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!
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