Hi everyone,
Wow! I never imagined the WTA rankings would be this different! Check it out:
1. VICTORIA AZARENKA! (previous number 3) = 8585p
And she got a great lead too on the number two!
2. Kvitova (stays number 2) = 7690p
Closely followed by (I predict a few switches possible here):
3. Maria Sharapova (jumps one spot) = 7560p
4. Wozniacki (loses three spots!) = 7085p
Who thought Wozniacki would ever land on the number four spot?!
5. Stosur (even after a horrible Australian Open, stays on the same spot) = 5430p
6. Radwanska (2 places up) = 5330p
7. Bartoli (drops two places) = 4770p
8. Zvonareva (previous number 7) = 4695p
9. Na Li (four unused matchpoints mean a 3 places drop) = 4450p
10. Petkovic (doesn't lose a spot despite not participating in Australia) = 4000p
11. Schiavone (same position) = 3640p
12. Serena Williams (also the same) = 3580p
She doesn't seem to get climbing up the rankings as you would expect from her.
13. Jankovic (stays unlucky 13) = 3295p
14. Lisicki (one spot move up) = 3143p
15. Pavly (jump of one spot) = 2735p
16. Cibulkova (drops two places) = 2635p
17. Shuai Peng (same spot) = 2580p
18. Ivanovic (three rankings up) = 2535p
19. Kuznetsova (exactly same ranking) = 2526p
20. Hantuchova (one spot jump) = 2450p
21. Julia Goerges (climbs two rankings) = 2345p
22. Pennetta (two places down due to an average Grand Slam) = 2295p
23. Roberta Vinci (two places up and had a wonderful doubles tournament!) = 2210p
24. Medina Garrigues (four spots up) = 2105p
25. Kaia Kanepi (two spots up for the Brisbane winner!) = 2049p
26. Kirilenko (jumps three places) = 1990p
27. Angelique Kerber (loses 3 rankings) = 1965p
28. Lucie Safarova (drops four spots) = 1965p
About now, you're thinking: is this list going on for ever? No, we're still forgetting a very important person and she'll no longer be the best Belgian player because:
29. Wickmayer (a whoopie drop of three places) = 1955p
30. KIM CLIJSTERS (loss of 16 spots!) = 1941p
Oh my god, can you believe it?! How can someone drop 16 places by getting to the semifinals? Luckily, she doesn't have a lot of points to defend for the rest of the year (last year was littered with injuries) so let's hope she'll reclaim a top spot!
The beginning of the year has brought many surprises, so hopefully it'll be even more interesting in the coming months!
Monday, January 30, 2012
AO pics
Hi everyone,
To conclude a fascinating Australian Open, some funny and great last pics, enjoy!
First of all: Queen Victoria! (does have a ring to it, right?)
To conclude a fascinating Australian Open, some funny and great last pics, enjoy!
First of all: Queen Victoria! (does have a ring to it, right?)
Next up: guess who this towel monster is? (and it isn't Zvonareva for a change!)
Yes, it was very hot! But really, Wozniacki, it's seems you are getting a pedicure as well!
I just have to honor the Belgian supporters (wish I could have been there!):
And last: the cutest towel monster ever!
Saturday, January 28, 2012
AO update: Semi's & Final
Hi everyone,
So we were definitely sure the final at the Australian Open was going to be a loud one with Azarenka against Sharapova.
First of all: how did they end up in the final?
- Azarenka v. Clijsters = 6-4, 1-6, 6-3. It took a tough three setter for Azarenka to send the defending champion packing. The first set was a close one with Azarenka making the difference at the important points. But Kim wasn't going to let the match slip away in her last Australian Open! She immediately fought back and grabbed a 5-0 lead in the second set. A deciding third set saw a persistent Clijsters coming back from a 0-4 deficit to 3-4 but Azarenka tightened her game and served out the match at 5-3 with her second match point.
The final featured a battle, not only for the Australian Open title, but also for the number one position.
Azarenka experienced a nervy start and allowed Sharapova an early break. Trailing 1-2, she got launched with an amazing winner and started playing flawless from that moment on. Sharapova wasn't able to grab a game after leveling at 3-3. Azarenka didn't seem to have that '1000-kilo-arm' she complained about in her last match and served for the first set with much confidence and ease.
Sharapova didn't show the same determination to hold serve as she did against Kvitova. Azarenka blew her off the court with magnificent net skills and great athletic fitness. 1-0, 2-0, 3-0, 4-0, nothing seemed to work anymore for Sharapova. There was a short argument between Azarenka and the chair umpire after a challenge (do we have our replacement for Serena in Grand Slam finals?) but that didn't even affect her game. It was definitely a whupping for Sharapova when Azarenka finished it off on her first championship-point at 1h21 with a 6-3, 6-0 score! They reacted accordingly:
Next up was the ceremony with both players giving wonderful speeches. Azarenka came to the microphone with her overlarge trophy in her hands (she had the face of a 5 year old on Christmas day!) and just said 'wow' and everybody started laughing. I certainly got excited for more Azarenka speeches as she elaborated on the fact she fed the Australian Open staff a lot of donuts! She just couldn't believe she won. Yes Vika, you won your first Grand slam: the Australian Open, you're number one and you beat Sharapova to do it all! I can't remember the time anyone got to play for so many things at once, so enjoy!
So we were definitely sure the final at the Australian Open was going to be a loud one with Azarenka against Sharapova.
First of all: how did they end up in the final?
- Azarenka v. Clijsters = 6-4, 1-6, 6-3. It took a tough three setter for Azarenka to send the defending champion packing. The first set was a close one with Azarenka making the difference at the important points. But Kim wasn't going to let the match slip away in her last Australian Open! She immediately fought back and grabbed a 5-0 lead in the second set. A deciding third set saw a persistent Clijsters coming back from a 0-4 deficit to 3-4 but Azarenka tightened her game and served out the match at 5-3 with her second match point.
She may not have reached the final, but Kim Clijsters certainly had an amazing last run at the Australian Open. She'll surely be remembered for her great wins against Na Li and Wozniacki. And the year isn't over yet, she's definitely ready for some more!
- Sharapova v. Kvitova = 6-2, 3-6, 6-4. It has not been a rerun of the Wimbledon final of last year! In the first set, we witnessed some weak service games on Kvitova's side that gave Sharapova the opportunity to break her three times and take the first set. It went much better for the Czech in the second set, with one break being enough to level the match. The third set was an epic battle of hard hitting (the bugs really had to watch out!) and mental strength. Kvitova had the most break points but Sharapova fought them off one by one. At 5-4, Sharapova showed she was more confident whereas Kvitova grew irritated and had trouble serving. So it's not going to be all about the younglings this Australian Open as Sharapova will be playing her sixth Grand Slam final!
The final featured a battle, not only for the Australian Open title, but also for the number one position.
Azarenka experienced a nervy start and allowed Sharapova an early break. Trailing 1-2, she got launched with an amazing winner and started playing flawless from that moment on. Sharapova wasn't able to grab a game after leveling at 3-3. Azarenka didn't seem to have that '1000-kilo-arm' she complained about in her last match and served for the first set with much confidence and ease.
Sharapova didn't show the same determination to hold serve as she did against Kvitova. Azarenka blew her off the court with magnificent net skills and great athletic fitness. 1-0, 2-0, 3-0, 4-0, nothing seemed to work anymore for Sharapova. There was a short argument between Azarenka and the chair umpire after a challenge (do we have our replacement for Serena in Grand Slam finals?) but that didn't even affect her game. It was definitely a whupping for Sharapova when Azarenka finished it off on her first championship-point at 1h21 with a 6-3, 6-0 score! They reacted accordingly:
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
AO update: Quarterfinals
Hi everyone,
The Australian Open is reaching its climax. We're down to eight contestants but a fabulous four matches it was in the quarterfinals:
- Azarenka v. Radwanska = (0)6-7, 6-0, 6-2. Two friends playing against each other, almost always entails great tennis. Radwanska took the opening set in a tiebreaker where Azarenka totally lost her footing. Her response? Winning 7 games in a row to forget that horrible tiebreak. In the third set, Radwanska's second serve was severly under attack and it was Azarenka who was most fit in the end. It was her first real test and we'll see if she can keep up her great game in the semifinals.
- Clijsters v. Wozniacki = 6-3, 7-6(4). So Clijsters appeared on court with taped ancles but otherwise, you wouldn't suspect there is anything wrong with her. I mean, if you can do this:
Although having to play against the number one, Kim was definitely everybody's favorite. Even Wozniacki didn't seem that convinced she had a shot in this match. She played too many unforced errors (which is so unlike her!) and reacted quite emotional at times while otherwise she's known to stay cool and focused. Kim really brings out the newbie in her. The first set was easy with Wozniacki just being overpowered and outplayed.
The Dane tried to come to the net and serve better (she even got more aces on her second serve than on her first!) but Clijsters was the one dictating the points. With a comfortable 5-2 lead, Kim started to feel the heat on centre court and wanted to end it quickly. However Wozniacki wasn't done yet.
She forced a tiebreak but that just made Clijsters find the speed, depth and corners again to get a 6-4 lead and the first matchpoint was enough to end the reign of Wozniacki. It's admirable the Dane fought back but losing in straight sets just isn't fitting for a number one. That place will go to either Sharapova, Kvitova or Azarenka depending how well they play the next rounds.
Oh yeah, and I find out the reason McIlroy gave that neckless to his girlfriend! It isn't about Christmas or love, it's just a better cover-up for her cleevage when they film her returning, than the cross she used to wear before.
- Kvitova v. Errani = 6-4, 6-4. The match started out with many breaks of serve. Kvitova's agressive game produced more unforced errors while Errani used her excellent doubles skills to hang on in the first set. But at 4-4, Kvitova showed she could step up just a little more to take the break and the set. In the second, Errani raced to a 4-1 lead before Kvitova battled back to take the following five games to reach the semifinals.
- Sharapova v. Makarova = 6-2, 6-3. It wasn't a great day for Makarova who previously defeated Zvonareva and Serena Williams in this tournament. Sharapova kept hitting return winners and hammering her fellow Russian from side to side. In the second set, Makarova grabbed a break but it only made Sharapova more fierce to set things straight. She broke right back and left just one more game to her opponent.
The rankings are quite honored in this Australian Open. In the downdraw, it's Sharapova (seeded fourth) against Kvitova (seeded second). The upperdraw will see the number three, Azarenka, taking on Clijsters (seeded eleventh). But somehow I doubt anyone thinks Kim is the strange one in the semifinal. Stay posted!
The Australian Open is reaching its climax. We're down to eight contestants but a fabulous four matches it was in the quarterfinals:
- Azarenka v. Radwanska = (0)6-7, 6-0, 6-2. Two friends playing against each other, almost always entails great tennis. Radwanska took the opening set in a tiebreaker where Azarenka totally lost her footing. Her response? Winning 7 games in a row to forget that horrible tiebreak. In the third set, Radwanska's second serve was severly under attack and it was Azarenka who was most fit in the end. It was her first real test and we'll see if she can keep up her great game in the semifinals.
- Clijsters v. Wozniacki = 6-3, 7-6(4). So Clijsters appeared on court with taped ancles but otherwise, you wouldn't suspect there is anything wrong with her. I mean, if you can do this:
Although having to play against the number one, Kim was definitely everybody's favorite. Even Wozniacki didn't seem that convinced she had a shot in this match. She played too many unforced errors (which is so unlike her!) and reacted quite emotional at times while otherwise she's known to stay cool and focused. Kim really brings out the newbie in her. The first set was easy with Wozniacki just being overpowered and outplayed.
The Dane tried to come to the net and serve better (she even got more aces on her second serve than on her first!) but Clijsters was the one dictating the points. With a comfortable 5-2 lead, Kim started to feel the heat on centre court and wanted to end it quickly. However Wozniacki wasn't done yet.
She forced a tiebreak but that just made Clijsters find the speed, depth and corners again to get a 6-4 lead and the first matchpoint was enough to end the reign of Wozniacki. It's admirable the Dane fought back but losing in straight sets just isn't fitting for a number one. That place will go to either Sharapova, Kvitova or Azarenka depending how well they play the next rounds.
Oh yeah, and I find out the reason McIlroy gave that neckless to his girlfriend! It isn't about Christmas or love, it's just a better cover-up for her cleevage when they film her returning, than the cross she used to wear before.
- Kvitova v. Errani = 6-4, 6-4. The match started out with many breaks of serve. Kvitova's agressive game produced more unforced errors while Errani used her excellent doubles skills to hang on in the first set. But at 4-4, Kvitova showed she could step up just a little more to take the break and the set. In the second, Errani raced to a 4-1 lead before Kvitova battled back to take the following five games to reach the semifinals.
- Sharapova v. Makarova = 6-2, 6-3. It wasn't a great day for Makarova who previously defeated Zvonareva and Serena Williams in this tournament. Sharapova kept hitting return winners and hammering her fellow Russian from side to side. In the second set, Makarova grabbed a break but it only made Sharapova more fierce to set things straight. She broke right back and left just one more game to her opponent.
The rankings are quite honored in this Australian Open. In the downdraw, it's Sharapova (seeded fourth) against Kvitova (seeded second). The upperdraw will see the number three, Azarenka, taking on Clijsters (seeded eleventh). But somehow I doubt anyone thinks Kim is the strange one in the semifinal. Stay posted!
Monday, January 23, 2012
AO update: Round 4
Hi everyone,
Oh god, I love this tournament! Every year, I get convinced again of the greatness of the Australian Open. This time, it's because of the fourth round. Check it out:
- Wozniacki v. Jankovic = 6-0, 7-5. The match between two of the greatest defenders on tour.
Wozniacki had an absolute super start but it wasn't as easy as the score suggests. Long rallies and many breakpoints got the crowd excited for more. It was the first bagel ever in a match between the two so you can imagine how Jankovic kept muttering to herself. Her Medusa death stare had no effect on the Great Danish Wall. It was at 4-1, Jankovic tried to play an all or nothing game and it payed off. The match leveled at 5-5 when Wozniacki was serving at 5-4 for the win but Jankovic came out of nowhere to break back. The number one held her nerves though and one breakpoint was enough to serve to victory two games later.
I loved how the commentators condamned the montage of the umpire at 1-1 in the second set as totally inappropriate (it was rather amusing actually!) but on the other hand they just kept babbling about Wozniacki's new neckless (yes, very tennis related!).
Exit Jankovic.
- Azarenka v. Benesova = 6-2, 6-2. An expected win but still, great consistent match of Azarenka. It's certainly gonna give her confidence to play against Radwanska who defeated Julia Goerges = 6-1, 6-1. Too many unforced errors on the German side but Radwanska will be better qualified to give Azarenka a real test in the next round.
- Makarova v. Serena Williams = 6-2, 6-3. No, I didn't mix the names by accident. Serena Williams couldn't deal with the heat, the unforced errors and the lefty Russian who already knocked Zvonareva out of the tournament. The first set was over before you knew it and when Serena had a 2-0 lead in the second, I was convinced she would set things straight. She didn't. When double faulting to give Makarova a free breakpoint, she seriously had problems restraining herself from smashing her racket (someone in the crowd yelled: unleash the fury!). But it's admirable she didn't though, maybe the point penalty in the US Open popped up in her head. From that moment on, Makarova played her best A-game to get an amazing victory! With every grandslam, there's the question who is gonna defeat Serena Williams this time. It's Makarova, ladies and gentlemen!
I loved Makarova's interview after the match. Her English needs some work ("Serena afraid her", "I know I could bit her", "In my hell...euh head") but she certainly deserved the neckless she promised herself if she got to the quarterfinals (because then she would have enough money to buy it).
- Sharapova v. Lisicki = 3-6, 6-3, 6-2. It was fire against fire, an epic war! No, I'm not talking about a medieval dragon fight but two blondes against each other in a tennismatch!
But seriously, it was a tough match on both players. Sharapova raced to a 3-0 lead but Lisicki managed to grab the 6 following games. It was a constant battle of the serves and returns, so the points were rather quickly but really intense! An all or nothing momentum at times. Sharapova had to dig deep to hold her first serving game in the second set, but from that moment on, she was launched. It all took a toll on Lisicki, getting tired and serving not as good as before. On the other side, Sharapova was hungry for the win and served much better (and got saved by hawkeye quite a lot!). It had to be one of her ten most loudest matches ever, even the crows started to moan with her!
Oh god, I love this tournament! Every year, I get convinced again of the greatness of the Australian Open. This time, it's because of the fourth round. Check it out:
- Wozniacki v. Jankovic = 6-0, 7-5. The match between two of the greatest defenders on tour.
Wozniacki had an absolute super start but it wasn't as easy as the score suggests. Long rallies and many breakpoints got the crowd excited for more. It was the first bagel ever in a match between the two so you can imagine how Jankovic kept muttering to herself. Her Medusa death stare had no effect on the Great Danish Wall. It was at 4-1, Jankovic tried to play an all or nothing game and it payed off. The match leveled at 5-5 when Wozniacki was serving at 5-4 for the win but Jankovic came out of nowhere to break back. The number one held her nerves though and one breakpoint was enough to serve to victory two games later.
I loved how the commentators condamned the montage of the umpire at 1-1 in the second set as totally inappropriate (it was rather amusing actually!) but on the other hand they just kept babbling about Wozniacki's new neckless (yes, very tennis related!).
Exit Jankovic.
- Kim Clijsters v. Na Li = 4-6, 7-6(6), 6-4. Don't get my started on this match! It was the greatest, amazing, nerve wrecking, awesome, coming back tennis ever!
When Kim hurt her ancle at 3-3 in the first set, I worried like everybody else, she wouldn't be able to play on. In the repeat it looked gruesome (I've seen way too much ancle twisting this year already!) and in the medical timeout, she was obviously in pain.
Yet, she fought on, even though the first set slipped away and trailing a break in the second. Na Li had 4 matchpoints in the tiebreaker. FOUR! Okay, so imagine how on edge on my seat and stressed out I was when she played that ridiculously high drop shot! But she got away with it and won that tiebreaker with the crowd just going crazy. And why? Because she's Aussie Kim! Na Li was left shattered and disappointed.
Kim got a great start in the deciding third set and even though Na Li tried to fight back, the determination was out of her game. Clijsters didn't waste her chance to serve for the match at 5-4. Oh god, no words can express how amazing it truly was! This certainly is going to be my favorite match of this Australian Open. She'll face Wozniacki in the quarterfinals, let's just hope her ancle will be better then.
- Azarenka v. Benesova = 6-2, 6-2. An expected win but still, great consistent match of Azarenka. It's certainly gonna give her confidence to play against Radwanska who defeated Julia Goerges = 6-1, 6-1. Too many unforced errors on the German side but Radwanska will be better qualified to give Azarenka a real test in the next round.
- Makarova v. Serena Williams = 6-2, 6-3. No, I didn't mix the names by accident. Serena Williams couldn't deal with the heat, the unforced errors and the lefty Russian who already knocked Zvonareva out of the tournament. The first set was over before you knew it and when Serena had a 2-0 lead in the second, I was convinced she would set things straight. She didn't. When double faulting to give Makarova a free breakpoint, she seriously had problems restraining herself from smashing her racket (someone in the crowd yelled: unleash the fury!). But it's admirable she didn't though, maybe the point penalty in the US Open popped up in her head. From that moment on, Makarova played her best A-game to get an amazing victory! With every grandslam, there's the question who is gonna defeat Serena Williams this time. It's Makarova, ladies and gentlemen!
I loved Makarova's interview after the match. Her English needs some work ("Serena afraid her", "I know I could bit her", "In my hell...euh head") but she certainly deserved the neckless she promised herself if she got to the quarterfinals (because then she would have enough money to buy it).
- Sharapova v. Lisicki = 3-6, 6-3, 6-2. It was fire against fire, an epic war! No, I'm not talking about a medieval dragon fight but two blondes against each other in a tennismatch!
But seriously, it was a tough match on both players. Sharapova raced to a 3-0 lead but Lisicki managed to grab the 6 following games. It was a constant battle of the serves and returns, so the points were rather quickly but really intense! An all or nothing momentum at times. Sharapova had to dig deep to hold her first serving game in the second set, but from that moment on, she was launched. It all took a toll on Lisicki, getting tired and serving not as good as before. On the other side, Sharapova was hungry for the win and served much better (and got saved by hawkeye quite a lot!). It had to be one of her ten most loudest matches ever, even the crows started to moan with her!
- Kvitova v. Ivanovic = 6-2, 7-6(2). Kvitova overpowered glamourgirl Ivanovic with 30 winners and a strong serve. She grabbed the first set quickly and a comfortable break in the second but she was broken to love when serving for the match. Nonetheless, she sealed the deal in the tiebreak: 7-2. She'll be playing Errani who defeated Zheng: 6-2, 6-1.
For the quarterfinals we get: Wozniacki - Kim Clijsters, Azarenka - Radwanska, Makarova - Sharapova, Errani - Kvitova. I'm probably gonna love these matches even more! Stay tuned.
Fun off court: Wozniacki vs. Kangaroo
Hi everyone,
Let's throw in an absolute cutie in this post (you get to decide who it is in this photo!):
Let's throw in an absolute cutie in this post (you get to decide who it is in this photo!):
Everybody remembers Wozniacki's wacko story about her getting attacked by a kangaroo last year. It all just turned out to be a lame joke to get the boredom out of her interviews. In reality, she just tripped in the gym and scraped her leg. Yeah, that would have been boring (and slightly embarrassing) to tell to the press. Her joke did upset the Australian crowd, but no worries because the kangaroo strikes back!
This year, she actually met her first kangaroo and it was just adorable! It even got away with spitting all over the number one (way to go!) when getting his milk. Of course the interviewers couldn't resist rubbing that in. We also learn how she got that charming neckless (as we didn't already could guess): her boyfriend Rory McIlroy got it for her for Christmas.
Seriously, no one can resist the charmes of the sweet kangaroo, so just watch!:
Saturday, January 21, 2012
AO update: Day 4-6
Hi everyone,
So we know our 4th round contestors, let's take a look!
Wozniacki had a quite straight forward tournament until now. Only a little bump against Tatishvili when trailing 4-1 in the second set but she's recovered nicely since then, winning that same set and beating Niculescu: 6-2, 6-2 in the next round. Her opponent will be Jankovic who crushed Christina McHale's great run: 6-2, 6-0.
That's how we like Jankovic the best, right?
Next is last year's final: Na Li against Kim Clijsters! Na Li looked strong throughout all her matches and after Garrigues retired after a bad ancle injury, the Chinese reached the fourth round. Kim Clijsters had a showdown with Hantuchova; they a played a few weeks ago in Brisbane with Kim retiring but after she won the first set though! Clijsters wasn't playing consistently the entire match but while Hantuchova struggled with the ball toss, she still won 6-3, 6-2. Can't wait for Na Li to play against Clijsters!
Left over fourth round matches in the topdraw are: Azarenka v. Benesova and Goerges v. Radwanska (another match to look forward to!).
No surprise with Serena Williams in the fourth round but her next opponent Makarova had to upset Zvonareva with 7-6(7), 6-1 to set up their clash. I didn't see that coming but she showed her determination in the tiebreak and left Zvonareva devastated with her early loss. Serena had an easy match against Hungarian Greta Arn with two times 6-1.
Oh, we want to see that smile more, right!
Awesome photo, zero gravity!
The following fourth round match features two wonderful surprises with Errani and Zheng. Errani came forth out of the draw that lost Stosur in the first round and defeated the culprit who did it: Cirstea with (6)6-7, 6-0, 6-2. Zheng, on the other hand, defeated Marion Bartoli with her best A-game: 6-3, 6-3. Errani and Zheng just played one time before with a straight sets win for Errani, but it dates back two years so anything is possible.
It was 'peace out' for Bartoli in the third round
The last fourth round match is no surprise with Ivanovic against Kvitova. Ivanovic is struggling with an illness but didn't have much trouble against Vania King: 6-3, 6-4. The number two just had to play seven games (that went all in her favor) before Kirilenko had to retire due to an abductor strain (whatever the hell that is!). A comforting hug and kiss always helps, but really Kvitova, you had to close your eyes for it. You're enjoying it too much!
So we know our 4th round contestors, let's take a look!
Wozniacki had a quite straight forward tournament until now. Only a little bump against Tatishvili when trailing 4-1 in the second set but she's recovered nicely since then, winning that same set and beating Niculescu: 6-2, 6-2 in the next round. Her opponent will be Jankovic who crushed Christina McHale's great run: 6-2, 6-0.
That's how we like Jankovic the best, right?
Next is last year's final: Na Li against Kim Clijsters! Na Li looked strong throughout all her matches and after Garrigues retired after a bad ancle injury, the Chinese reached the fourth round. Kim Clijsters had a showdown with Hantuchova; they a played a few weeks ago in Brisbane with Kim retiring but after she won the first set though! Clijsters wasn't playing consistently the entire match but while Hantuchova struggled with the ball toss, she still won 6-3, 6-2. Can't wait for Na Li to play against Clijsters!
Left over fourth round matches in the topdraw are: Azarenka v. Benesova and Goerges v. Radwanska (another match to look forward to!).
No surprise with Serena Williams in the fourth round but her next opponent Makarova had to upset Zvonareva with 7-6(7), 6-1 to set up their clash. I didn't see that coming but she showed her determination in the tiebreak and left Zvonareva devastated with her early loss. Serena had an easy match against Hungarian Greta Arn with two times 6-1.
Sabine Lisicki had a real fight against Kuznetsova but won in the end: 2-6, 6-4, 6-2. Why did I even doubt you, Lisicki? You were just trying to totally freak me out after you lost that first set, right? Well, it's pretty awesome and there is a good moral to all this: you can't win a big match when you're dressed like a tennisball (right Kuzzie?). An even bigger war awaits in the fourth round when Lisicki gets Sharapova against her. The Russian has been on fire this last week! How many games did she even lose, like 5 or 6?! She downed Kerber: 6-1, 6-2. I'm fearing for my dear Lisicki but she's a fighter, that we can count on!
Oh, we want to see that smile more, right!
Awesome photo, zero gravity!
The following fourth round match features two wonderful surprises with Errani and Zheng. Errani came forth out of the draw that lost Stosur in the first round and defeated the culprit who did it: Cirstea with (6)6-7, 6-0, 6-2. Zheng, on the other hand, defeated Marion Bartoli with her best A-game: 6-3, 6-3. Errani and Zheng just played one time before with a straight sets win for Errani, but it dates back two years so anything is possible.
It was 'peace out' for Bartoli in the third round
The last fourth round match is no surprise with Ivanovic against Kvitova. Ivanovic is struggling with an illness but didn't have much trouble against Vania King: 6-3, 6-4. The number two just had to play seven games (that went all in her favor) before Kirilenko had to retire due to an abductor strain (whatever the hell that is!). A comforting hug and kiss always helps, but really Kvitova, you had to close your eyes for it. You're enjoying it too much!
Stay tuned, tough matches are bound to unravel (and maybe a secret affair between the two lovebirds above)!
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
AO update: Day 1-3
Hi everyone,
Already some drama on the second day with Sam Stosur's upset in the first round! She really has a Mauresmo-complex, doesn't she? Playing on home soil really stresses her out, it seems. Her game against Cirstea was too tense and forced resulting in a (2)6-7, 3-6 loss.
Radwanska had a tough first round match against Bethanie Mattek-Sands as well. The American forced it to a three setter after winning a fierce tiebreak 7-6(10) in the first set. You can always count on her to give some spectacle! Radwanska set things straight 6-4, 6-2 after that.
Unfortunately Radwanska isn't gonna get the chance to clash against Wickmayer who lost from Voskoboeva 5-7, 2-6 ('Vosko who?' you'll probably say, she's the one who surprisingly defeated Maria Sharapova in the third round of the Rogers cup last year). If there are two complete outsiders I love: it's Voskoboeva and Pironkova (the Venus Williams killer at Wimbledon!). Funny they end up against each other in the second round which Voskoboeva won 6-4, 6-4.
That same Sharapova has been doing pretty well in the Australian Open. She downed Dulko 6-0, 6-1 in the first round. Same score but reversed for Kim Clijsters in the second round who defeated the French player Foretz Gacon. Go Kim!
It's remarkable how many good players needed three sets to overcome their relatively easy opponents in the early rounds. Still warming up I hope or we'll see some more upsets. They always pull through in the third set with 6-0 tough!
Other seeded players who got send home prematurely are: Flavia Pennetta, Lucie Safarova, Francesca Schiavone (no Franni!) and Shuai Peng.
Be sure to check out the Australian Open site: http://www.australianopen.com/en_AU/index.html
They got great highlights of every day and night session and keep posted!
Already some drama on the second day with Sam Stosur's upset in the first round! She really has a Mauresmo-complex, doesn't she? Playing on home soil really stresses her out, it seems. Her game against Cirstea was too tense and forced resulting in a (2)6-7, 3-6 loss.
Radwanska had a tough first round match against Bethanie Mattek-Sands as well. The American forced it to a three setter after winning a fierce tiebreak 7-6(10) in the first set. You can always count on her to give some spectacle! Radwanska set things straight 6-4, 6-2 after that.
Unfortunately Radwanska isn't gonna get the chance to clash against Wickmayer who lost from Voskoboeva 5-7, 2-6 ('Vosko who?' you'll probably say, she's the one who surprisingly defeated Maria Sharapova in the third round of the Rogers cup last year). If there are two complete outsiders I love: it's Voskoboeva and Pironkova (the Venus Williams killer at Wimbledon!). Funny they end up against each other in the second round which Voskoboeva won 6-4, 6-4.
That same Sharapova has been doing pretty well in the Australian Open. She downed Dulko 6-0, 6-1 in the first round. Same score but reversed for Kim Clijsters in the second round who defeated the French player Foretz Gacon. Go Kim!
It's remarkable how many good players needed three sets to overcome their relatively easy opponents in the early rounds. Still warming up I hope or we'll see some more upsets. They always pull through in the third set with 6-0 tough!
Other seeded players who got send home prematurely are: Flavia Pennetta, Lucie Safarova, Francesca Schiavone (no Franni!) and Shuai Peng.
Be sure to check out the Australian Open site: http://www.australianopen.com/en_AU/index.html
They got great highlights of every day and night session and keep posted!
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