Update: Miami - Fourth round, Quarter's, Semi's and Final

Hi everyone,

The fourth round delivered quite a splash!

Serena did have trouble against Cibulkova, but as usual the American could turn a set and break behind into a win: 2-6, 6-4, 6-2. Number four Radwanska also faced a set down against Sloane Stephens before turning it around: 4-6, 6-2, 6-0. On the other hand Sharapova had another convincing win: 6-2, 6-2 against Zakopalova. Na Li had a tough first set against Muguruza: 7-6(6), 6-2. Errani had a beautiful win over Ivanovic in the fourth round: 1-6, 6-4, 6-2.

 

 

In such a packed tournament, I was very pleased with a Vinci - Jankovic quarterfinal. The two gave everything they had and eventually Jankovic came out victorious: 6-4, (6)6-7, 6-3. Vinci's doublespartner Errani was also outplayed in the quarterfinals against number two Sharapova: 7-5, 7-5. Serena had a better start in the quarterfinals, but it was quite necessary against Na Li: 6-3, 7-6(5). Belgian Flipkens (who is having a few very succesfull American tournaments) had an amazing start against Radwanska, but the Pole managed to turn it around in three sets: 4-6, 6-4, 6-2. Check out this (possibly) point of the year!

 

I was so looking forward to the semifinal between Serena and Radwanska, but the Pole really didn't have a chance against the super focused American (not even a backhand flip pirouette smash volley or something). Serena definitely meant business and wasn't about to make a bad start: 6-0, 6-3. I started to think we finally would get an exciting battle between the number one and two after Serena had slacked a bit the last couple of matches, but after the crushing of Radwanska, I wasn't that sure anymore. Sharapova did give a good impression against Jankovic: 6-2, 6-1 but with Serena on top of her game, it would get tricky in the final!

 

Sharapova did try everything she got and even took the first set before the impressive Williams bounced back with a third set bagel: 4-6, 6-3, 6-0. Watch the highlights:

We've got the Family Circle Cup in Charleston left before we turn to Europe for the gravel preparations for Roland Garoos, keep posted!