13-time Grand Slam champion Roger Federer was simply outplayed for slightly more than two sets in his fourth round match against Czech 23-year-old Tomas Berdych at the Australian Open yesterday. After finding his form about half-way through the Federer still managed to win the match 4-6,6-7(4), 6-4,6-4,6-2. The World #2 had 25 unforced errors in the first two sets and was overpowered by the Czech youngsters power and accuracy. In the last three sets, Federer had a mere 15 unforced errors and Berdych was hampered by a loss of mobility due to a strained hamstring. MadProfessah is a huge Federer fan so I'm glad that he was able to get to his record nineteenth consecutive Grand Slam quarterfinal, where he will face the 19-year-old 6 foot 8-inch Juan Martin del Potro of Argetina, who he has a 3-0 record against.
World #1 Jelena Jankovic lost easily in the 4th round to 2007 Wimbledon finalist Marion Bartoli 6-1 6-4. When Bartolis is on, she can hit very hard and paint the lines, reminscent of her idol Monica Seles, who she patterns her two-handed forehand and backhand on. Additionally, Bartoli has been practicing exclusively with male players and has become extensively fitter. She faces Vera Zvonareva in the quarterfinal and has a good chance to meet Dina Safina in her first Australian open semifinal later this week.
Safina was very fortunate to be playing the exceedingly nervous Alize Cornet, because if she was down 2-5 in the third set to anyone better or with more experience in that situation, she would have lost.
ReplyDeleteSerena, Elena, Dinara, or Sveta seem ready to take the title, if no other reason than by default.
Mary Carrillo said it best - this is a men's tournament, in that the women seem to not show up with their full game at hand.
great post thanks
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