Anna Chakvetadze, already coming off a win in Cincinnati, won the Bank of the West Classic in Stanford today, 6-3, 6-2, in a lackluster final against Sania Mirza. Mirza's play has been special this week; she combined her dangerous forehand with better footwork and better thinking. Both players had to be exhausted by the time they reached the final. There were rain delays and match play was doubled up; Chakvetadze played her singles semifinal yesterday afternoon, and had to play her doubles semifinal last night.
It was Mirza who looked sluggish and awkward on the court today, possibly because of exhuastion, possibly because of the occasion, and most likely because of both. Chakvetadze, for her part, has had serious service problems since Wimbledon, and they were on display today. She also got her braid caught in her racquet, something I've never seen happen before.
Chakvetadze's semifinal match against Daniela Hantuchova was a roller coaster of momemtum changes, and no real rhythm was ever established. In the end, Hantuchova seemed to fold as Hantuchova is known to do, and Chakvetadze, who later said "I served like my grandmother," won the match. I should add that I bet her grandmother would not have committed twelve double faults.
Chakvetadze, by the way, has now played in six finals, and has won all of them.
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