Jelena Jankovic, who got the last spot in Istanbul, made good on her entry today by defeating world number 2 Victoria Azarenka in straight sets. Though she struggled with her second serve at times, Jankovic ultimately out-served Azarenka. And the Serbian star's defensive play was as good as it's ever been. JJ was really dialed in for this match, obviously having a good time, and consistently delivering her signature backhand down the line.
As for Azarenka--the double-faulting again made her job tough.
Li Na made her Championships debut today, defeating Sara Errani 6-3, 7-6. There was some speculation that Errani would withdraw because of her calf injury, but she was very much there, covered with kinesio tape, and pushing Li pretty hard. Errani had a tough time--psychologically and physically--against Azarenka yesterday, but she appeared to have pulled herself together rather well today. Still, with an 0-2 record, her chances in Istanbul are next to zero.
Serena Williams defeated Agnieszka Radwanska in straight sets, too, but Radwanska was more "present" for this match than she was for her match against Petra Kvitova yesterday. She had chances against Williams, but wasn't able to do anything with them. Williams, for her part, is looking as good as ever.
Tomorrow, Li plays Jankovic, and I expect that to be a very good match. Radwanska will try to salvage her Istanbul record when she plays Angelique Kerber, and Williams and Kvitova will play each other.
2 comments:
Amazing. Kvitova has been reported to have a 'cold.' It was not described as a virus, although all colds are caused by viruses. It's a stretch, but might the ten or so viruses that she has contracted over the past two years be the result of sabotage?
What's been sabotaged is her immune system.
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