The third round of the Australian Open was a real icebreaker.
First up, Sharapova lost her FIRST few games in this Grand Slam against Venus Williams, but the number two still showed who was boss: 6-1, 6-3.
Little sister Serena is searching to take the record of fastest serve in a main draw of a Grand Slam away from Venus (by the way, the fastest serve of all times was hit by a qualifier in this Australian Open at 210 km/h). Meanwhile Serena casually served twice a 207 km/h already (giving cause for a little smile) and is two kilometers per hour away from the record. It's so gonna be in the match against Azarenka! Oh yes, she's through to the fourth round naturally, who the hell is gonna stop a 207 km/h serving Serena!
That same Azarenka is the first top player to lose a set at this Australian Open against Hampton: 6-4, 4-6, 6-2 while Bartoli is the highest ranked victim of the third round, falling to Makarova: 7-6(4), 3-6, 4-6. Laura Robson couldn't extend her great run in the Australian Open after beating Kvitova in the previous round, losing against Stephens: 7-5, 6-3. She's definitely forgiven, playing for over three hours in the last round in the excruciating Aussie heat can get everybody tired.
Meanwhile, Wozniacki, Na Li, Radwanska and Ivanovic all advanced without much icebreaking in straight sets. And in a strange way Stosur got her sweet revenge on Zheng with her doubles partner Goerges taking her out: 6-3, 1-6, 7-5. Unfortunately they didn't survive the second round in doubles!
The Australian fans were more than eager to sing happy birthday for Kerber after winning solidly against Keys: 6-2, 7-5.
That leaves us with this fourth round matches to look forward to:
- Azarenka vs. Vesnina = definitely going to see some fabulous tennis with these two big-hitting players
- Wozniacki vs. Kuznetsova = is the Russian ready to pull off an upset?
- Serena vs. Kirilenko = normally shouldn't be a problem for Williams
- Stephens vs. Jovanovski = great opportunity for both players to reach a Grand Slam quarterfinal!
- Na Li vs. Goerges = a great test for Na Li in hitting even more impressive forehand winners than her opponent
- Radwanska vs. Ivanovic = definitely interesting, just wondering who the Aussie crowd is going to cheer on more, they're both so loveable!
- Kerber vs Makarova = I'm going for the birthdaygirl with her solid game this tournament
- Flipkens vs. Sharapova = have mercy on the Belgian Sharapova, I beg you!
Keep posted!
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