As we near the end of the third round in the men's and women's singles at Roland Garros 2014, already the women's draw has been rattled by a constant series of upsets that at the same time has brought to the fore some relatively new faces in the game.
Whilst it is devastating to her legion of fans, and not in her own original plans, the second round exit of Serena Williams probably only delays ultimate major success for the world number one in 2014. Just two years ago, Serena lost in Melbourne in the fourth round and Roland Garros in the first round, only to dominate the second half of the year including winning the final two majors.
However now is not about her, but about the 20 year old Spanish girl who took Australians on a thrilling ride earlier this year by firstly winning the WTA event in Hobart (her first tournament win) as a qualifier, then a week later making it through to the final 16 at the Australian Open in Melbourne. Garbine Muguruza is now in Paris and proving that she has the potential to become a top ten player and soon. Defeating Serena Williams, and with a 6-2 6-2 scoreline, is a pretty useful entry in ones developing CV.
Muguruza most recently backed up her huge result with another straight sets win and will start favourite in the fourth round against a fellow unseeded opponent, maybe Germany's Mona Barthel. All of the seeds in this section of the draw - the Williams sisters, Roberta Vinci and Sabine Lisicki - were sent packing by the end of the second round.
The quarter final opponent for Garbine, should she be successful next match, will be the winner of the Sharapova/Stosur contest, and despite the welcome turn around in Samantha's form, no one is game to bet against Maria, who not long ago destroyed Paula Ormaechea 6-0 6-0 in the third round.
Before reassessing my predictions for the women's singles, let's take stock of the top seeds to have fallen so far.
1 - Serena Willams - 2nd Round
2 - Li Na - 1st Round
3 - Agnieszka Radwanska - 3rd Round
9 - Dominika Cibulkova - 3rd Round
12 - Flavia Pennetta - 2nd Round
13 - Caroline Wozniacki - 1st Round
16 - Sabine Lisicki - 2nd Round
All that carnage has been of most assistance to Sharapova who, with no barrier of Serena, is a raging favourite to repeat 2012. She historically has a huge edge over Stosur so should reach the quarters, defeat whichever unseeded opponent she meets there, and then I'm not altogether sure who her semi final victim will be. I'm leaning toward Carla Suarez Navarro, but would not be surprised if Eugenie Bouchard slipped through. But really no one presents a major threat to Sharapova's third consecutive final appearance at Roland Garros.
I maintain my belief that the other semi final will feature Sara Errani and Ana Ivanovic - both have carried their fine form into the early rounds here and with no Li Na with which to contend, the path is certainly less treacherous.
Revised prediction: Sharapova to defeat Ivanovic in the final. The two met once before in a Grand Slam tournament final - 2008 Aus Open, the same year Ana won the French Open.
Saturday, 31 May 2014
Sunday, 25 May 2014
Roland Garros 2014 - Women's Singles Preview
Play has begun on Day One at Roland Garros for the 2014 French Open, and as Serena Williams begins her title defence, it is time to assess the chances among the women for this year's crown.
The clay courts have brought familiar names to the fore in preliminary tournaments, but it was Maria Teresa Torro Flor who won the Marrakech tournament, her first WTA title and in her first final.
Stuttgart hosted a top class field including six of the worlds top ten, and the 2012 French Open champion dominated. Maria Sharapova defeated top seed Aga Radwanska in the quarters and Sara Errani in the semis before finally eclipsing another former Roland Garros queen Ana Ivanovic in the final, after dropping the opening set.
Oeiras became the favourite city for Carla Suarez Navarro when she as top seed defeated Sveta Kuznetsova to hold that trophy aloft. Sveta won the French Open in 2009 and unsurprisingly seems to find another level of form at this time of year.
Madrid was the destination for the next Premier event, and Serena Williams headed another talented field. She and 2011 Roland Garros winner, and second seed, Li Na, both reached the quarters and appeared set for a finals shoot out. However, Serena succumbed to a leg injury and withdrew before her match with Petra Kvitova, and Li Na lost to Sharapova. Maria proceeded to knock over Radwanska (again) and Simona Halep in the final to make it 2 Premier titles in succession and have her odds slashed for Roland Garros. For her part, Halep impressed in forcing Sharapova to three sets following her wins over Ivanovic and Kvitova.
Then another Premier tournament, this one in Rome, and the time was right for Serena to announce her presence, now recovered from her leg injury. Typically the announcement came complete with another title, with wins in the semi against Ivanovic and the final over Errani. Errani, a Roland Garros finalist in 2012, had been inconsistent in 2014, but now was finding some ominous touch, prevailing in matches against Li Na and Jelena Jankovic before succumbing to the Williams power.
So now Paris and the clay court Grand Slam tournament.
Ideally, Maria Sharapova should be drawn in the opposite half to Serena Williams, because without doubt these two, finalists at Roland Garros last year, are the form players leading into the 2014 French Open. Yes Maria lost to Ana Ivanovic in the third round in Rome but Ana has also been one of the top players of the clay court season so that loss needs to be placed in perspective.
Sadly Serena is drawn to meet Maria in the quarters, and that spells disaster for Maria, given that the last 15 clashes have gone to the American. I cannot see any other trouble on Serena's side of the draw, with Radwanska the likely semi final opponent.
The fun could come on the other side, with Ana Ivanovic dangerously sitting in the quarter featuring Simona Halep and Petra Kvitova. I predict Ana will defeat Petra in the fourth round and Simona in the quarters.
The other trouble is facing Li Na, and it comes in the form of Sara Errani. As much as I would like to see Jelena Jankovic win through, Errani has the form to defeat both her in the fourth round and Li Na in the quarters.
So in short, Serena Williams will defeat Agnieszka Radwanska in one semi while Ana Ivanovic will take out Sara Errani in the other.
Serena will use the final to avenge her loss to Ana at the Australian Open earlier this year.
One thing is for certain - my selections are not :)
The clay courts have brought familiar names to the fore in preliminary tournaments, but it was Maria Teresa Torro Flor who won the Marrakech tournament, her first WTA title and in her first final.
Stuttgart hosted a top class field including six of the worlds top ten, and the 2012 French Open champion dominated. Maria Sharapova defeated top seed Aga Radwanska in the quarters and Sara Errani in the semis before finally eclipsing another former Roland Garros queen Ana Ivanovic in the final, after dropping the opening set.
Oeiras became the favourite city for Carla Suarez Navarro when she as top seed defeated Sveta Kuznetsova to hold that trophy aloft. Sveta won the French Open in 2009 and unsurprisingly seems to find another level of form at this time of year.
Madrid was the destination for the next Premier event, and Serena Williams headed another talented field. She and 2011 Roland Garros winner, and second seed, Li Na, both reached the quarters and appeared set for a finals shoot out. However, Serena succumbed to a leg injury and withdrew before her match with Petra Kvitova, and Li Na lost to Sharapova. Maria proceeded to knock over Radwanska (again) and Simona Halep in the final to make it 2 Premier titles in succession and have her odds slashed for Roland Garros. For her part, Halep impressed in forcing Sharapova to three sets following her wins over Ivanovic and Kvitova.
Then another Premier tournament, this one in Rome, and the time was right for Serena to announce her presence, now recovered from her leg injury. Typically the announcement came complete with another title, with wins in the semi against Ivanovic and the final over Errani. Errani, a Roland Garros finalist in 2012, had been inconsistent in 2014, but now was finding some ominous touch, prevailing in matches against Li Na and Jelena Jankovic before succumbing to the Williams power.
So now Paris and the clay court Grand Slam tournament.
Ideally, Maria Sharapova should be drawn in the opposite half to Serena Williams, because without doubt these two, finalists at Roland Garros last year, are the form players leading into the 2014 French Open. Yes Maria lost to Ana Ivanovic in the third round in Rome but Ana has also been one of the top players of the clay court season so that loss needs to be placed in perspective.
Sadly Serena is drawn to meet Maria in the quarters, and that spells disaster for Maria, given that the last 15 clashes have gone to the American. I cannot see any other trouble on Serena's side of the draw, with Radwanska the likely semi final opponent.
The fun could come on the other side, with Ana Ivanovic dangerously sitting in the quarter featuring Simona Halep and Petra Kvitova. I predict Ana will defeat Petra in the fourth round and Simona in the quarters.
The other trouble is facing Li Na, and it comes in the form of Sara Errani. As much as I would like to see Jelena Jankovic win through, Errani has the form to defeat both her in the fourth round and Li Na in the quarters.
So in short, Serena Williams will defeat Agnieszka Radwanska in one semi while Ana Ivanovic will take out Sara Errani in the other.
Serena will use the final to avenge her loss to Ana at the Australian Open earlier this year.
One thing is for certain - my selections are not :)
Saturday, 24 May 2014
Roland Garros 2014 - Men's Singles Preview
It is usually as simple as inscribing the Nadal name on the trophy, even before a ball is hit in Paris for any French Open. However, 2014 may be cause for some doubt, at least from the Serbian front. We thankfully do not have a repeat of the 2013 farce which saw Nadal seeded low enough to draw Djokovic in a semi final. The worlds best two players played the match of the tournament, which deserved to be the final, and Novak was a mere breath from his first win over Rafa at Roland Garros.
If the two meet this year it will be the final, and if Rome is any guide this should come to pass and be another classic.
Of course the clay season proper has not been a bed of roses for either Nadal or Djokovic. Before they landed in Monaco, it was two others, Garcia-Lopez and Verdasco, who won minor titles in Casablanca and Houston respectively, but the big guns were hauled out for the Masters in Monte Carlo. Here we saw the champ of Melbourne, Stanislas Wawrinka, once again assert his power in a high level tournament, knocking over Raonic in the quarters and significantly Ferrer in the semis. Ferrer had himself upset Nadal in the quarters to rip that side of the draw wide open.
Roger Federer , meanwhile had notched another win over Tsonga in the quarters before prevailing over Djokovic for the second time in 2014, albeit a clearly injury affected second seed who had taken the first set and had looked in charge.
An all Swiss final was not the pre-tournament pick and Stanislas managed to find a way past his more renowned countryman in three gripping sets to take home the chocolates.
Barcelona was next, and Nadal never loses there - until 2014 that is. Almagro did the dirty on his fellow Spaniard in the quarters, and the other top ten player in the tournament, David Ferrer was sent packing by unheralded Gabashvili in the second round (Ferrer's first match). Kei Nishikori won the title, along the way defeating Cilic and Gulbis before overcoming Giraldo in the final.
Before the key Masters double of Madrid then Rome, three other clay court tournaments resulted in titles for Dimitrov in Bucharest, Berlocq in Oeiras and Klizan in Munich. The form of these players augurs well for Roland Garros but would not scare the top guys too much, although the egos of Berdych and Raonic may have taken a bit of a hit, given that Berlocq's form outside of the Portugal performance has been hardly stellar.
Madrid was memorable more for the efforts of the runner-up. Unfortunately for the tournament, Djokovic was unavailable, still nursing the injured wrist, and Federer was home with the new twins. When Wawrinka was dumped by a qualifier in his first outing since triumphing in Monte Carlo, it seemed that Rafa only had to turn up to win the trophy. Murray also left early, courtesy of Giraldo's continued good form, and it was Nishikori, who surprised Ferrer in the semis, left to argue over the winnings with Nadal.
After winning the first set, the Japanese soon to be top ten player eventually retired in the deciding third set.
Rome was the final important lead in tournament and Novak's first since the Monte Carlo injury. The world number two had some tough matches but managed to win through to the final, taking out Ferrer and Raonic to reach it. Rafa.dispensed with Murray and Dimitrov to ensure that the best players would fight out their second Masters final for 2014. After dropping the opening set, Djokovic, in a performance drawing many superlatives, overcame Nadal for the fourth straight time.
So what does all this give us in terms of predicting events at Roland Garros over the next fortnight?
It would be foolish to go past the top two players in the world, who are even further ahead of the rest when it comes to clay. However, it is interesting to note that of the potential quarter final match ups, both Rafa and Novak have potentially the toughest - Nadal seeded to play Ferrer and Djokovic, while seeded to play Raonic, may find he meets Nishikori.
Federer will probably make it through to the semis given the soft draw he has, on paper at least, and I think Murray's effort in Rome against Nadal, although a loss, just might be the confidence booster to see him challenge Wawrinka for the other spot in the semis.
If the two meet this year it will be the final, and if Rome is any guide this should come to pass and be another classic.
Of course the clay season proper has not been a bed of roses for either Nadal or Djokovic. Before they landed in Monaco, it was two others, Garcia-Lopez and Verdasco, who won minor titles in Casablanca and Houston respectively, but the big guns were hauled out for the Masters in Monte Carlo. Here we saw the champ of Melbourne, Stanislas Wawrinka, once again assert his power in a high level tournament, knocking over Raonic in the quarters and significantly Ferrer in the semis. Ferrer had himself upset Nadal in the quarters to rip that side of the draw wide open.
Roger Federer , meanwhile had notched another win over Tsonga in the quarters before prevailing over Djokovic for the second time in 2014, albeit a clearly injury affected second seed who had taken the first set and had looked in charge.
An all Swiss final was not the pre-tournament pick and Stanislas managed to find a way past his more renowned countryman in three gripping sets to take home the chocolates.
Barcelona was next, and Nadal never loses there - until 2014 that is. Almagro did the dirty on his fellow Spaniard in the quarters, and the other top ten player in the tournament, David Ferrer was sent packing by unheralded Gabashvili in the second round (Ferrer's first match). Kei Nishikori won the title, along the way defeating Cilic and Gulbis before overcoming Giraldo in the final.
Before the key Masters double of Madrid then Rome, three other clay court tournaments resulted in titles for Dimitrov in Bucharest, Berlocq in Oeiras and Klizan in Munich. The form of these players augurs well for Roland Garros but would not scare the top guys too much, although the egos of Berdych and Raonic may have taken a bit of a hit, given that Berlocq's form outside of the Portugal performance has been hardly stellar.
Madrid was memorable more for the efforts of the runner-up. Unfortunately for the tournament, Djokovic was unavailable, still nursing the injured wrist, and Federer was home with the new twins. When Wawrinka was dumped by a qualifier in his first outing since triumphing in Monte Carlo, it seemed that Rafa only had to turn up to win the trophy. Murray also left early, courtesy of Giraldo's continued good form, and it was Nishikori, who surprised Ferrer in the semis, left to argue over the winnings with Nadal.
After winning the first set, the Japanese soon to be top ten player eventually retired in the deciding third set.
Rome was the final important lead in tournament and Novak's first since the Monte Carlo injury. The world number two had some tough matches but managed to win through to the final, taking out Ferrer and Raonic to reach it. Rafa.dispensed with Murray and Dimitrov to ensure that the best players would fight out their second Masters final for 2014. After dropping the opening set, Djokovic, in a performance drawing many superlatives, overcame Nadal for the fourth straight time.
So what does all this give us in terms of predicting events at Roland Garros over the next fortnight?
It would be foolish to go past the top two players in the world, who are even further ahead of the rest when it comes to clay. However, it is interesting to note that of the potential quarter final match ups, both Rafa and Novak have potentially the toughest - Nadal seeded to play Ferrer and Djokovic, while seeded to play Raonic, may find he meets Nishikori.
Federer will probably make it through to the semis given the soft draw he has, on paper at least, and I think Murray's effort in Rome against Nadal, although a loss, just might be the confidence booster to see him challenge Wawrinka for the other spot in the semis.
Saturday, 10 May 2014
Rafa eyeing off Roland Garros #9
2013 was almost the year that Novak Djokovic finally overcame Rafa Nadal on the clay at Roland Garros. He had stunned the Spaniard at Monaco, but just couldn't force a win in the classic semi final which most agree should have been the final of the French Open (no disrespect to David Ferrer)
This year, the major goal again for Djokovic, but unspoken compared to last years outspoken desperate desire, was to complete his career Grand Slam by taking home the title in Paris in June. However, after a stunning hard court period, with the Indian Wells and Miami titles safely pocketed, injury has cruelly stepped in to mar the progress of the world number two.
World number three, and the only player with a mathematical chance of a 2014 Grand Slam, Stanislas Wawrinka, won through at Monaco to pose a possible threat to Rafa in Paris, but his poor showing in Madrid underlined his lack of ability to consistently win through to at least the semis of the Masters events. Maybe he will save his best for the biggest stage as he did in Melbourne.
His fellow Swiss top four compatriot, Roger Federer, has been rewriting record books with his wife Mirka, and the two are proud parents of a second set of twins. Roger's priorities are such that the Madrid Masters was dropped from his schedule in order to me his daddy obligations. All power to him for that decision too.
Naturally, while his likely major threats have been having less than smooth tennis entrances into Roland Garros, we would expect that Rafa would be doing what he does most times on clay - win most of the time. However, he lost, inexplicably in the quarters at both Monaco (to Ferrer) and then Barcelona (to Almagro). The last time he lost in Barcelona I believe he was wearing nappies.
It must be a share the glory to fellow Spaniards month or something.
Don't expect anything similar come the end of May though. Even now Rafa is rolling through the draw in Madrid, his last victim Berdych in the quarters. Should be a Nadal v either Ferrer or Nishikori final.
Watch out for the Japanese star in Paris - he will be in the top ten next week for the first time, and his rate of improvement this last 12-18 months has been eye catching.
However, Rafa Nadal still owns the Roland Garros clay, and deserves to start a very short priced favourite to make it nine titles, and equal Martina Navratilova's number achieved on the Wimbledon grass.
This year, the major goal again for Djokovic, but unspoken compared to last years outspoken desperate desire, was to complete his career Grand Slam by taking home the title in Paris in June. However, after a stunning hard court period, with the Indian Wells and Miami titles safely pocketed, injury has cruelly stepped in to mar the progress of the world number two.
World number three, and the only player with a mathematical chance of a 2014 Grand Slam, Stanislas Wawrinka, won through at Monaco to pose a possible threat to Rafa in Paris, but his poor showing in Madrid underlined his lack of ability to consistently win through to at least the semis of the Masters events. Maybe he will save his best for the biggest stage as he did in Melbourne.
His fellow Swiss top four compatriot, Roger Federer, has been rewriting record books with his wife Mirka, and the two are proud parents of a second set of twins. Roger's priorities are such that the Madrid Masters was dropped from his schedule in order to me his daddy obligations. All power to him for that decision too.
Naturally, while his likely major threats have been having less than smooth tennis entrances into Roland Garros, we would expect that Rafa would be doing what he does most times on clay - win most of the time. However, he lost, inexplicably in the quarters at both Monaco (to Ferrer) and then Barcelona (to Almagro). The last time he lost in Barcelona I believe he was wearing nappies.
It must be a share the glory to fellow Spaniards month or something.
Don't expect anything similar come the end of May though. Even now Rafa is rolling through the draw in Madrid, his last victim Berdych in the quarters. Should be a Nadal v either Ferrer or Nishikori final.
Watch out for the Japanese star in Paris - he will be in the top ten next week for the first time, and his rate of improvement this last 12-18 months has been eye catching.
However, Rafa Nadal still owns the Roland Garros clay, and deserves to start a very short priced favourite to make it nine titles, and equal Martina Navratilova's number achieved on the Wimbledon grass.
Sunday, 6 April 2014
How are the top men travelling since Melbourne?
The first Grand Slam tournament of each year potentially can catch some players relatively underprepared, and results from the two weeks in Melbourne and indeed the lead in events, may not necessarily represent a true indication of where things will be a few months down the track.
So it is useful to trace the results of the top ranked players as at the conclusion of the Australian Open, now that we have reached April. Let's start with the Top 3 which has remained the same since the party left Australia.
Starting at the top, Rafa Nadal has won in Rio, not having to play anyone ranked higher than 40 in so doing. His other two starts were in the US hard court Masters events at Indian Wells where he lost in the third round to the man he beat in the Rio final (Dolgopolov) and Miami where Djokovic had his measure in the final. So 10-2 since losing the Aus Open final is reasonable form, enough to comfortably retain the number one ranking coming into the clay season, which he owns.
Novak Djokovic lost in the quarters in Melbourne, the earliest exit from a major for him since he lost the 2010 quarter final at Roland Garros. Roger Federer defeated him in the Dubai semis in three sets, but the two big events have both been pocketed by Djokovic, first avenging the Dubai loss by knocking over Federer in the Indian Wells final, and then taking Nadal to the cleaners in Miami. 12-1 since Melbourne, and despite the disappointment in Australia, Djokovic leads the years points race from Nadal, and most expect him to be Rafa's only serious challenger at Roland Garros this year.
The winner of the first major for 2014 was Stanislas Wawrinka, and that shot him to number three in the world. The expected momentum from that success has not occurred, with only a 5-2 record in matches since - one in a Davis Cup tie. Wawrinka has lost in the fourth round of both Masters tournaments, in Indian Wells to Kevin Anderson and in Miami to Alexander Dolgopolov, who has made a mark himself with wins over Nadal, Wawrinka and Ferrer post Melbourne to jump from 53 to 22 in the world.
With the top two doing as one would expect, and the number three faltering somewhat, it looks again a match in two for much of 2014. The only possible spoiler currently appears to be Federer but the gap is very large.
So it is useful to trace the results of the top ranked players as at the conclusion of the Australian Open, now that we have reached April. Let's start with the Top 3 which has remained the same since the party left Australia.
Starting at the top, Rafa Nadal has won in Rio, not having to play anyone ranked higher than 40 in so doing. His other two starts were in the US hard court Masters events at Indian Wells where he lost in the third round to the man he beat in the Rio final (Dolgopolov) and Miami where Djokovic had his measure in the final. So 10-2 since losing the Aus Open final is reasonable form, enough to comfortably retain the number one ranking coming into the clay season, which he owns.
Novak Djokovic lost in the quarters in Melbourne, the earliest exit from a major for him since he lost the 2010 quarter final at Roland Garros. Roger Federer defeated him in the Dubai semis in three sets, but the two big events have both been pocketed by Djokovic, first avenging the Dubai loss by knocking over Federer in the Indian Wells final, and then taking Nadal to the cleaners in Miami. 12-1 since Melbourne, and despite the disappointment in Australia, Djokovic leads the years points race from Nadal, and most expect him to be Rafa's only serious challenger at Roland Garros this year.
The winner of the first major for 2014 was Stanislas Wawrinka, and that shot him to number three in the world. The expected momentum from that success has not occurred, with only a 5-2 record in matches since - one in a Davis Cup tie. Wawrinka has lost in the fourth round of both Masters tournaments, in Indian Wells to Kevin Anderson and in Miami to Alexander Dolgopolov, who has made a mark himself with wins over Nadal, Wawrinka and Ferrer post Melbourne to jump from 53 to 22 in the world.
With the top two doing as one would expect, and the number three faltering somewhat, it looks again a match in two for much of 2014. The only possible spoiler currently appears to be Federer but the gap is very large.
Sunday, 26 January 2014
Men's Final - Rafa Nadal v Stanislas Wawrinka
The dream final for organisers before the draw came out was a Spanish player v Swiss star, and that is what transpired after 2 weeks of tennis. That the Swiss representative would be Stanislas Wawrinka surprised most but he has proved to be popular with fans and the final featuring him and the world number one Rafa Nadal has provoked much interest. It was going to be the debut for Stan in a final at this level, and for Rafa the opportunity to win his 14th such title, equalling Pete Sampras who just happened to be called upon to present the trophy once this clash was completed later in the night.
How much later? Well much of the talk has surrounded Stan's defeat of the reigning champ Novak Djokovic in the quarter final, and how that gives him cause for hope in the final. However there is the form of his rival to consider seriously. It took Stan five tough sets to only just knock over a clearly, and by Stan's own admission, below par Djokovic. Meanwhile on the other side of the draw, Rafa has had encounters with Nishikori and Dimitrov which he managed to win with his opponents playing possibly their best tennis, with only a single set dropped to Dimitrov. Then he thrashed the by all accounts "back to his best" Roger Federer in the semi final just two nights ago.
All 12 meetings so far between Stan and Rafa have gone the way of Spain, and Rafa deserves to have hot favouritism, and also my selection as the winner of this years Australian Open.
Nadal won the toss and sent Stan to the pitchers mound to serve the first delivery of the final.
A long rally first up ended with a Rafa forehand hit long. Same again for same result and 30-0. Serving well Stan overcooked a backhand before Rafa's forehand went wide this time providing Stan with two game points, the first of which Rafa ended by shovelling a backhand into the lower part of the newly named Federer net. Stan 1-0
Two over hit Swiss shots, a return of serve then a forehand, were combined with a wide return and Rafa had 40-0. A forehand cross court played by Rafa into the part of the court where Stan once was gave him the levelling game 1-1
Stan won the first point on his next serve with a telling forehand. Another forehand forced Rafa to hit long and it was 30-0. A loose backhand hit the net but a stunning forehand down the line, then a backhand to the same place promoted Stan to a 2-1 lead.
So far so good for Stan who was playing with a lot of flair, but also fairly accurately too.
A shocking attempt at a dropshot by Rafa received what it deserved - backhand cross court winner from Stan, who couldn't return the next one and it was 15-15.
Double fault from Rafa and then a backhand pass nearly knocking the racquet out of Rafa's hand - two break points. A Swiss forehand forced another Spanish error and the first break surprisingly went against the top seed.
A backhand wide from Stan was helped by a big serve which didn't come back legally, then an ace which by definition just didn't come back. Another of those ace things and a serve backhand volley combination consolidated the break and Stan led 4-1.
An angry forehand from Rafa pushing Stan into a mistake, followed by a stock standard Nadal forehand winner provided 30-0. Luring Nadal to the wrong side of the court, Stan struck a backhand down the line for 30-30. Coming into the net Stan set up another break point once he had put away the simple backhand volley. A timely serve of which Stan made a meal, plus a down the line backhand which missed for once, gave Rafa the game point. A long long forehand reply from Stan changed the game score to 4-2 Wawrinka.
Stan served wide and going wider to give Rafa no chance then he came to the net again to put away the backhand volley winner. A punishing forehand winner down the line raced him to 40-0. A rare mishit gave a point to the charity case which Rafa had temporarily become. An off forehand Nadal gem made it close, but Stan shut the door, no slammed the door in Rafa's face with a serve from which only Spanish tears could stem. 5-2 Wawrinka and Rafa serving to stay in the first set, and I can't believe I just typed those words.
Big serve first up had a nothing response, another had a far too big reply, a double fault just had a huge audience sigh. An ace gave Rafa 40-15 Stan's final shot of the game was a forgettable forehand out of court and he would go to the line to serve for the set.
A mishit which looked like an on drive for six plus a Rafa forehand winner down the line, and a forehand winner cross court from the same racquet had Switzerland struggling at 0-40. Rafa failed to return the next one, and he returned another two too long. Deuce arrived just in time for Stan. Set point arrived soon after when Rafa insisted that the court was not big enough for the shots he wanted to hit.
Stan aced the top seed to take the set in the best looking way possible. 6-3
Bookies smiled. Coming to the net and serve volleying just a little to mix up the game - at least one Swiss player had been listening to Stefan Edberg!
Two blistering Swiss groundstrokes for winners had Nadal quivering at 0-30. As Rafa found the net for 0-40, and a time violation was called, Stan was winding up for a backhand return which he delivered at such a speed that the ball was past Nadal almost before he had completed his ball toss. 1-0 Stan
An ace to make things easy, plus a poor return off a second serve by Nadal led to 30-0. Frustrated, Rafa hit one way long, nod only Stan's generosity with a push wide put Rafa on the board this game. Taking his compassion a bit too far Stan pushed one long before coming to his senses, and the net, to put away a winning forehand volley 2-0 Wawrinka.
Rafa scored first on the back of a backhand error from Stan, but Rafa could do that too, and belted a backhand out of court. A wide backhand from Stan and a backhand return into the net gave 40-15 to Nadal. He didn't appreciate it and stuck a forehand into the net. Yet another backhand mistake, by Rafa this time, brought us to deuce, and the 6th and 7th backhand errors of the game, both committed by Stan, brought the agony to an end and the scoreline to 2-1 Wawrinka.
Medical timeout for Rafa, who needed something at the moment as a circuit breaker because nothing on court was working, while everything Stan touched seemed to fire.
3-1 in a flash as Stan aced and smashed his way through the lack of defence of Rafa.
0-15 with a winner from Stan just a little too easy. 15-15 only because Stan committed the error wide, and with the double fault suddenly 15-30. Rafa's forehand was terrible as it floated long and an attempted drop shot was run down with ease by Wawrinka who led 4-1. A set and two breaks to the good and Rafa not moving all that well. This was writing on the wall that didn't read too well for Spanish fans.
40-0 after an ace an not much from the return. A point did fall Rafa's way courtesy of a net cord, and then a backhand cross court winner on return provoked Stan into error on his backhand. Deuce became adv Stan after another ace and a backhand down the line sewed up another game for a 5-1 lead.
Stan's enthusiasm meant the forehand went a little far but Rafa gave him two errors back in quick succession. A third, again with too much length brought up two set points. One was saved with Rafa putting away a volley, the next by a careless backhand from Stan. Rafa was not moving well and the next set point came with a wide shot but saved with a backhand winner. Two Stan errors gave the game to Nadal but he was not in the match at all. Stan led 5-2 and Rafa was taking no time between serves. He had given this set away for certain - any points or games he won were just pure stats.
Stan served a double and was for the moment not playing as he should against a player inhibited like Nadal. That was soon rectified and two set points came after an ace and forehand winner. One more ace and the set was his 6-2. He led the match 6-3 6-2 and unless there was a Nadal substitution available the trophy for the winner was already being inscribed with Stan's name.
Rafa began the third set serving. No improvement as the weak forehand went long and a poor backhand played with no conviction fell the wrong side of the net. 15-30 came with a Wawrinka shot out of court, but two break points arrived with another Nadal mistake. Both were saved by Wawrinka being too enthusiastic and going for outright winners. Rafa then found a forehand at the bottom of his tennis bag and hit it down the line for a winner. Stan made a mistake and Rafa led 1-0.
A double fault and a better Nadal forehand combined for 0-30. Stan won the next but a Rafa forehand down the line brought up two break chances. One saved with an ace. A strangely subdued Stan stuck one into the net and Rafa had the break and led 2-0.
Serving had picked up and Stan's returning dropped off to give Nadal 30-0. However a forehand winner from Wawrinka and a shot pushed wide by Rafa made it 30-30. Stan pushed one wide too and one into the net to confirm a mini comeback for the top seed 3-0 Nadal
An awesome return using an increasingly fitter looking forehand drew Rafa level at 15-15, but a series of big serves including multiple aces put Stan on the board, trailing 1-3.
A forcing forehand made up for the first point disaster and Rafa had 15-15. This was 40-15 after a down the line winner and a Stan misfire. Rafa wrapped it up with a forehand sizzler down the line once more to lead 4-1.
Stan was making more mistakes now and Rafa was hitting his share of winners including a wonderful backhand to have Stan under pressure 15-30. A couple of clean winners from the Swiss racquet steadied the course Stan was taking away from the choppy seas and Rafa led 4-2.
A backhand pushed wide by Rafa was countered by a complete mishit by Stan, both worth 15 to the other player. Also worth 15 but looking a hell of a lot better was a backhand winner crosscourt by Stan. Rafa overcame that stinging shot by launching into a groundstroke of his own to level at 30-30, then Stan took off any pressure by committing mistakes on the last two points. Rafa led 5-2.
A tricky shot by Stan gave Rafa no swinging room, and his serves on the next two points were unreturnable and an ace. His final point was won with a stunning winner into open court. 5-3 Rafa.
A forehand winner from Switzerland and another forehand with not the same success provoked Nadal into an awful shot, and then a not quite so awful shot, both costing a point. Two break points. Both saved by Wawrinka impatience and errors.
Another bad shot from Stan and it was set point. This time Stan hit the winner he wanted before - a forehand for deuce. Set point again with an out of court shot by Wawrinka, and the set was Nadal's once the ball was nestled into the bottom of the net on Stan's side. Wawrinka led Nadal two sets to one 6-3 6-2 3-6 and Nadal had miraculously risen from the depths.
Clever use of placement both on serve and groundstrokes created 40-0 for Wawrinka, as Nadal could not place a full racquet on anything. He could. to place any part of a racquet on the last backhand of Stan's as it raced cross court for a winner. Stan 1-0
Both players pushed shots wide ahead of Rafa's forehand pulled into the net. 15-30. Break points arrived after the Wawrinka down the line forehand. Playing too far behind the baseline, Stan hit three successive errors, and just to prove his position three rows into the crowd was not going to work, Rafa put a forehand cross court in front of him. 1-1
Rafa began going after the Swiss serve but he couldn't do much when a thunderbolt approached. At 15-15 Stan unleashed winning with his serve, then firing a clean winner and volleying into open court to hold for 2-1.
A limp return didn't complete the journey over the net, and Stan overcompensated and nearly hit one into the crowd. Another one slightly long created three game points for Nadal, two of which he wasted into the net. Finally a return nearly out of the arena was sufficient for Rafa to level at 2-2.
A forehand winner by Nadal was answered soundly with two aces by Stan. A serve to the body made it difficult for Nadal and he couldn't keep it in court, and a net cord directed the final ball out of court to seal the 3-2 advantage for Stan.
A searching rally was finished when Stan picked off a Nadal short ball with a forehand winner. He had the chance to put away another winner next point but hit it long, just as Rafa did to trail 15-30. Two break points once Rafa hit the net. Stan took a giant step to the title with a withering forehand down the line. 4-2 with the break.
Two poor shots from Stan gave Rafa hope at 0-30. A complete mishit brought three break points in the Spanish direction. A terrible miss down the line and games were back on serve 4-3 Wawrinka.
A big serve polished off with a winning forehand was compromised for Rafa baby the next shot into the net. Then Stan out thought Rafa in an extended rally forcing an error with a great backhand for 15-30. At the net Rafa failed to put the ball over and it was two break points. A sweet Swiss forehand down the line broke Rafa once more and at 5-3 Stan would serve for the match.
Big serve and returned long for 15-0. Return into net for 30-0. Clever serve swinging away forces wide return 40-0 three championship points. Won by Stanislas Wawrinka with appropriately a forehand winner.
Stan won the 2014 Australian Open by defeating Rafa Nadal 6-3 6-2 3-6 6-3
It was thoroughly deserved from the very start, and when you consider that to win the title Wawrinka defeated the two top seeds, no arguments can be given as to the worth of the champion.
How much later? Well much of the talk has surrounded Stan's defeat of the reigning champ Novak Djokovic in the quarter final, and how that gives him cause for hope in the final. However there is the form of his rival to consider seriously. It took Stan five tough sets to only just knock over a clearly, and by Stan's own admission, below par Djokovic. Meanwhile on the other side of the draw, Rafa has had encounters with Nishikori and Dimitrov which he managed to win with his opponents playing possibly their best tennis, with only a single set dropped to Dimitrov. Then he thrashed the by all accounts "back to his best" Roger Federer in the semi final just two nights ago.
All 12 meetings so far between Stan and Rafa have gone the way of Spain, and Rafa deserves to have hot favouritism, and also my selection as the winner of this years Australian Open.
Nadal won the toss and sent Stan to the pitchers mound to serve the first delivery of the final.
A long rally first up ended with a Rafa forehand hit long. Same again for same result and 30-0. Serving well Stan overcooked a backhand before Rafa's forehand went wide this time providing Stan with two game points, the first of which Rafa ended by shovelling a backhand into the lower part of the newly named Federer net. Stan 1-0
Two over hit Swiss shots, a return of serve then a forehand, were combined with a wide return and Rafa had 40-0. A forehand cross court played by Rafa into the part of the court where Stan once was gave him the levelling game 1-1
Stan won the first point on his next serve with a telling forehand. Another forehand forced Rafa to hit long and it was 30-0. A loose backhand hit the net but a stunning forehand down the line, then a backhand to the same place promoted Stan to a 2-1 lead.
So far so good for Stan who was playing with a lot of flair, but also fairly accurately too.
A shocking attempt at a dropshot by Rafa received what it deserved - backhand cross court winner from Stan, who couldn't return the next one and it was 15-15.
Double fault from Rafa and then a backhand pass nearly knocking the racquet out of Rafa's hand - two break points. A Swiss forehand forced another Spanish error and the first break surprisingly went against the top seed.
A backhand wide from Stan was helped by a big serve which didn't come back legally, then an ace which by definition just didn't come back. Another of those ace things and a serve backhand volley combination consolidated the break and Stan led 4-1.
An angry forehand from Rafa pushing Stan into a mistake, followed by a stock standard Nadal forehand winner provided 30-0. Luring Nadal to the wrong side of the court, Stan struck a backhand down the line for 30-30. Coming into the net Stan set up another break point once he had put away the simple backhand volley. A timely serve of which Stan made a meal, plus a down the line backhand which missed for once, gave Rafa the game point. A long long forehand reply from Stan changed the game score to 4-2 Wawrinka.
Stan served wide and going wider to give Rafa no chance then he came to the net again to put away the backhand volley winner. A punishing forehand winner down the line raced him to 40-0. A rare mishit gave a point to the charity case which Rafa had temporarily become. An off forehand Nadal gem made it close, but Stan shut the door, no slammed the door in Rafa's face with a serve from which only Spanish tears could stem. 5-2 Wawrinka and Rafa serving to stay in the first set, and I can't believe I just typed those words.
Big serve first up had a nothing response, another had a far too big reply, a double fault just had a huge audience sigh. An ace gave Rafa 40-15 Stan's final shot of the game was a forgettable forehand out of court and he would go to the line to serve for the set.
A mishit which looked like an on drive for six plus a Rafa forehand winner down the line, and a forehand winner cross court from the same racquet had Switzerland struggling at 0-40. Rafa failed to return the next one, and he returned another two too long. Deuce arrived just in time for Stan. Set point arrived soon after when Rafa insisted that the court was not big enough for the shots he wanted to hit.
Stan aced the top seed to take the set in the best looking way possible. 6-3
Bookies smiled. Coming to the net and serve volleying just a little to mix up the game - at least one Swiss player had been listening to Stefan Edberg!
Two blistering Swiss groundstrokes for winners had Nadal quivering at 0-30. As Rafa found the net for 0-40, and a time violation was called, Stan was winding up for a backhand return which he delivered at such a speed that the ball was past Nadal almost before he had completed his ball toss. 1-0 Stan
An ace to make things easy, plus a poor return off a second serve by Nadal led to 30-0. Frustrated, Rafa hit one way long, nod only Stan's generosity with a push wide put Rafa on the board this game. Taking his compassion a bit too far Stan pushed one long before coming to his senses, and the net, to put away a winning forehand volley 2-0 Wawrinka.
Rafa scored first on the back of a backhand error from Stan, but Rafa could do that too, and belted a backhand out of court. A wide backhand from Stan and a backhand return into the net gave 40-15 to Nadal. He didn't appreciate it and stuck a forehand into the net. Yet another backhand mistake, by Rafa this time, brought us to deuce, and the 6th and 7th backhand errors of the game, both committed by Stan, brought the agony to an end and the scoreline to 2-1 Wawrinka.
Medical timeout for Rafa, who needed something at the moment as a circuit breaker because nothing on court was working, while everything Stan touched seemed to fire.
3-1 in a flash as Stan aced and smashed his way through the lack of defence of Rafa.
0-15 with a winner from Stan just a little too easy. 15-15 only because Stan committed the error wide, and with the double fault suddenly 15-30. Rafa's forehand was terrible as it floated long and an attempted drop shot was run down with ease by Wawrinka who led 4-1. A set and two breaks to the good and Rafa not moving all that well. This was writing on the wall that didn't read too well for Spanish fans.
40-0 after an ace an not much from the return. A point did fall Rafa's way courtesy of a net cord, and then a backhand cross court winner on return provoked Stan into error on his backhand. Deuce became adv Stan after another ace and a backhand down the line sewed up another game for a 5-1 lead.
Stan's enthusiasm meant the forehand went a little far but Rafa gave him two errors back in quick succession. A third, again with too much length brought up two set points. One was saved with Rafa putting away a volley, the next by a careless backhand from Stan. Rafa was not moving well and the next set point came with a wide shot but saved with a backhand winner. Two Stan errors gave the game to Nadal but he was not in the match at all. Stan led 5-2 and Rafa was taking no time between serves. He had given this set away for certain - any points or games he won were just pure stats.
Stan served a double and was for the moment not playing as he should against a player inhibited like Nadal. That was soon rectified and two set points came after an ace and forehand winner. One more ace and the set was his 6-2. He led the match 6-3 6-2 and unless there was a Nadal substitution available the trophy for the winner was already being inscribed with Stan's name.
Rafa began the third set serving. No improvement as the weak forehand went long and a poor backhand played with no conviction fell the wrong side of the net. 15-30 came with a Wawrinka shot out of court, but two break points arrived with another Nadal mistake. Both were saved by Wawrinka being too enthusiastic and going for outright winners. Rafa then found a forehand at the bottom of his tennis bag and hit it down the line for a winner. Stan made a mistake and Rafa led 1-0.
A double fault and a better Nadal forehand combined for 0-30. Stan won the next but a Rafa forehand down the line brought up two break chances. One saved with an ace. A strangely subdued Stan stuck one into the net and Rafa had the break and led 2-0.
Serving had picked up and Stan's returning dropped off to give Nadal 30-0. However a forehand winner from Wawrinka and a shot pushed wide by Rafa made it 30-30. Stan pushed one wide too and one into the net to confirm a mini comeback for the top seed 3-0 Nadal
An awesome return using an increasingly fitter looking forehand drew Rafa level at 15-15, but a series of big serves including multiple aces put Stan on the board, trailing 1-3.
A forcing forehand made up for the first point disaster and Rafa had 15-15. This was 40-15 after a down the line winner and a Stan misfire. Rafa wrapped it up with a forehand sizzler down the line once more to lead 4-1.
Stan was making more mistakes now and Rafa was hitting his share of winners including a wonderful backhand to have Stan under pressure 15-30. A couple of clean winners from the Swiss racquet steadied the course Stan was taking away from the choppy seas and Rafa led 4-2.
A backhand pushed wide by Rafa was countered by a complete mishit by Stan, both worth 15 to the other player. Also worth 15 but looking a hell of a lot better was a backhand winner crosscourt by Stan. Rafa overcame that stinging shot by launching into a groundstroke of his own to level at 30-30, then Stan took off any pressure by committing mistakes on the last two points. Rafa led 5-2.
A tricky shot by Stan gave Rafa no swinging room, and his serves on the next two points were unreturnable and an ace. His final point was won with a stunning winner into open court. 5-3 Rafa.
A forehand winner from Switzerland and another forehand with not the same success provoked Nadal into an awful shot, and then a not quite so awful shot, both costing a point. Two break points. Both saved by Wawrinka impatience and errors.
Another bad shot from Stan and it was set point. This time Stan hit the winner he wanted before - a forehand for deuce. Set point again with an out of court shot by Wawrinka, and the set was Nadal's once the ball was nestled into the bottom of the net on Stan's side. Wawrinka led Nadal two sets to one 6-3 6-2 3-6 and Nadal had miraculously risen from the depths.
Clever use of placement both on serve and groundstrokes created 40-0 for Wawrinka, as Nadal could not place a full racquet on anything. He could. to place any part of a racquet on the last backhand of Stan's as it raced cross court for a winner. Stan 1-0
Both players pushed shots wide ahead of Rafa's forehand pulled into the net. 15-30. Break points arrived after the Wawrinka down the line forehand. Playing too far behind the baseline, Stan hit three successive errors, and just to prove his position three rows into the crowd was not going to work, Rafa put a forehand cross court in front of him. 1-1
Rafa began going after the Swiss serve but he couldn't do much when a thunderbolt approached. At 15-15 Stan unleashed winning with his serve, then firing a clean winner and volleying into open court to hold for 2-1.
A limp return didn't complete the journey over the net, and Stan overcompensated and nearly hit one into the crowd. Another one slightly long created three game points for Nadal, two of which he wasted into the net. Finally a return nearly out of the arena was sufficient for Rafa to level at 2-2.
A forehand winner by Nadal was answered soundly with two aces by Stan. A serve to the body made it difficult for Nadal and he couldn't keep it in court, and a net cord directed the final ball out of court to seal the 3-2 advantage for Stan.
A searching rally was finished when Stan picked off a Nadal short ball with a forehand winner. He had the chance to put away another winner next point but hit it long, just as Rafa did to trail 15-30. Two break points once Rafa hit the net. Stan took a giant step to the title with a withering forehand down the line. 4-2 with the break.
Two poor shots from Stan gave Rafa hope at 0-30. A complete mishit brought three break points in the Spanish direction. A terrible miss down the line and games were back on serve 4-3 Wawrinka.
A big serve polished off with a winning forehand was compromised for Rafa baby the next shot into the net. Then Stan out thought Rafa in an extended rally forcing an error with a great backhand for 15-30. At the net Rafa failed to put the ball over and it was two break points. A sweet Swiss forehand down the line broke Rafa once more and at 5-3 Stan would serve for the match.
Big serve and returned long for 15-0. Return into net for 30-0. Clever serve swinging away forces wide return 40-0 three championship points. Won by Stanislas Wawrinka with appropriately a forehand winner.
Stan won the 2014 Australian Open by defeating Rafa Nadal 6-3 6-2 3-6 6-3
It was thoroughly deserved from the very start, and when you consider that to win the title Wawrinka defeated the two top seeds, no arguments can be given as to the worth of the champion.
Saturday, 25 January 2014
Women's Final - Li Na v Dominika Cibulkova
I defy anyone to honestly say they predicted that the pair of women contesting the 2014 Women's Singles final would be 4th seed Li Na and 20th seed Dominika Cibulkova.
Yes solid arguments have existed for the presence of China's number one as her form has been at a level second only to Serena Williams since the closing stages of last season. Her form since nearly losing to Safarova this tournament has been scary at times.
The real surprise has been the Pride of Slovakia, Dominika, who has slayed the third seed Sharapova and the fifth seed Radwanska amongst her six victims this event.
Whilst I would like to see Domi give Li Na a close contest in the final, and that may well occur despite the odds, there are a number of factors weighing heavily in favour of a first win here for Li Na.
This is Li Na's third Australian Open final, and she had chances to win both the previous ones. She has tasted success before at this level - 2011 Roland Garros. She has never lost to Domi in four clashes. She has potentially more weapons at her disposal than her opponent, and this is the main reason for me selecting Li Na to defeat Dominika Cibulkova in straight sets.
Li Na won the toss and put Domi to the line to serve first. First point a forehand long from Domi. Then another before Li Na's attempted lob went long. A backhand return too big made it 4 errors for the first four points, and another from the fourth seed gave us 40-30. A backhand from Domi found the net and then a double fault gave break point to Li Na. A backhand wide brought it back to deuce and still no point had been decided by a winner. Until a backhand down the line from Li Na and break point number two. A second double fault handed the first game to Li Na 1-0.
A return long countered by a Li Na forehand long 15-15. A Li Na backhand found the bottom of the net and a backhand return went out. 30-30. A backhand down the line winner from Li Na created game point which was confirmed with another errant return. 2-0.
Domi forehand wide and a Li Na forehand long and this match had yet to be ignited. Li Na attempted to ignite it with a forehand return winner, but another error from her stalled the effort. Break point after another shot went long from the Slovak racquet. She saved it with her first winner - a forehand pass. A backhand wide from Li Na was followed by a backhand winner and deuce again. Domi hit a backhand wide and she faced break point again, but Li Na let her off the hook with a weak forehand going wide. A return into the net times two put Domi on the board but it still was Li Na leading 2-1 with a break and looking the player most likely. The only worry for Li Na was her propensity to hit random shocking shots, just as she did to let Bouchard back into the semi final contest.
Better hitting from Domi forced Li Na to hit into the net, going for too much. The next return went long and Li Na produced a backhand winner down the line to lead 30-15. A backhand crawled over the net and won a lucky point for Li Na and she won the game when Domi hit long with her final shot. 3-1
Li Na called for the referee to have the court measured after she hit a return and two forehands and a backhand long to award the game to Domi and move the game score to 3-2 Li Na.
Rally of the match by a street saw Domi seal it with a backhand into open court. Domi into the net and Li Na long then a double fault led to 15-40. Another double and the rally of the night was a distant memory. The break back had occurred and it was 3-3.
A Li Na shot into the net and two forehands from Domi, one forcing an error, the other a clean winner, shot her out to 40-0. A double fault tempered the advance but a service winner pushed her in front for the first time 4-3.
Li Na was becoming error prone now, maybe due to nerves, but surely also due to Domi having settled into a rhythm.
A backhand winner down the line calmed the 4th seed's nerves somewhat and exchanged errors made it 30-15. A big serve forced an impotent return which was dealt with well by Li Na and a glorious backhand which fitted nicely in the corner won the game and squared the match 4-4.
Surviving a break point, Domi evened the lucky net cords up at a crucial stage, after Li Na threatened seriously with a clutch of winners. Again what ultimately thwarted the fourth seed was her failure to stop the flood of unforced errors. 5-4 Domi
A Li Na forehand winner followed by errors to both players - two each - and finalised with an ace summed up the next game which tied the set at 5-5.
Great rally ended with a Li Na shot long, but she redeemed herself by smashing a forehand winner, and Domi was charitable with a double fault. A backhand cross court winner to end another fine rally gave Li Na two break points and only one was required when Domi found the net that Roger Federer did so often the night before.
6-5 Li Na serving for the set.
Off forehand winner for 15-0 Li Na, then a wide miss for 15-15. An a even wider miss - Box Hill I think - was corrected with a backhand winner 30-30. Break point arrived with a tentative try at the net which only ended in the structure. Saved with a top forehand winner down the line. Deuce. Set point after a Domi shot failed to finish inside the court. Saved with a Li Na effort finishing the same way. Off forehand winner from Domi brought up another break point and it worked for the Slovak player once Li Na had decided that the net was a decent place to finish the next point. 6-6 tie break.
Li Na took the first point off the Domi serve and the second with a down the line winner. Domi drew back to 1-2 with a passing shot of her own. A wonderful rally ended with Li Na taking a forehand out of the air to lead 3-1. Trouble now for the 20th seed as she pushed one wide to trail 1-4. Great serving from Li Na as a big serve had no answer rom Domi and they changed ends 5-1.
Great defence from Domi and a wonderful finishing forehand still had her trailing 3-5. Finding the net had Domi finding herself down 3 set points.
Li Na won the set in a tie break 7-6 seven points to three after Dominika Cibulkova netted the final stroke of the set.
Li Na was well placed now to go on and win the Aus Open but she would need to beware of a wounded Slovak who defeated Sharapova after dropping the first set.
Li served first and her first error gave Domi the first point. A Domi forehand forced Li Na into error and a Li Na groundstroke did the same thing to Domi. 40-30 came with Li Na hitting a forehand away after running to the net and the game was hers with Domi hitting too big. 1-0 Li Na.
After a too enthusiastic Li Na went too long and gave a 30-0 lead to Domi, it was 30-30 with a double fault and netted Slovak shot. An off forehand winner from Li Na brought up break point which was converted with a forehand pushed wide by Domi.
2-0 Li Na.
Good serving and a volley put away had Li Na quickly up 30-0. An ace emphasised her confidence, but Domi's forehand pass showed that she was not going away just yet. Another forehand down the line by Domi was answered by a winner from a similar class by Li Na to win the game and consolidate the break. 3-0 Li Na.
Two forehands long by Li Na were mitigated by two backhand winners, and a break point was generated. The return was too good and a second break ensued. 4-0 Li Na and the finish line visible.
A double fault and one into the net from Li Na. 0-30. Domi was tiring it seemed as she also put one into the confounded net. She also couldn't handle a Li Na groundstroke and serve and 40-30 was the sum result. A simple forehand put away off a rally that was always under her control sealed the game and a 5-0 lead for Li Na. The trophy was being inscribed.
0-15 after a backhand down the line from Li Na. Another clean winner from Li Na had 0-30. 15-30 after another net cord crawled over, this time for Domi. A backhand long set up two match points for Li Na. The first saved with Li Na hitting long. The last shot of the match was a long shot by Dominika Cibulkova and the 2014 Australian Open champion was, and is Li Na from China. 7-6 6-0.
Yes solid arguments have existed for the presence of China's number one as her form has been at a level second only to Serena Williams since the closing stages of last season. Her form since nearly losing to Safarova this tournament has been scary at times.
The real surprise has been the Pride of Slovakia, Dominika, who has slayed the third seed Sharapova and the fifth seed Radwanska amongst her six victims this event.
Whilst I would like to see Domi give Li Na a close contest in the final, and that may well occur despite the odds, there are a number of factors weighing heavily in favour of a first win here for Li Na.
This is Li Na's third Australian Open final, and she had chances to win both the previous ones. She has tasted success before at this level - 2011 Roland Garros. She has never lost to Domi in four clashes. She has potentially more weapons at her disposal than her opponent, and this is the main reason for me selecting Li Na to defeat Dominika Cibulkova in straight sets.
Li Na won the toss and put Domi to the line to serve first. First point a forehand long from Domi. Then another before Li Na's attempted lob went long. A backhand return too big made it 4 errors for the first four points, and another from the fourth seed gave us 40-30. A backhand from Domi found the net and then a double fault gave break point to Li Na. A backhand wide brought it back to deuce and still no point had been decided by a winner. Until a backhand down the line from Li Na and break point number two. A second double fault handed the first game to Li Na 1-0.
A return long countered by a Li Na forehand long 15-15. A Li Na backhand found the bottom of the net and a backhand return went out. 30-30. A backhand down the line winner from Li Na created game point which was confirmed with another errant return. 2-0.
Domi forehand wide and a Li Na forehand long and this match had yet to be ignited. Li Na attempted to ignite it with a forehand return winner, but another error from her stalled the effort. Break point after another shot went long from the Slovak racquet. She saved it with her first winner - a forehand pass. A backhand wide from Li Na was followed by a backhand winner and deuce again. Domi hit a backhand wide and she faced break point again, but Li Na let her off the hook with a weak forehand going wide. A return into the net times two put Domi on the board but it still was Li Na leading 2-1 with a break and looking the player most likely. The only worry for Li Na was her propensity to hit random shocking shots, just as she did to let Bouchard back into the semi final contest.
Better hitting from Domi forced Li Na to hit into the net, going for too much. The next return went long and Li Na produced a backhand winner down the line to lead 30-15. A backhand crawled over the net and won a lucky point for Li Na and she won the game when Domi hit long with her final shot. 3-1
Li Na called for the referee to have the court measured after she hit a return and two forehands and a backhand long to award the game to Domi and move the game score to 3-2 Li Na.
Rally of the match by a street saw Domi seal it with a backhand into open court. Domi into the net and Li Na long then a double fault led to 15-40. Another double and the rally of the night was a distant memory. The break back had occurred and it was 3-3.
A Li Na shot into the net and two forehands from Domi, one forcing an error, the other a clean winner, shot her out to 40-0. A double fault tempered the advance but a service winner pushed her in front for the first time 4-3.
Li Na was becoming error prone now, maybe due to nerves, but surely also due to Domi having settled into a rhythm.
A backhand winner down the line calmed the 4th seed's nerves somewhat and exchanged errors made it 30-15. A big serve forced an impotent return which was dealt with well by Li Na and a glorious backhand which fitted nicely in the corner won the game and squared the match 4-4.
Surviving a break point, Domi evened the lucky net cords up at a crucial stage, after Li Na threatened seriously with a clutch of winners. Again what ultimately thwarted the fourth seed was her failure to stop the flood of unforced errors. 5-4 Domi
A Li Na forehand winner followed by errors to both players - two each - and finalised with an ace summed up the next game which tied the set at 5-5.
Great rally ended with a Li Na shot long, but she redeemed herself by smashing a forehand winner, and Domi was charitable with a double fault. A backhand cross court winner to end another fine rally gave Li Na two break points and only one was required when Domi found the net that Roger Federer did so often the night before.
6-5 Li Na serving for the set.
Off forehand winner for 15-0 Li Na, then a wide miss for 15-15. An a even wider miss - Box Hill I think - was corrected with a backhand winner 30-30. Break point arrived with a tentative try at the net which only ended in the structure. Saved with a top forehand winner down the line. Deuce. Set point after a Domi shot failed to finish inside the court. Saved with a Li Na effort finishing the same way. Off forehand winner from Domi brought up another break point and it worked for the Slovak player once Li Na had decided that the net was a decent place to finish the next point. 6-6 tie break.
Li Na took the first point off the Domi serve and the second with a down the line winner. Domi drew back to 1-2 with a passing shot of her own. A wonderful rally ended with Li Na taking a forehand out of the air to lead 3-1. Trouble now for the 20th seed as she pushed one wide to trail 1-4. Great serving from Li Na as a big serve had no answer rom Domi and they changed ends 5-1.
Great defence from Domi and a wonderful finishing forehand still had her trailing 3-5. Finding the net had Domi finding herself down 3 set points.
Li Na won the set in a tie break 7-6 seven points to three after Dominika Cibulkova netted the final stroke of the set.
Li Na was well placed now to go on and win the Aus Open but she would need to beware of a wounded Slovak who defeated Sharapova after dropping the first set.
Li served first and her first error gave Domi the first point. A Domi forehand forced Li Na into error and a Li Na groundstroke did the same thing to Domi. 40-30 came with Li Na hitting a forehand away after running to the net and the game was hers with Domi hitting too big. 1-0 Li Na.
After a too enthusiastic Li Na went too long and gave a 30-0 lead to Domi, it was 30-30 with a double fault and netted Slovak shot. An off forehand winner from Li Na brought up break point which was converted with a forehand pushed wide by Domi.
2-0 Li Na.
Good serving and a volley put away had Li Na quickly up 30-0. An ace emphasised her confidence, but Domi's forehand pass showed that she was not going away just yet. Another forehand down the line by Domi was answered by a winner from a similar class by Li Na to win the game and consolidate the break. 3-0 Li Na.
Two forehands long by Li Na were mitigated by two backhand winners, and a break point was generated. The return was too good and a second break ensued. 4-0 Li Na and the finish line visible.
A double fault and one into the net from Li Na. 0-30. Domi was tiring it seemed as she also put one into the confounded net. She also couldn't handle a Li Na groundstroke and serve and 40-30 was the sum result. A simple forehand put away off a rally that was always under her control sealed the game and a 5-0 lead for Li Na. The trophy was being inscribed.
0-15 after a backhand down the line from Li Na. Another clean winner from Li Na had 0-30. 15-30 after another net cord crawled over, this time for Domi. A backhand long set up two match points for Li Na. The first saved with Li Na hitting long. The last shot of the match was a long shot by Dominika Cibulkova and the 2014 Australian Open champion was, and is Li Na from China. 7-6 6-0.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)