Tag Archive | "Wozniacki"

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

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

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.

Read the full story

Posted in Editorial, NewsComments (0)

Wimbledon Draw Offers the Potential for Another All Williams Final

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

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.

Read the full story

Posted in Editorial, NewsComments (0)

Chance of a Lifetime:  Schiavone Stumps Stosur to Win French Open

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Chance of a Lifetime: Schiavone Stumps Stosur to Win French Open


Nothing is impossible!  This was the phrase on the t-shirt worn by Francesca Schiavone’s family and friends today in the French Open final.  Schiavone proved the axiom by surprising Samantha Stosur 6-4, 7-6 to grab her first career major.  Moreover, Schiavone stenciled her name in history by becoming the first Italian female to prevail at a major.

With eight first serves leading to two love games, Stosur was on a tear to open the first set.  Still, Schiavone had no trouble keeping up, connecting on an ace to level things at 2 all.  Subsequently, with a deep return, Schiavone provoked Stosur into a forehand error for love-30.   However, with her saving grace, the serve, Stosur battled back and capped the game with a forehand down the line winner for 3-2.  Using her all court game, especially the volley, Schiavone stayed in touch with Stosur.  The pivotal point arrived at 4 a piece.  By pushing her rival into three uncomfortable shots which misfired, Schiavone manufactured triple break point.  After Stosur salvaged two, she double faulted on the third to give Schiavone a 5-4 advantage.  By climbing out of love-30 with an ace and forehand crosscourt winner, Schiavone set up a second set point with a backhand volley winner.  When Stosur netted the backhand, Schiavone claimed the first set.

With a deep and low backhand pass, Schiavone caused Stosur to hit the next stroke long.  As a result, the Italian had double break point in third game of the second set.  However, with a three winners and an unreturnable serve, Stosur guarded serve for 2-1.  Then, by punishing second serves, Stosur had her first break point of the day with a forehand up the line winner. Stosur capitalized when Schiavone’s forehand up the line failed.  Promptly, Stosur consolidated with a love game for 4-1.  Following a quick hold, Schiavone produced a backhand return winner crosscourt, a forehand winner and made Stosur err with the backhand to arrive at love-40.  Later, by stabbing at a superb serve, Schiavone got a miscue on a short forehand from Stosur to get back on serve at 3-4.  Despite the mounting pressure, Schiavone remained aggressive and comfortably maintained serve.  Eventually, the set was settled in a tiebreaker.  Schiavone secured a mini-break for 3-2 by tracking Stosur’s dropshot and converting a backhand up the line winner.  The Italian extended her lead to 5-2 with a forehand volley winner and forehand crosscourt winner.  Subsequently, with a crosscourt backhand volley winner, Schiavone obtained a second mini-break and four championship points.  When Stosur’s stroke off the return traveled out of play, Schiavone bagged the second set and the French Open trophy.  Schiavone rejoiced by painting her lips red with a clay kiss, duplicating this jubilant sign she had shown in the quarters and semis.

Read the full story

Posted in NewsComments (0)

Henin and Serena Homing In On A Quarterfinal Clash

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Henin and Serena Homing In On A Quarterfinal Clash


The sun has set on a the first week at the French Open.  As usual there were upsets, many of them expected.  However, Serena Williams and Justine Henin, two pre-tournament  favorites, have not disappointed.  As such, the much touted quarterfinal encounter between these rivals is one round away.  Here is a synopsis of the main developments of the initial days.

A bunch of big names took a tumble in the bottom section of the draw.  Leading the pack was Svetlana Kuznetsova, the defending champion.  After a miserable tune-up, Kuznetsova looked every bit the champion in the first round.  Moreover, with her back against the wall in the second round, Kuznetsova salvaged four match points against Andrea Petkovic to advance.  But, by the third round, Kuznetsova had utilized all her life lines.  She was taken down in three sets by Maria Kirilenko.

Victoria Azarenka, the 9th seed, has had a tough year.  The 2009 Sony Ericsson champ was schooled by Gisela Dulko, exiting in the first round.  But, in the next round, Dulko was herself stunned by South African qualifier Channelle Scheepers.  Scheepers reached the fourth round where she was stopped by Elena Dementieva.  Another surprise was Maria Jose Martinez Sanchez, the winner in Rome, also going out in the first round.

As the newly re-minted number two and a finalist in Madrid, expectations were high that Venus Williams would at least make the semifinals.  In the first three rounds, Venus forged a statement not only with her attire, but with her play by bouncing her adversaries in straight sets.  Yet, in the round of 16, Venus’ game went through a transformation.  Although this was their first meeting on clay, Venus had a  4-0 record against Nadia Petrova.  Still, Petrova, a 2005 semifinalist, pulled off a straight sets victory.  As such, for the fourth consecutive year, Venus was booted prior to the quarterfinals.

A combination of rain and obscurity resulted in a few matches being played over two days. When Aravane Rezai and Petrova resumed their third round with the third set leveled at 7, the French crowd was disenchanted as Petrova walked away with the win.  Later that day, France’s last hope, Marion Bartoli, in the top half of the draw, was eliminated in the fourth round by Shahar Peer.

After fighting through Aleksandra Wozniak in the third round and an easy fourth round win, 2004 finalist Dementieva is unquestionably a contender for the finals.  Caroline Wozniacki, the third seed, is another.  Following two uncomplicated rounds, Wozniacki was severely tested by Alexandra Dulgheru and still captured her third match in straight sets. Then, in the round of 16, warrior Wozniacki bested Flavia Pennetta in a three hour duel to move on to her first quarterfinal in Paris.  Bothered by an ankle injury, as Wozniacki faces scrappy Fransceca Schiavone, who booted Kirilenko, she may need to duplicated her last performance

Read the full story

Posted in Editorial, NewsComments (0)

Dulgheru Repeats in Warsaw by Defeating Zheng in the Finals

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , ,

Dulgheru Repeats in Warsaw by Defeating Zheng in the Finals


Last year at the Polstat Warsaw Open, qualifier Alexandra Dulgheru, ranked 201st,  beat Alona Bondarenko in the finals.  As a result, Dulgheru became the lowest ranked player to prevail at this renamed event whose roll call of distinguished winners includes Justine Henin, Kim Clijsters and Venus Williams.  Again, this year, Dulgheru, now world number 32, clashed with a seasoned competitor, Zheng Jie. The 20 year old triumphed over Zheng Jie 6-3,6-4 to obtain her second WTA title.

After Zheng had no problem her first two games, she faced triple break point when Dulgheru fabricated a forehand dropshot winner. Once Zheng’s forehand crosscourt landed out of play, Dulgheru took a 3-2 lead.  Despite a difficult game, Dulgheru consolidated for 4-2.  Later, with a backhand down the line pass for a winner, Dulgheru captured a second break extending her advantage to 5-2.  Serving for the first set, Dulgheru double faulted on triple break point, reducing her lead to 5-3.  However, with a forehand up the line winner, Dulgheru had her fourth break/set point.  By crushing another forehand up the line, Dulgheru broke for the third time to secure the set.

Subsequent to a tough hold to open the second set, Dulgheru arrived at break point with a forehand crosscourt winner.  An error on the forehand crosscourt by Zheng allowed Dulgheru to seize a 2-0 edge.  Yet, with three consecutive mistakes, Dulgheru gave Zheng triple break point.  The Chinese woman got back on serve with a lob winner.  Soon, with a couple of timely winners, Zheng had triple break point.  When Dulgheru donated a double fault, Zheng captured the break for 3-2.  Promptly, Zheng consolidated for a 4-2 edge.  After Dulgheru held another hard fought game, she teased three straight miscues out of Zheng for triple break point.  By Zheng netting a backhand, the players were leveled at 4 a piece.  Then, by connecting with a forehand crosscourt winner, Dulgheru went in front 5-4.  With Zheng serving and ahead 40-15, Dulgheru produced a backhand winner and provoked an error to reach deuce.  After Zheng erased an initial break point, a miscue on a swing volley handed Dulgheru her second championship point.  Dulgheru sealed the victory with a backhand crosscourt winner.

Still, for Zheng, it has been a terrific tournament, reaching her first final since 2006.  Consequently, Zheng, the fifth seed and 25th ranked, will see a minuscule bump in her ranking.  Caroline Wozniacki, the number one seed, retired with an ankle problem after dropping the first set to Zheng in the semifinals.  While Elena Dementieva, the second seed, was booted out in the second round by qualifier Tsvetana Pironkova, third seed Li Na was bounced by Dulgheru in the semifinals and fourth seed Marion Bartoli in the first round.  Qualifier Greta Arn took out sixth seed and 2009 finalist Bondarenko in the quarterfinals, thereby continuing the alarming trend of top players falling this clay season.

Posted in NewsComments (0)

Serena and Venus Head the Field at 2010 French Open

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Serena and Venus Head the Field at 2010 French Open


Today, the French Open draw was revealed.  Because Serena and Venus Williams are the top two seeds, the possibility of an all Williams final exists. However, with Justine Henin, a four time champion, a potential quarterfinal rival for Serena and Venus perhaps seeing Aravane Rezai or Nadia Petrova in the round of 16, the list of spoilers is extensive.  Here’s a snapshot of the likely key match-ups which may eventually determine the victor.

After months of being a spectator, Serena rejoined the tour in Rome where she reached the semifinals. Despite an early exit in singles in Madrid,  Serena got reacquainted with the surface by prevailing in doubles along with Venus.  Serena’s first obstacle would come in the form of Marion Bartoli in the round of 16 since she would play a denizen. Still, Serena’s biggest hindrance lies in the quarters.  Serena lost to Henin, the eventual champion, in 2003 and 2007.  On the other hand, that match may not materialize as Henin could battle Maria Sharapova in the third round.  Samantha Stosur, a semifinalist in 2009 and the titlist in Charleston this year, is another potential tough quarterfinal opponent for Serena.

Following Serena, Jelena Jankovic is the next highest seed in the top half of the draw.  With players such as Dinara Safina, Yanina Wickmayer and Vera Zvonareva returning from injury on Jankovic’s side of the draw, she should have an uneven full path to the quarters.  Agnieszka Radwanska or Ana Ivanovic could be Jankovic’s quarterfinal adversary.  Since her glorious days at Roland Garros in 2008, Ivanovic has slipped.  For the first time in months, Ivanovic showed true signs of life with a semifinal posting in Rome.  Perhaps it will take Paris to completely get Ivanovic out of her slump.

Venus Williams and defending champion Svetlana Kuznetsova flank the bottom half of the draw.  So far this year, Kuznetsova’s results have been mediocre. Consequently, for Kuznetsova, it is safe to deduce that a replay of 2009 is a long shot.  In the first round, Kuznetsova faces a difficult opponent, Sorana Cirstea.  Should she move on, Maria Kirilenko could upset her in the third round.  Li Na and Francesca Schiavone could trouble Kuznetsova in the round of 16.  Moreover, legitimate stumbling blocks in the quarters for Kuznetsova include Flavia Pennetta, Lucie Safarova, Alexandra Dulgheru and Caroline Wozniacki.

On the other hand, Wozniacki, the third seed, has been hampered by an ankle injury since Charleston.  For that reason, Wozniacki has failed to make an impact after winning in Ponte Vedra Beach.  In the third round, Wozniacki may see Dulgheru and Pennetta or Safarova in the fourth round. Considering the caliber of those rivals, it’s doubtful that Wozniacki has lasting power.

Read the full story

Posted in Editorial, NewsComments (0)

Quelle Surprise: Rezai Ambushes Venus in Madrid Final

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Quelle Surprise: Rezai Ambushes Venus in Madrid Final


For the second consecutive week, an unseeded player rules at a premier clay event.  In the finals of the Mutua Madrilena Madrid Open, Frenchwoman Aravane Rezai stunned world number three Venus Williams.  Rezai prevailed 6-2, 7-5 over Williams to capture the grandest title of her blooming career.

After breezing through her initial game, at 1 all, Venus made an error on game point leading to deuce.  Later, by sending a forehand out of play, Venus gave Rezai a second break point.  When Williams netted a backhand, Rezai took a 2-1 lead.  Subsequent to a double fault, Rezai provoked four straight miscues from Williams and consolidated for 3-1.  Then, with Venus serving at 2-4, she produced her second double fault of the game to hand Aravane double break point.  With a crosscourt forehand return winner, Rezai extended her lead to 5-2.  Thereafter, with a love game, Rezai grabbed the first set.

The previous set, Rezai won 100% of her first serve points.  If Williams intended to turn this match around, she would need the Frenchwoman to cool off.  After Venus held, in a game that included a double fault, Rezai had a backhand go long permitting Williams her initial break chance of the match.  With an ace, the Frenchwoman erased that deficit.  By converting a forehand crosscourt winner, Williams had a fourth break point opportunity.  Venus cashed in when Aravane’s backhand crosscourt misfired.  However, the next game, a lack of first serves allowed Rezai to break back.  Subsequently, a backhand up the winner handed Venus another break point.  Williams took a 3-1 edge when Rezai’s forehand traveled long.

Despite dealing with a break point, Williams consolidated for 4-1.  Soon, Venus had two chances to get a double break lead, yet, Rezai hung tough to keep the margin to one break.  Serving at 2-5, with an error, Rezai gifted Williams her first set point. Once more, the Frenchwoman goaded the miscues from her opponent to remain in the set. With a string of mistakes by Venus, Aravane manufactured two break points and by connecting on a forehand down the line winner got back on serve at 4-5.  Following, Rezai wiped out five additional set points by Williams to level things at 5 all.  That ultimate game proved a back breaker for Williams.  After a backhand pass winner by Rezai, Williams made two backhand errors to face 0-40.  With another backhand miscue by Venus, Rezai secured a 6-5 advantage.  As the backhand continued to leak, Rezai obtained double championship point.  Finally, by provoking a forehand mistake by Williams, Rezai pocketed the trophy.

Read the full story

Posted in NewsComments Off on Quelle Surprise: Rezai Ambushes Venus in Madrid Final

Just Like Old Times: Henin Pockets First Title Since Return

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Just Like Old Times: Henin Pockets First Title Since Return


After runner placements in Brisbane and the Australian Open, Justine Henin captured her first title since rejoining the tour.  At the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix, a premier indoor clay tournament, Henin prevailed over Samantha Stosur 6-4,2-6,6-1 in the finals.

Both Stosur and Henin entered as wildcards.  While the latter was unseeded, the former was seeded 7th and won 11 successive matches including a clay title in Charleston.  The first four games, each player readily held serve.  At 2 all, with a backhand down the line winner, Stosur had game point.  By connecting on a backhand down the line return, Henin leveled things at deuce.  After provoking an error from Stosur on a second game point, because of a double fault, Henin had break point.  With a strong forehand return, Henin forced another mistake from Stosur to seize the break.  As Henin served at 4-3, Stosur effaced a game point for deuce by forcing a forehand miscue.  Subsequently, Stosur manufactured a break point.  Henin got out of jail with a good serve and eventually held for 5-3.  Later, on her second set point, Henin bagged the first set.

As a result of a flubbed forehand volley, Stosur faced double break point in the second set.  However, Stosur rebounded with a myriad of good serves to hold for 2-1.  Next, serving at 2 all, by netting a backhand, Stosur stared at her third break point this set.  Again with a couple of huge serves, Stosur remained on track at 3-2.  Then, after Henin netted a forehand, Stosur had her initial break point.  Henin escaped with a decent serve. Next, with a forehand crosscourt pass winner, Stosur fabricated her second break point which she converted when Henin erred with a forehand up the line.  After consolidating for 5-2, with a forehand up the line winner, Stosur broke to take the set.

Read the full story

Posted in NewsComments (0)

Wozniacki Repels Govortsova to Defend In Ponte Vedra Beach

Tags: , , , , , ,

Wozniacki Repels Govortsova to Defend In Ponte Vedra Beach


In the finals of the MPS Group Championships, Caroline Wozniacki, the top seed and defending champion, terminated Olga Govortsova 6-2, 7-5 for her first title of the year.

After defeating second seed Alona Bondarenko in the first round, Govortsova took care of third seed Dominika Cibulkova in the semifinals. Therefore, Govortsova was hopeful that her third career WTA final would produce her maiden trophy. The problem was that Wozniacki had other intentions.

Govortsova commenced well, breaking Wozniacki to open the match.  However, Wozniacki promptly erased her rival’s lead and under pressure held for 2-1.  Subsequently, with an overhead winner, Wozniacki obtained her second break point of the game.  Caroline converted when Olga netted a backhand.  After salvaging break point, thanks to a few forehand errors by Govortsova, Wozniacki consolidated for 4-1.  The next game despite two double faults and two break points, Govortsova guarded serve to keep in touch at 4-2.  But, down 2-5, Govortsova let a game point evaporate.  Then, with a forehand crosscourt winner off a dropshot, Wozniacki had break point. Wozniacki banked the set when Govortsova committed another error.

By attacking, Govortsova built a substantial lead in the second set.  Two double faults and too many errors by Wozniacki permitted Govortsova to break for 2-1.  Subsequently, the Belarusian sponged over double break point to secure a 3-1 lead.  Later, with a forehand up the line winner, Govortsova arrived at 0-40.  With a forehand crosscourt winner, Govortsova stretched her advantage by double break at  4-1.  Still, because of multiple mistakes her next game, Govortsova dropped serve.  But, as Caroline served at 2-4, Olga produced another winner for break point.  Yet, with spectacular defense, Wozniacki maintained serve for 3-4.  As Govortsova served for the set at 5-4, after wiping out a break point, she arrived at set point.  But, when Olga dumped an uncomplicated backhand volley into the net, the players were at deuce.  Down the road, after salvaging five break points, Govortsova obtained another set point.  Again, because of a mistake, Govortsova failed to convert.  With a forehand from Olga flying long, Caroline had break point number seven. Govortsova double faulted to level the set at 5.  After Wozniacki held at love for 6-5, Govortsova crumbled.  With a forehand miscue, a backhand crosscourt long and a double fault, the Belarusian handed Wozniacki triple championship point.  By Govortsova netting a backhand, Wozniacki captured her second straight MPS Group title.

Two years in a row, Wozniacki has clawed her way into the finals by overcoming Elena Vesnina in the semifinal round.  Yesterday, Wozniacki was down a set and a break, into the latter stages of the second set.  When Wozniacki was asked the secret of her success in Ponte Vedra, she simply stated “I love coming back here”.  For the second time in her career, Wozniacki defends a title.  Last year, Wozniacki did the same in New Haven.  A finalist in Charleston in 2009, Wozniacki will attempt to sustain this excellence at the Family Circle Cup this week.

Posted in NewsComments (0)

All Belgian Semis:  Henin Halts Wozniacki and Clijsters Shuts Down Stosur

Tags: , , , ,

All Belgian Semis: Henin Halts Wozniacki and Clijsters Shuts Down Stosur


Because this was their initial career meeting, Justine Henin was a bit anxious about her quarterfinal opponent at the Sony Ericsson Open, Caroline Wozniacki.  Nevertheless, the former world number one and multiple major winner as customary figured it out.  Henin ousted the second seed in three sets 6-7,6-3,6-4.

Henin struck initially, breaking Wozniacki the first game of the match.  Although the world number two swiftly returned the favor, in Wozniacki’s second game, with a forehand volley winner Henin had break point.  Justine converted when Wozniacki’s forehand sailed long.  After consolidating for 3-1, Henin found herself on the ropes in the 6th game, double break point down.  Henin dropped that game to equalize the set at 3 all. Towards the end, the players traded breaks, sending the set to a tiebreaker whereby Wozniacki took a one set lead in the match.

In the second set, after both women held serve comfortably, Wozniacki double faulted to give Henin break point.  Still, the teenager calmly brushed that aside and got to 3 all.  Henin reciprocated the next game, wiping out two break points.  On the change over, dealing with a lower back injury, Henin called for medical attention.  When Henin got back to business with a return winner, she set up double break point.  Justine obtained the 5-3 edge when Wozniacki made a backhand crosscourt miscue. The next game, with a forehand winner, Henin seized the set.

The third set, after Wozniacki committed a forehand error on game point, she attempted to volley off an overhead by Henin but failed. Now with break point, Henin forced Wozniacki into a backhand crosscourt error.  Following that, Henin consolidated for 3-1.  From that point on, both players cruised on serve.  With Wozniacki unable to fabricate a break point, on triple match point, Henin closed out the match with her signature stroke, the backhand down the line.

After the match, MiamiTennisNews.com inquired the following from Henin:
Q.  Is it difficult to come up with a strategy when you face a player for the first time?
HENIN:  Yeah, it’s always difficult.  Especially now that I’m coming back, I like to know a little bit about what can happen.  When you face someone that you [have] never played in the past, you don’t have any [reference].  You just look [for] your confidence on the court and how to feel comfortable with the game she gives. So I do prefer to play someone that I know better.

Although it’s been three years since Kim Clijsters and Samantha Stosur last played, Clijsters didn’t seem unimpressed with her rival’s much improved game.  Clijsters dispatched Stosur in straight sets 6-3,7-5.

After holding serve at love, Clijsters provoked three consecutive miscues from Stosur for triple break point.  When Stosur sliced a backhand into the net, Clijsters pocketed the break.  Subsequently, Clijsters consolidated for a 3-0 lead.  Despite Stosur guarding serve, Clijsters refused to permit her back in the set. Ultimately, Clijsters wrapped things up with a love game.

Read the full story

Posted in Local News, NewsComments (0)

Facebook

Twitter

Archives