Aussie Open Women’s Semifinals: My Favorite Things
By Chris Oddo Photo Credit: Mark Peterson/Corleve
Join us each day throughout the Australian Open as we reflect on the moments that made the day special in Melbourne…
Also see:
Favorite Things: Day 1
Favorite Things: Day 3
Favorite Things: Day 4
Favorite Things: Day 5
Favorite Things: Day 6
Favorite Things: Day 7
Favorite Things: Day 8
1. The 3rd set, Azarenka-Clijsters
Tennis is an emotional game, and today’s gripping 3rd set between defending champion Kim Clijsters and 22-year-old Victoria Azarenka was convincing proof of that fact. There were two similar yet different storylines running parallel to one another when it came to this tension filled semifinal. For Clijsters, there was the sentimental value of a former champion and No. 1 playing what very well could be her last Australian Open; for Azarenka, their was an air of possibility – that this could be the moment that she finally breaks through with a bang.
After splitting the first two sets, the pair of battlers stepped up their intensity. Tension was palpable in Rod Laver Arena, even in the early moments. As Clijsters failed to convert a break point on the first game of the set, there was a feeling of loss that went with it. The 7th game was the kicker though. After four-deuce game with several scintillating baseline rallies, Clijsters found herself back on serve just moments after being on the brink of a 5-2 deficit.
It was a rollercoaster ride, but ultimately Azarenka, more mentally tough than we’ve ever seen her, would control it. With a look of steely determination showing in her eyes, she seized control of the latter stages, breaking Clijsters back then serving it out. As she fell to her knees and relished the moment, Clijsters sauntered over to her side of the net to praise her for a job well done. Just like that, Clijsters was gone, marching through the tunnel and waving to the crowd, perhaps never to return. Azarenka, meanwhile, looks like she’s here to stay.
2. The Guts of Sharapova
Don’t be fooled by the glamorous façade, or the boutique ensembles that she totes. Maria Sharapova is an epic battler, and more than anything else, this is what will define her career when it’s all said and done. She left no doubt about that fact today. Face to face with one of the hottest young players on tour, Maria’s resolve was tested time and time again during her 6-2, 3-6, 6-4 semifinal victory over Petra Kvitova. Even though she was under fire for much of the deciding set, the gritty Russian displayed uncommon valor in the face of danger, managing finally to wiggle her way out of Kvitova’s clutches to steal a late break and a trip to her second Grand Slam final in three tries.
This was a high octane battle between two mind-blowing ball bashers, and even though Kvitova might have had the edge when it came to pure power, the stirring display of courage and conviction and the will to keep fighting is what powered Sharapova through in the end.