Sharapova had to work for her victory. A roaring British crowed cheered for Laura Robson, who gave them a performance of which they can be proud. Sharapova defeated Robson 7-6, 6-3. The world number 3's next task will be to play Sabine Lisicki, who defeated Yaroslava Shvedova today.
In doubles, the Williams sisters defeated the German team of Kerber and Lisicki, and top seeds Liezel Huber and Lisa Raymond defeated the Radwanska sisters. Next for Serena and Venus Williams are Sara Errani and Roberta Vinci, doubles stars supreme of 2012.
Happy Birthday Vika! Good win Venus!
ReplyDeleteYou left Petra out. I know that it's tough to stay with her, but today, she brought her A-game from start to finish against Flavia. The last game was spectacular from both. Flavia fought her way to six break points, her total for the match in that game. Petra served big and played fantastically to swat the break points away. This takes nothing from Pennetta, who played brilliantly in that last game as well. Down 0-5, she knew that with Kvitova there is always a chance for a walkabout.
ReplyDeleteHad she broken, there might have been a third set.
Petra finally played the tennis that she demonstrated so nicely last year. At her best, there is and has been no better.
A prediction: Laura Robson is cut in that mold as well. Effortlessly powerful strokes, big serve. Give her two or three years, and she will emerge as Kvitova's big rival.
I didn't mean to leave Petra out--still to post about today's matches. And no doubt about my staying with her. I still think Petra is a wonder.
ReplyDeleteNice summary, Bobby. Suddenly, Petra comes alive. Fingers crossed :) It's all the head with her, I'm sure.
I'm looking at Robson, too, and those sometimes effortlessly-appearing huge groundstrokes. She seems to be maturing nicely.