williams required just 69 minutes to dismiss 2011 Wimbledon finalist Maria Sharapova in the quarterfinals. The following night in the semifinals, Williams dispatched 2011 Wimbledon semifinalist Sabine Lisicki in 59 minutes.

However, knowing that she won their ultimate meeting gave Bartoli a lot of confidence. Early on, the 2009 Bank of the West Classic champion gave Williams plenty to ponder.

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Venus and Serena Williams Maneuver Their Way into the Second Week at Wimbledon

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Venus and Serena Williams Maneuver Their Way into the Second Week at Wimbledon


A definite truism which applies to Serena Williams is that she’s always hungry for another major. The two time defending champion demonstrated that despite some first week cobwebs, she is prepared to fight for a “three-peat” at the All England Club.

Venus Williams, a five time champion at Wimbledon, is still in contention for another title on her most successful surface. Maria Sharapova, the 2004 champion, is almost playing to the standards expected of her. Sharapova is trying to get pass the fourth round for the first time since 2006 at this venue.

The most stunning early departure was 2010 runner-up Vera Zvonareva. Here’s a mid-tournament summary and a preview of the interesting match-ups to come.

After going the distance her first two rounds, Serena Williams cruised in the third round against Maria Kirilenko. The next round, Serena will have to bring her best stuff against Marion Bartoli, the 2007 Wimbledon finalist. Bartoli is playing with great confidence since winning her maiden grass court title in Eastbourne.

Subsequent to a comfortable opening match, Venus Williams clawed past 40 year old Kimiko Date-Krumm in the second round. However, in the third round, Venus coasted to victory. Next up for Venus is Tsvestana Pironkova.

In a rematch of last year’s semifinal, Pironkova avenged her lost to Zvonareva in the third round. In 2010, Pironkova reached the semifinals by upending Venus in the quarterfinals. Pironkova also ousted Venus at the Australian Open in 2006. With Pironkova’s 2-1 against Venus, this tussle could be another doozy.

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Serena and Venus Are Back: Wimbledon Is Anyone’s Trophy

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Serena and Venus Are Back: Wimbledon Is Anyone’s Trophy


The Williams sisters made their long awaited return to competitive tennis this week. Despite being rusty, with nine of the last eleven championships at the All England Club, Venus and Serena are among the favorites. Moreover, the Wimbledon draw sets up the potential for a fifth all Williams final. Here’s a more detailed analysis.

World number one Caroline Wozniacki hopes to validate her ranking with a first major. However, Wozniacki will need to do some heavy lifting to achieve that feat.

In the quarterfinals, Wozniacki may have to go through 2004 Wimbledon champion Maria Sharapova. In addition, for the Dane, a semifinal encounter with defending and four time winner Serena or reigning French Open champion Na Li may be in the cards. Needless to say, Wozniacki will have to work hard to earn her maiden major.

Serena will begin her title defense by facing the talented Aravane Rezai in the first round. In the fourth round, Serena could see another sizeable French hurdle in 2007 finalist Marion Bartoli.

Later, in the quarterfinals, Serena may clash against Li who is no push over. In Li’s case, Sabine Lisicki may present difficulties in the second round. Lisicki has been regaining her form and confidence as is evident with her recent title in Birmingham.

Sharapova is again in the mix at another major. While a first round match with countrywoman Anna Chakvetadze could be testy, Sharapova should come through. Sharapova is likely to have a tougher time in the fourth round if Samantha Stosur is the opponent.

Serena had been out of commission nearly a year. For the seventh seed to claim her fifth Wimbledon crown, she will have to come up with the type of performance which resulted in her surprise victory at the Australian Open in 2007. With Serena’s track record, it’s certainly hard to bet against her. Yet, with Ana Ivanovic, Maria Kirilenko, Flavia Pennetta and Julia Goerges in the top half of the draw, there is an endless list of players capable of pulling off an upset.

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Clijsters Shakes Off Martinez Sanchez, Zvonareva Advances

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Clijsters Shakes Off Martinez Sanchez, Zvonareva Advances




Defending Sony Ericsson Open champion Kim Clijsters halted Maria Jose Martinez Sanchez to advance to the fourth round at the Sony Ericsson Open. That victory marked the 500th of Clijsters’ career.

Martinez Sanchez is know for her craftiness and in their first meeting, the Spaniard gave Clijsters plenty to think about. Using the dropshot, volleys and slice to offset Clijsters’ power.

Clijsters and Martinez Sanchez were all squared in the break department until Clijsters broke for a second time which made the difference in the first set.

Martinez Sanchez captured an early break in the second set, but Clijsters found the means to level the set. Still at 4 all, Martinez Sanchez fired a winner for double break point. When Clijsters’ forehand landed long, the Spaniard went ahead 5-4.

Subsequently, with a volley winner, Martinez Sanchez arrived at double set point and converted when Clijsters’ return traveled long.

In the deciding set, Clijsters secured a quick break and consolidated to move in front 3-0. However, when Clijsters flubbed a pass, Martinez Sanchez had her second break opportunity of the game. With Clijsters netting a backhand, Martinez Sanchez was gifted the break.

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Wozniacki Wards Off Bartoli for BNP Parisbas Open Title

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Wozniacki Wards Off Bartoli for BNP Parisbas Open Title



Last year, Caroline Wozniacki was disappointed in the final of the BNP Paribas Open by Jelena Jankovic.  Today, Wozniacki smiled from ear to ear as she held off Marion Bartoli 6-1, 2-6, 6-3 to capture the biggest title of her career.

Following a solid game to open the championship, Wozniacki connected with a backhand crosscourt winner to break and get a 2-0 lead.

Although Bartoli returned the favor by taking next game, Wozniacki rolled on winning the subsequent five games to pocket the first set.

The one sided scoreboard in the initial set belied the fact that Bartoli was playing very well.  As usual, Wozniacki was a bulwark from the baseline tracking balls which would have been winners against most competitors.

In the second set, Bartoli mixed it up more by coming to net, using the dropshot and exposing Wozniacki’s weaker stroke, the forehand.  From the get-go, Bartoli’s new strategy bore fruits.

After an ace to put a period on a tough game, Bartoli’s lob forced Wozniacki into an error.  Consequently, Bartoli had her second break point opportunity of the game which she converted with a forehand winner.

Promptly, Bartoli consolidated for a 3-0 advantage.  Despite not converting on another break point opportunity which would have given her a double break edge, Bartoli guarded serve for 4-1.

Later, as Wozniacki served at 2-5 to extend the second set, Bartoli induced a series of mistakes from her opponent and broke to push the match into a deciding set.

At that point, Bartoli appeared to have the upper hand.  Yet, with so many grueling rallies, fatigue began to play a part in Bartoli’s game with her shots having less authority than before.

Subsequent to a backhand error on game point, Bartoli watched Wozniacki produce a backhand pass winner for a second break point.  Wozniacki banked the break when Bartoli’s stroke landed long.

Once Wozniacki had consolidated, she arrived at triple break point when Bartoli netted a backhand.  Still, Bartoli managed to win the following five points to remain one break behind.

With Bartoli donating two double faults, Wozniacki broke at love to move ahead by a double break at 4-1.  Just when Wozniacki seemed in command, Bartoli roared back with a love break of her own and held for 3-4.

Wozniacki’s next time out was a love hold. Then, with Bartoli misfiring with a dropshot, Wozniacki had her second championship point.  As Bartoli’s backhand sailed long, Wozniacki claimed the title.

Bartoli was in tears after the match explaining “Caroline you made me cry . . .out of tiredness”.  Gracious in defeat, Bartoli recognized that the world number one was indeed worthy of the ranking:  “I am sure you will get a grand slam pretty soon”.

To her father, Bartoli expressed her love for the lone man in her box while Wozniacki had “a full box” saying “since I was five and a half when I hit my first tennis ball [you] were there, I hope [you] will be there until the last”.

Currently at seventeen, Bartoli will bump up in the rankings.  A semifinalist in Miami last year, Bartoli will hope to build on her great performance of the ultimate two weeks.

An overjoyed Wozniacki thanked Bartoli for her kind words and acknowledged today’s ferocious battle stating:  “I am sorry I had to beat you . . . It’s not like football where there’s a draw”.

Wozniacki was particularly happy that “every year I come back I have more and fans here.  It means so much to me”.

With her second title of the year, the first being in Dubai, Wozniacki goes into Miami with a heap of confidence.

Sony Ericsson Open defending champion Kim Clijsters retired from her fourth round match against Bartoli due to shoulder issues.  Thus, for Wozniacki hanging on to the number one spot may be easier the next few weeks as these two head to South Florida.

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Blockbuster Showdown in the Fourth Round:  Sharapova v Serena and Henin v Clijsters

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Blockbuster Showdown in the Fourth Round: Sharapova v Serena and Henin v Clijsters


For the most part, the first week at Wimbledon has gone according to plan on the ladies’ side.  As a result, defending champion Serena Williams will square off in the round of 16 against the woman who beat her in the 2004 final, Maria Sharapova.  Similarly, the projected clash between Justine Henin and Kim Clijsters has come to fruition.  This means that tomorrow, two individuals will be disappointed.  Let’s analyze how we arrived at this point and what lies ahead in the second week.

Top seed Serena Williams has simply run through her opponents. Likewise, Sharapova has had little difficulty getting to this stage, sending her adversaries home in straight sets.  Serena and Sharapova have played seven times with the former winning five of those meetings.  Curiously, since the 2004 championship, the two have never battled on grass.  In essence, this will be their rematch.  A significant factor will be how well Sharapova serves.  If the Russian does well in that department, Serena could be in trouble.

Na Li and Agniezska Radwanska who face each other in the fourth round have yet to drop a set in getting this far.  Radwanska holds a 2-1 record against Li and both victories have been on grass.  But for both Li and Radwanska, the quarterfinals will be a tough ask with either Sharapova or Serena as a rival.

A definite stunner was the dismissal of French Open finalist Samantha Stosur in the first round by Kaia Kanepi.  Previously ranked as high as 18 in 2009, Kanepi’s placement dipped to 80.  After ousting another seed Alexandra Dulgheru in the third round, the talented Estonian is in the round of 16 .  Another surprise is Kanepi’s opponent in the fourth round, Klara Zakopalova.  The 28 year old had not gone pass the third round at a major previously.  Zakopalova advanced by bouncing 18th seed Aravane Rezai in the second round and trouncing 10th seed Flavia Pennetta in the third.

Caroline Wozniacki, the third seed, has been splendid on grass as she attempts to better her fourth round result from last year.  Jie Zheng, the 23rd seed, and Victoria Azarenka, the 14th seed, fell victim to Petra Kvitova in the second and third round respectively. Thus, Wozniacki takes on Kvitova in the round of 16.  The Dane carried their prior two matches.  Furthermore, with Kanepi or Zakopalova as a quarterfinal match-up, Wozniacki truly has a green light to the semifinals.

This was a disastrous week for the French Open winners.  The reigning champion Francesca Schiavone went out in the first round.  Last year’s title holder and 19th seed Svetlana Kuznetsova crashed out in the second round.  Ana Ivanovic, the 2008 victor, bowed out in the first round.  Hence, Ivanovic’s ranking of 45 will continue to head toward the cellar.

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Wimbledon Draw Offers the Potential for Another All Williams Final

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Wimbledon Draw Offers the Potential for Another All Williams Final


With the exception of 2004 and 2006 when the Venus Rosewater trophy was leased by Maria Sharapova and Amelie Mauresmo respectively, Venus and Serena Williams have been the proprietor of the Wimbledon title eight out of the last ten years.  In fact, the Williams sisters have been interchangeably the winner and runner-up the ultimate two seasons.   With Serena and Venus as the top two seeds in 2010, a three-peat in the finals is plausible.  However, with Justine Henin having reincorporated herself into the tour with the express objective of hoisting the Wimbledon trophy and compatriot Kim Clijsters a formidable force after rejoining the circuit last summer, a new decade may mark the end of the Williams’ dominance.  Here’s a preview of the draw and the potential obstacles for the chief contenders at the All England Club.

If the outcome is as anticipated, Serena will meet Maria Sharapova in the round of 16.  Despite struggling with her serve since her shoulder surgery, Sharapova has posted some good results the last couple of months.  Moreover, Sharapova reached the finals in Birmingham two weeks ago.  Thus, depending on how well Sharapova plays, the possibility of an upset is undeniable.  With the Birmingham title under her belt, Na Li is a secondary threat in Serena’s section.  A semifinalist in Australia where she loss in two  tiebreaker sets, Li has the weapons to irritate Serena if she gets to the quarterfinals.

Either French Open finalist Samantha Stosur or Caroline Wozniacki could be Serena’s semifinal opponent.  With her recent history at the French Open against Stosur, Serena may have her work cut out for her.  Beforehand, Stosur and Wozniacki may have to battle it out in the quarterfinals.  Looking further back, Wozniacki may have to deal with Victoria Azarenka the 14th seed in the fourth round and Stosur with Flavia Pennetta the 10th seed also in the round of 16.  Since clay is Pennetta’s best surface and with the Italian never making it pass the fourth round, Stosur should prevail.  For Azarenka, the finalist in Eastbourne, a knee injury may be the limiting factor regardless of the rival she faces.

Focusing on the bottom half of the draw, the Wimbledon grass seems to have restorative properties for Venus irrespective of her previous results.  With two titles and finalists status in Miami and Madrid, Venus is in stellar shape.  Venus’ path looks relatively unencumbered until the quarterfinals where she could battle Marion Bartoli or French Open reigning champion Francesca Schiavone.  Still with Venus’ past performance, the scales are heavily tipped in her direction.

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