The 2012 Australian Open marks a bevy of milestones for Victoria Azarenka. The Belarusian reached her first final at a major. Moreover, by defeating Maria Sharapova 6-3,6-0, Azarenka claims her maiden major and will ascend to the number one spot for the first time.

Although they were tied at three a piece in their head to head, Azarenka had prevailed over Sharapova in the two previous finals they played. Still, this was a major and with three such trophies under her mantle, Sharapova had a colossal edge in experience.

Azarenka had her “Oh my God! I can‘t believe I‘m here” moment common with first time finalist which often signals disaster. Sharapova took advantage by breaking and consolidating for a 2-0 lead in the opening set. Yet, Azarenka refocused quickly to get back in the match.

After pulling out of a love-30 hole to get on the board, Azarenka broke at love to square the set at 2 all. Later ahead 4-3, Azarenka seized a second break and went on to close out the set.

From that point on, the 22 year old gave her Russian opponent no breathing space. By forcing Sharapova into errors, Azarenka raced to a 3-0 in the second set. By winning nine successive games, Azarenka captured the second set 6-0 and sealed the championship.

Sharapova admitted that she was simply outplayed “she did everything better than I did today. . .taking the first ball, hitting it deep and aggressive”. Sharapova acknowledged that she was disappointed, yet “ to get to the final is a good achievement. . .to end up the one [who] loses is tough. . .[But] it’s a good start to the year and I have a lot to look forward to”.

This was the second time that Sharapova was frustrated by a first time finalist. Petra Kvitova stopped her at Wimbledon last season.

An incredulous Azarenka stated “right after the win I couldn’t understand what was happening. . . I could not believe that the tournament was over”. Azarenka was particularly proud of her fight after the first two games “I really handled the situation well after that little slack in the beginning. . .and just [took] it one [point] at a time”.

As an adolescent, Azarenka‘s talent was evident with the big groundstrokes. But, in the past, her volatile temperament got in the way. Recently, Azarenka’s biggest growth has been on the mental side, controlling her emotions and developing a sense of self belief. For that, Azarenka credits her coach “he has [guided] me towards that winning attitude”.

Come Monday, there is a new pecking order on the women’s circuit with Azarenka at the top, Kvitova second, Sharapova third and Caroline Wozniacki dropping from first to fourth.

Nathalie Narcisse

In 2004, at the age of 17, Maria Sharapova advanced to her first major final and stunned the overwhelming favorite Serena Williams at Wimbledon. Seven years hence, in her second final at the All England Club, Sharapova ran into an intrepid twenty-one year old copycat. Petra Kvitova, a lefty from the Czech Republic, shocked the Russian 6-3,6-4 to prevail in her maiden major final.

After Kvitova was broken to open the match, it seemed that nerves would be the deciding factor in the match. However, Kvitova manufactured triple break point and capitalized to get back on serve.

Her next service game, Kvitova wiped out break point to hold for 2-1. Later, subsequent to a forehand winner by Kvitova, Sharapova double faulted to hand her opponent break point. Sharapova produced a second double fault to give Kvitova a 4-2 edge.

With great serving, Kvitova consolidated for a 5-2 advantage. By relentlessly pressuring Sharapova’s serve, Kvitova came to her first set point when her counterpart dumped a forehand into the net.

Yet, with an ace, Sharapova cleared that hurdle. Ultimately, Sharapova guarded serve for 3-5. Still, at love, a serene Kvitova secured the first set.

At the start of the second set, with Sharapova’s fifth double fault, Kvitova had a break point. By striking a forehand down the line winner, the Czech took the game. Despite a couple of double faults, Kvitova maintained serve for a 2-0 lead.

When Kvitova misfired on a couple of easy strokes to donate a break point, Sharapova made her pay. With a lob winner, the Russian banked the game to level the set at 2 all.

With the door left more ajar, like many first time major finalists, Kvitova appeared unable to seize the moment. Perhaps, Sharapova was witnessing the beginning of Kvitova’s undoing. But, Kvitova proved to be different.

Next, the underdog overpowered Sharapova with a deep forehand to get her second break point with Sharapova having three prior game points. With a forehand return winner, Kvitova once again went ahead 3-2.

Promptly though, Sharapova returned the favor. The Russian attacked a second serve on break point for a winner to arrive at 3 all. However, Kvitova would not be denied. With Sharapova netting a forehand up the line, Kvitova had double break point. On a miscue by Sharapova, Kvitova captured a 4-3 advantage.

This time, Kvitova maintained serve to put herself four points from the championship. After Sharapova guarded serve at love for 4-5. Kvitova placed three magnificent serves to have triple match point. Then, by thumping her first ace of the day, Kvitova sealed the championship.

Sharapova had not surrendered a set coming into the final. Today, she recognized that she ran into an opponent who simply outplayed her “[Kvitova] played a wonderful tournament. . . She played incredible tennis and powerful shot from all over the court”.

Still, Sharapova appreciates being a finalist considering the difficult trek she’s had since her shoulder operation “ every athlete wants to be in the final of Wimbledon . . I would rather have the big [trophy], but it’s something”.

Moreover, Sharapova stated that her performance this fortnight is “encouragement to keep working hard [and] she will be back” in a future Wimbledon final.

In disbelief, Kvitova could hardly speak especially “seeing all the great champions in the royal box”. Kvitova cited “I’m happy that I won”. For Kvitova, the key to triumphing was “I did not thing it was the final of Wimbledon . . . I focused on each point and played my best tennis”.

Kvitova bagged her fourth title of the year. She followed her hardcourt win in Brisbane with a title in Paris by beating Kim Clijsters, then in Madrid on clay she defeated Victoria Azarenka. The latter was again Kvitova’s victim in the Wimbledon semifinals.

Since 2000, this was the third Wimbledon final not featuring either Serena or Venus Williams. Kvitova became the first Czech winner since Jana Novotna in 1998 while the last lefty to hoist the trophy at Wimbledon was Martina Navratilova in 1990.

Thirty-fourth at the end of 2010, this youngster has skyrocketed up the rankings. Kvitova will climb from number eight to a career best of number seven. As the runner-up, Sharapova will inch up a spot to number five.

With three majors decided this season, there have been three different winners and Caroline Wozniacki, the world number one, is not amongst them. Moreover, despite a fourth round exit in London, Wozniacki will remain at the top spot.

Wozniacki’s last and only major final was the 2009 U.S. Open where she come up short. In fact, since assuming the number one ranking in October 2010, Wozniacki has yet to reach a major final. Consequently, the Dane will continue to have much to answer for the rest of the year.

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.

Following straight sets victories her first three matches, Sharapova meets Shuai Peng in the fourth round. If Sharapova prevails, she could encounter world number one Caroline Wozniacki in the quarterfinals.

Wozniacki has been untroubled through three rounds. Standing in Wozniacki’s way for a maiden Wimbledon quarterfinal appearance is Dominika Cibulkova.

Nearly two years after being derailed by injuries, Sabine Lisicki is blossoming once again. Lisicki followed up her recent title in Birmingham by upsetting 2011 French Open champion Na Li in the second round. Lisicki can equal her 2009 Wimbledon quarterfinal showing as she faces Petra Cetkovska in the fourth round. Cetkovska booted Agniezska Radwanska in the second round, then shocked Ana Ivanovic in the third.

After two easy rounds, Victoria Azarenka shook off Daniela Hantuchova in a tough three set encounter. In the round of 16, Azarenka collides with Nadia Petrova, a two time Wimbledon quarterfinalist. Petrova knocked out rising star Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova in the first round. At 29 years of age, Petrova has plenty of fire power to bother Azarenka.

2010 semifinalist Petra Kvitova has been progressing quietly through the draw. The Czech’s fourth round opponent will be Yanina Wickmayer.

Along with Cetkovska, two players making their debut in the round of 16 at a major are a pair of 20 year olds, Russian Ksenia Pervak and Austrian Tamira Paszek. Pervak bounced Shahar Peer in the first round and Andrea Petkovic in the third round.

Paszek recorded the biggest win of her career over Francesca Schiavone in the third round. Since Pervak and Paszek will clash in the fourth round, one will move on to her first quarterfinal at a major.

Some other names surprisingly absent from the second week of the tournament are Samantha Stosur, Jelena Jankovic and Svetlana Kuznetsova.

Wozniacki continues to play defensive tennis. In a quarterfinal with Sharapova, if the Russian’s aggressive style does not fail her, it’s difficult to imagine Wozniacki advancing any further.

With Venus and Serena still in the draw, the possibility of an all Williams final is plausible. But, the obstacles are huge. Should Venus get by Pironkova, Kvitova may be up in the quarterfinals and Azarenka in the semifinals.

Waiting for Serena after Bartoli could be Lisicki who’s been getting stronger with each passing round. Moreover, for Serena, a semifinal versus Sharapova would no walk in the park.

Still, out of the top half of the draw, Serena and Sharapova are the likeliest finalist. In the bottom half, if not Venus, Kvitova may book her first spot in the final at a major this tournament.

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.

As a consequence of Kim Clijsters’ withdraw due to a foot injury, last year’s finalist Vera Zvonareva is the top seed in the bottom half. Zvonareva is slated to meet either Victoria Azarenka or Francesca Schiavone in the semifinals.

Beforehand, Jelena Jankovic and five time champion Venus offer a tantalizing potential third round match-up with the victor scheduled to collide with Zvonareva in the fourth round.

2010 semifinalist Petra Kvitova is hoping to advance one step further this time. For that to occur, the Czech may have to get past Svetlana Kuznetsova in the fourth round. In the quarterfinals, Kvitova could take on Venus, Zvonareva or Jankovic.

In the first round, Schiavone will see Jelena Dokic. Thus, it may be a short stint on the grass for the Italian. If Schiavone progresses, Andrea Petkovic could stop her in the round of 16. Schiavone’s uphill climb could continue with Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova or Azarenka as possible quarterfinal adversaries.

Speaking of Azarenka, the Belarusian’s most difficult obstacle could be Pavlyuchenkova in the fourth round. If Azarenka prevails in such a showdown, she should sail to her initial major semifinal.

With no absolute front runner for the trophy, Sharapova, Venus and Serena who have been at the winner circle previously have an edge. Still, for young guns such as Wozniacki, Azarenka, Pavlyuchenkova and Kvitova, it’s a golden opportunity to seize the moment.

With a combined age of over sixty, this was the most mature major women’s final since Wimbledon 1998 whereby Jana Novotna prevailed over Nathalie Tauziat. At 30 years of age, in her first final since her title at Roland Garros, Schiavone was hoping to end her trophy drought by successfully repeating.

Since becoming the first Chinese individual to reach a major final, Li fell off the radar. After the Australian Open, the 29 year old failed to advance beyond the second round at any hardcourt event. Ultimately, the clay proved therapeutic with two semifinal showings by Li in Madrid and Rome.

After each woman held her initial two games, with a backhand volley winner, Li had double break point. With Schiavone’s forehand up the line sailing wide, Li pocketed the break. By consolidating with a love game, Li moved ahead 4-2.

With Schiavone unable to fabricate a break point, the one game difference was all Li required to seize the first set.

There was a serenity about Li which was absent in her first major final. Li had clearly learned from her loss to Kim Clijsters in Melbourne. With sizzling forehands, Li had double digit winners in the first set.

Furthermore, early on, it was conspicuous that Schiavone’s use of spin, slice, volley and overall variety were not throwing Li off balance. Instead, it was the Italian who was finding herself on her back heel.

With an error by Schiavone placing her in a triple break hole to open the second set, Li capitalized when the Italian dumped a forehand into the net.

However, with a great backhand volley winner, Schiavone manufactured her first break point of the match. Li came up with an ace to wipe out that opportunity and eventually took the game for a 2-0 lead.

In front 3-1, Li pushed an easy forehand into the net on break point erasing the chance to go up 4-1, a double break. In the end, Schiavone guarded serve.

With Schiavone serving at 2-4, Li again found herself at break point. But, for the second straight time, Schiavone did not relent and kept the gap to a single break.

With Li committing a rash of forehand miscues, Schiavone arrived at double break point. When Li’s fourth forehand of the game missed its mark, Schiavone had life at 4 all. By holding serve twice, Schiavone edged forward 6-5.

As Li served to push the second set to a tiebreaker, at deuce, a ball initially called out was correctly overturned by the umpire. Therefore, in lieu of Schiavone having set point, it was game point for Li. Unable to shake off that disappointment, Schiavone misfired on the next stroke.

The first point of the tiebreaker, Li obtained a mini-break by striking a sublime lob and volley. After sprinting to a 3-0 advantage, Li produced a beautiful backhand winner for 4-0 and took six successive points to get to championship point.

On her maiden opportunity at match point, Li watched Schiavone’s backhand travel long. She then laid down on the clay in triumph.

Schiavone acknowledged that “today it was really tough”. Moreover, the Italian congratulated Li on her wonderful win saying “[you’ve] grown up so much in the last year”. Having been in Li’s shoes’ last year, Schiavone told her “enjoy this moment” knowing that it is rare.

Schiavone has many fond memories to treasure the past two years and she expressed her gratitude: “thanks to this fantastic tournament. . . It’s a joy to kiss the clay every day. . . Many thanks for supporting me”.

Li wished her opponent the best for the remainder of the season. She dedicated the victory to a friend who was celebrating her birthday. In addition, Li thanked the crowd “for supporting me. I’ll be back next year”.

Indeed Li had an unbelievable two weeks. Every time she stepped on the court it was potentially historic. Li became the first Chinese player to reach the quarterfinals and semifinals at the French Open.

Li ousted three favorites to get to the final: Petra Kvitova in the fourth round, Victoria Azarenka in the quarterfinals and Maria Sharapova in the semifinals. Li will leap to a career and country best ranking of number four while Schiavone will move down to number 7.

Despite exiting in the third round, Caroline Wozniacki will stay at number one. In spite of a second round departure, Clijsters will keep her number two ranking and Vera Zvonareva who went out in the fourth round is secure at number three.

Strangely enough, Maria Sharapova is also a favorite on clay. The Russian’s victory in Rome two weeks ago demonstrates that she can power her way to a title on this surface. As such, Sharapova deserves to be in the column of players to beware of.

More so than previous years, there has been no standout on the red clay this season. Julia Goerges surprised world number one Caroline Wozniacki in the final in Stuttgart. Petra Kvitova made her debut into the top ten with her victory in Madrid, stunning world number four Victoria Azarenka.

Therefore, any one residing in the vicinity of the ten best from world number three Vera Zvonareva to Azarenka to defending champion Francesca Schiavone to Kvitova has a fair shot at hoisting the title. The French Open draw is revealed. Here’s an analysis of the key match-ups.

Wozniacki’s first round opponent is Kimiko Date-Krumm. The Japanese is know for pulling upsets at majors. Last year, she shocked Dinara Safina in the same round. As a result, Wozniacki will have no time to relax early on.

Another challenging encounter for the world number one could come in the third round where she may face 2009 French Open winner Svetlana Kuznetsova. Wozniacki’s progression to the final could be further complicated by 2010 finalist Samantha Stosur or Goerges in the quarterfinals and either Jelena Jankovic, Zvonareva, or Schiavone in the semifinals.

A sole semifinal showing in Brussels is Zvonareva’s best performance on clay this year. The Russian could stumble in the third round if she clashes with compatriot Nadia Petrova or in the fourth round where countrywoman Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova could offer tremendous resistance.

Also in the top half of the draw, Schiavone and Jankovic could collide in the round of 16. Either player could battle Zvonareva in the quarterfinals.

Azarenka and Sharapova are in the bottom section of the draw. Despite being in a winning position in Rome, Azarenka had to retire in the quarterfinals against Sharapova due to a right elbow injury. Whether Azarenka has fully recovered from that problem will determine how well she performs in Paris. Azarenka and Sharapova could meet in the semifinals.

Prior to that, Azarenka may need to bypass someone also with injury issues in the fourth round, 2008 French Open champion, Ana Ivanovic.

Yet, Azarenka’s tallest hurdle may be Kvitova in the quarterfinals which would be a rematch of the Madrid Open final. As a newcomer to the top ten, Kvitova is playing with the least pressure which makes her even more dangerous.

But, if the draw holds, Kvitova and Na Li will duel in the round of 16. With two semifinals placements, Li is a force on this surface.

Before a possible semifinal with Kvitova or Azarenka, Sharapova could have her hands full in the fourth round against Yanina Wickmayer or Agnieszka Radwanska. In addition, ahead in the quarterfinals for Sharapova could be Andrea Petkovic or Clijsters.

Speaking of Clijsters, if the Belgian is able to find her clay feet in the initial two rounds, Maria Kirilenko would be a huge test in the third round or Petkovic in the fourth round.

In conclusion, it’s truly a tossup as to which player will emerge as the conqueror at Roland Garros. If Wozniacki wants to live up to her ranking and end her drought at the majors, she will have to stray from her comfort zone and rely more on offense rather than defense.

Sharapova and Kvitova with their titles on clay have shown that big hitters who are not necessarily graceful on this surface can overpower their rivals come away with the big prize.

With the unpredictability in the ladies’ game, it would not be surprising to see Clijsters carry the French Open despite no real play on clay for five years. The drama unfolds in a less than a day.

Sharapova and Stosur last collided in the round of 16 at the Sony Ericsson Open with the Russian triumphing in straight sets. With a 7-0 record against the Australian, Sharapova came in oozing confidence.

From the initial strike, Sharapova used her powerful forehand to assert her will and broke in the opening game. Then, with a brilliant volley winner, Sharapova consolidated at love. Later, with Stosur slicing a backhand long, Sharapova took a double break lead for 3-0.

After Sharapova went ahead 4-0, Stosur broke to narrow the gap to 2-4. However, with another forehand from Stosur traveling out of play, Sharapova had triple break point and converted. Next, Sharapova overcame a 0-30 deficit and closed out the set.

In the second set, the players traded breaks the first two games and Stosur held for 2-1. At that point, it appeared that this could turn into a contest.

But, following a love service game by Sharapova, Stosur pushed a forehand up the line long to hand her rival triple break point. When Stosur committed another miscue, Sharapova was again in control with a 3-2 advantage.

With Sharapova in front 40-0, Stosur worked her way to deuce and the later got a break point when her counterpart double faulted. Still, Stosur could not capitalize. Sharapova guarded serve to stretch her lead to 4-2.

Ultimately, the moment arrived for Sharapova to serve for the championship at 5-4. With Stosur sending the return long, Sharapova had match point. On the first opportunity, Sharapova connected with a forehand up the line to bag her maiden title of 2011.

Sharapova’s first final of the year was at the Sony Ericsson Open where she was beaten by Victoria Azarenka. The two actually clashed in the quarterfinals in Rome. After taking the first set, Azarenka was forced to forfeit the match because of a right elbow injury.

Sharapova took full advantage of that lifeline sweeping past world number one Caroline Wozniacki to reach the final. Interestingly, Sharapova’s last title was in May 2010 on clay in Strasbourg. Before today, the Russian had lost four straight finals: Birmingham, Stanford, Cincinnati and Miami.

Stosur put an optimistic spin on her performance this week and acknowledged the great play of her opponent.

For her part, Sharapova stated “I’m so excited to be the champ, I made the semifinals before and it’s always been a special place for me. I’ve always dreamed of winning here”.

Moreover, Sharapova thanked her team, her Italian and Russian fans for their support and cited it’s “only the beginning of many things to come” with the French Open and Wimbledon around the corner. As a result of this championship, Sharapova will assume the number seven ranking.

Petra Kvitova in Madrid, Julia Goerges in Stuttgart, Azarenka in Marbella, Wozniacki in Charleston and now Sharapova, this clay court swing emphasizes that there is no dominant woman on this surface this year. Consequently, another Francesca Schiavone coming out of obscurity to hoist the trophy at Roland Garros would not be shocking.

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.

Yet, with a double fault on break point, Martinez Sanchez handed Clijsters a 4-2 edge. Clijsters was able to consolidate. Then with triple match point, Clijsters struck a forehand up the line winner to bed the proceedings.

Martinez Sanchez is not a garden variety player. As such, MiamiTennisNews.com asked Clijsters what she found difficult about facing such an opponent: “she’s a lefty. That’s always a little bit tougher. . . Just the way she played, as well, she reminded me [of Alize] Cornet at the Australian Open. . . She had a really flat backhand and a forehand she hits with some more topspin. It’s always a little hard when you have a player who plays two totally different shots on each side”.

Further, Clijsters explained “[at times], my footwork wasn’t right and I was not playing the game that I should be playing. I’m the one who should be going for the lines and being aggressive and stepping into the court. A couple of times I felt like I was in a backhand rally with her that she was dictating a lot of the points. That’s obviously not the right thing to do against somebody like her”.

At Indian Wells, due to a shoulder injury, Clijsters had problems with her serve and was forced to retire in her match against Marion Bartoli. Thus, MiamiTennisNews.com inquired as to the status of that shoulder. Clijsters replied: “I’m very relieved that it is getting better, because I was really worried there. . . It takes a lot of work and I have to focus a lot of my attention and my time on my shoulder. But, I know if I can do that, it will stay stable. That’s what I’m hoping for”.

Ana Ivanovic came through against veteran Virginie Razzano. Ivanovic progressed 2-6, 6-2, 3-0 as Razzano retired with a left thigh strain. For the first time in three years, Ivanovic is into the fourth round in Miami and will battle Clijsters for a quarterfinal berth.

In terms of that match-up, Clijsters expressed “I always root for her. . .It’s so nice to see that she’s doing well and that she’s happy and playing well. But, obviously tomorrow night I will just try and do what I do well and what I have done well against her in the past, and that’s . . . be really aggressive and go for the lines”.

Francesca Schiavone is also into the fourth round. Schiavone defeated Lourdes Dominguez Lino 6-4, 7-6. Agnieszka Radwanska will be Schiavone’s counterpart in the next round. Radwanska ousted Maria Kirilenko 7-6, 6-3.

Third seed, Vera Zvonareva beat Jarmila Groth in straight sets while Bartoli pounced Ekaterina Makarova 6-0, 6-2. This sets up a fourth round match between the two winners.

Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova downed Petra Kvitova in three sets. The Russian will face the winner of the Victoria Azarenka/ Dominika Cibulkova which takes place in the night session.

In the second round, Kvitova salvaged match point to advance and wiped out a 3-5 third set deficit in the quarterfinals.  From the initial game, the confident Czech demonstrated she meant business.  With a backhand up the line winner, Kvitova had break point.  She converted thanks to a net court winner.  However, Clijsters quickly rebounded by stealing the next game.  Still, Kvitova was relentless forcing Clijsters to survive another break point before guarding serve for 2-1.  Following an easy service game, Kvitova earned double break point when Clijsters’ forehand traveled long.  On her second opportunity, Kvitova connected with a forehand return winner to bag the break for 3-2.  Then, with three forehand winners, Kvitova consolidated with a love game.  With her serve grooving, Kvitova rolled the rest of the set and with another love game served it out.

To open the second set, Kvitova crushed a forehand return crosscourt winner to obtain break point and later captured the game.  Yet, despite having two game points, as in the previous set, Kvitova failed to maintain serve.  This could have marked the time when the 20 year Czech’s crumbling started as Clijsters began to serve more effectively.  Instead, Kvitova confirmed her resoluteness to completing the task at hand.  After saving a 30 all game which included a double fault, Kvitova continued to use her bludgeoning strokes to put Clijsters on the defensive.  Subsequent to double faulting which gave Kvitova break point, Clijsters provoked a backhand crosscourt error to get to deuce.  But, by pressuring Clijsters into a forehand mistake, Kvitova secured her third break point of the game and gained the advantage when Clijsters pushed a forehand swing volley into the net.  With an ace, Kvitova sealed her service game for 5-3.  Serving to extend the match, Clijsters sent a backhand long to hand Kvitova championship point.  However, with an ace, Clijsters got back to deuce.  Next though, Kvitova pulverized a backhand causing Clijsters to lob her forehand long.  Thus, Kvitova had her second match point.  This time with a forehand crosscourt winner, Kvitova claimed the title, the third of her career.

In 2009, Kvitova made the headlines at the U.S. Open by defeating then world number one, Dinara Safina.  Therefore, this is not uncharted territory for Kvitova.  Still, the Czech admitted she was surprised by the victory.  Kvitova stated “it’s nice to win against Clijsters. . .  One of my biggest achievements”.  On the other hand, Clijsters shared that she was not caught off guard.  Despite the former scores, Clijsters said it was clear that Kvitova had the weapons.  According to Clijsters, “she played consistent in her level today and deserves to win.  She was definitely better”.
Clijsters is not the only one who will be moving up the rankings on Monday.  Kvitova will jump from number 18 to at least 14, a career best.

In the top half of the draw, world number one Wozniacki coasted into the round of 16.   Despite difficult challenges from Gisela Dulko and Dominika Cibulkova, the Dane has yet to drop a set.  Wozniacki will battle Latvian talent 20 year old Anastasija Sevastova  who stunned Yanina Wickmayer in the second round.

On the other hand, Henin, a finalist last year, was dismissed in the third round by Svetlana Kuznetsova.  The 2009 French Open champion who appears to be fitter than ever will face reigning French Open victor Francesca Schiavone in the fourth round.  The latter needed three sets in each of her first two rounds.

There will be no Williams hoisting the prize this year.  Venus was forced to retire one game into her third round match with Andrea Petkovic due to a pelvic muscle injury.  Consequently, Petkovic will clash with Maria Sharapova in the round of 16. Sharapova scraped by Julia Goerges in the previous round.  With Sharapova’s serve a continual sore spot, Petkovic has a golden opportunity to reach her first quarterfinal at a major.

Both Li Na and Victoria Azarenka have been unforgiving thus far with straight sets victories to get to the round of 16.  These two will now collide for a place in the quarterfinals.

In the bottom half of the draw, two big names are absent.  In the second round, Jelena Jankovic, the seventh seed, was ousted by Shuai Peng.  With a fourth round showing, this is Peng’s best performance at a major to date. The Chinese woman battles Agnieszka Radwanska next.  Radwanska overcame a tough first round tussle with Kimiko Date-Krumm.  For Radwanska and Peng, this will be a rematch of their 2010 U.S. Open second round where the latter was the winner.

The second player to make a shocking exit in that section was Samantha Stosur.  The Aussie who appeared unstoppable in her first two rounds was taken out by Petra Kvitova.  Kvitova will subsequently compete against Flavia Pennetta for a slot in the quarterfinals.

Despite being tested, world number two Vera Zvonareva remains in the hunt for her first major.  In the round of 16, Zvonareva will play veteran Iveta Benesova who downed teenager Anastasia Pavlyuchenckova in the prior round.

After serving a bagel to former world number one Dinara Safina, Clijsters sailed through her second round encounter.  In the third round, Clijsters overcame resistance from Alize Cornet, pulling out a two sets win despite 13 winners and 41 errors.  In the round of 16, Clijsters should be back in cruise control as she squares off against Ekaterina Makarova who terminated Ana Ivanovic’s Australian Open hopes in the first round.

In spite of the mentioned third round lull, Clijsters is the favorite.  Wozniacki is a certain contender and has a good chance of seizing the big prize.  Two other candidates to strongly consider as possible trophy holders are Kuznetsova and Azarenka.  The dispute for the quarterfinal spots start tonight.