Update: Semi's & Final - AO Melbourne

Hi everyone,

The very first word that comes to mind to describe the semi's & final of the Australian Open: bizarre!

First up, Na Li shattered Sharapova in the semifinal in two sets: 6-2, 6-2. After the amazing run of the Russian (losing a mere 9 games), I didn't see that coming! It's true the score doesn't say it all because Na Li still needed over an hour and a half, but I was hoping for a thrilling threesetter match. Bye bye number one spot for Sharapova.

 

 

Azarenka's match against Sloane Stephens went according to plan for the number one, leading 6-1, 5-3 when serving for the set. And then she choked (massively), that's the least you could say. Stephens surprisingly took the break after Azarenka had numerous chances to finish the match. Then the Belarussian complained of shortness of breath and other symptoms pointing towards a panic attack.

The question is: is that a legitimate reason to take a medical time out? It was all quite controversial and a lot of tennis specialists and commentators demanded stricter rules for situations like this. Or requiring Azarenka to spread some demonstrating photos of a visable injury like Serena did after twisting her ankle:

 

Later on, Azarenka said her back and a rib injury bothered here too, but at that point it seemed a bit fabricated. She didn't mention it at all when being interviewed after the match (she won: 6-1, 6-4 by the way).

 

I'm gonna keep score of all the controversial medical stuff and withdrawals that Azarenka pulls this year, so far: 2 (after withdrawing for a toe injury before facing Serena in Brisbane). It caused a creative banner in the final though:

And then that final between Na Li and Azarenka, as if we didn't have enough drama already!
It was an edgy start for both with breaks flying around and mysteriously Azarenka was quite quiet... As I said: bizarre! Na Li was the bigger hitting player in the first set and with a double fault, Azarenka handed the Chinese a 6-4 lead.
The second set was a completely different story with the number one taking a 3-0 lead before Na Li had an unfortunate ankle twist. The Chinese definitely seemed in pain but she did level at 4-4. Azarenka then grid her teeth and won the second set: 6-4.

It all came down to a third set and after a ten minute break due to the fireworks for Australia Day, Azarenka showed her consistency (and louder shrieks). Na Li twisted her ankle for a second time and hit her head (showing Azarenka how a real medical time out is justified?). The unlucky Na Li showed some great points after that but Azarenka had enough of a lead to finish it: 6-4.

So Azarenka wins the Australian Open again and retains the number one spot. But her game was shaky against the Chinese, I'm so looking forward how she does against a Sharapova, Serena or Radwanska! Keep posted!