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.

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:

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!