Brisbane is turning into a real surprise-tournament! Firstly due to withdrawal of Sharapova, a lucky loser managed to sneek into the semi's by defeating Hantuchova: 6-3, 6-4. Her name? Lesia Tsurenko, 23 year old from Ukraine currently ranked number 116. Who knows, maybe with some luck she'll get a few rounds in the Australian Open!
In the semi's she unfortunately fell short to Pavlyuchenkova. Now I'm certain, the Russian is back! Her game seems solid and especially the mental state is a lot better than last year! She held her nerve tremendously in her match against Kerber: 7-6(3), 7-6(3) and after trailing a set against the lucky loser of the tournament Tsurenko: 4-6, 6-1, 6-2.
But wait, that wasn't the biggest news yet! I was so looking forward to the semifinal between Azarenka and Serena (after winning against Pervak and Stephens respectively), a nice test before a Grand Slam. Giving me some clue to predict the outcome of the Australian Open. Nope...Nothing. I'm doomed to wishful thinking because Azarenka withdrew!
Yes, you heard it right. The number one, who downed Pervak: 6-1, 6-0, is dealing with a toe injury. I'm getting the picture that Sharapova mentionned before (read it here) , Azarenka's withdrawals are at least...strange. Didn't she dare to face Serena quite yet in Brisbane? Or was she being careful to play the Australian Open, but why did she give up just now then? We'll get it all answered at Melbourne, won't we.
Anyway, we got a magnificent final between Serena and Pavlyuchenkova. The betting sites are giving Serena a 97 procent chance (and a probability of 8% for a tiebreak, how do they calculate such things, right?), so I'm gonna go with those odds, but certainly not betting! My unsteady predictions would get totally broke!
Oh yes, I have a clip of Azarenka behind the scenes at Brisbane (some consolation after missing a possible tremendous match!). The only thing I was thinking: if you're alone at new year, who is holding the camera then?! Totally in agreement about the bra thing...
Keep posted!
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