The two semifinals in Tokyo were very different from each other!
On the one hand was the Petrova - Stosur mash-up definitely decided on unforced errors, rather than on winners. Stosur tried to get her game into gear so Petrova was just awaiting her mistakes, which were a lot! The Russian got just a few breakpoints but she was very efficient with it, only in the second set she needed more perseverance to seal a 5-2 lead. At that 5-2, 30-0 score, Stosur threatened with a breakpoint completely out of nowhere but Petrova kept her cool and served out the match: 6-4, 6-2.
Totally different was the match between Kerber and Radwanska, purely sensational! It was amazing all-court play with impressive volleys, dropshots and lobs. Radwanska did overpower the German who made too many mistakes against the number three. In an hour of shere magical play, the Pole's A-game delivered: 6-1, 6-1. Maybe Kerber deserved more games though, but I know why Radwanska showed no mercy. It's just too much of a coincidence Kerber defeated her younger sister with the same score, so well done Agnieszka, you really proved your sister a service!
I couldn't have guessed the course of the final even if I tried harder! Radwanska was definitely the favorite coming into the final against Petrova but a 0-6 score really wiped away that prejudice. Petrova had an amazing 13-1 balance winners vs. unforced errors and Radwanska just couldn't get anything going.
A lot of work to be done definitely, but Radwanska delivered with a 6-1 of her own. Petrova was starting to make faults and the Pole cruised on her consistency.
The third set had to decide everything and it really could swing in both ways. At 4-3 Petrova broke the Radwanska serve and sealed the deal. The Pole lacked determination to fight back and so Petrova won her biggest tournament to date: 6-0, 1-6, 6-3.
Radwanska looses around 300 points on the WTA rankings without prolonging her title here, so we'll see how that will affect her third spot. Fortunately number four Serena didn't compete in Tokyo and has already pulled out of the China Open due to illness (her sister with a back injury but it is widely known the Williams sisters are not familiar with 'compulsary' tournaments like the China Open). The number five Kvitova hasn't gathered much points here either so maybe the threat is not as immenent.
Keep posted for the China Open!
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