In the all-Russian quarterfinal played last night in Stanford, 2nd seed Elena Dementieva and 5th seed Maria Sharapova engaged in a baseline challenge that had both of them playing inconsistently and making quite a few errors. Dementieva's service motion looked like something she picked up from the Bartoli school, though, at times--when it looked the most awkward--it worked for her. Sharapova demonstrated improved movement throughout the match, and she and Dementieva did provide fans with some dramatic rallies. Even on their not-so-good days, these two display talent.
It took them 2 hours and 47 minutes to play the match, and when it was over, the 6-4, 2-6, 6-3 victory belonged to Sharapova. The 5th seed double-faulted 15 times, however, so there is still an issue with her serve.
Showing posts with label Ban of the West Classic. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Ban of the West Classic. Show all posts
Saturday, July 31, 2010
Friday, July 24, 2009
Interesting first rounds in Stanford
With only 32 women participating, the Bank of the West Classic has a rather intense draw. It will probably become even more interesting once the qualifiers have been added, but there is enough now to provide some exciting first round matches:
Serena Williams vs. Li Na: Sadly, this match will very likely not take place because of Li's knee injury, and--even if it does--Li is not likely to be playing at her best level. Still--on paper--it is a good one.
Samantha Stosur vs. Dominika Cibulkova: Stosur has been playing well of late. If she serves at her best level and Cibulkova is healthy (what a pity we have to say that so much), this could be an excellent first round match. It's certainly a shame to consider that one of them has to be eliminated.
Peng Shuai vs. Marion Bartoli: The two double-handers are usually quite entertaining when they have a go at each other.
Agnieszka Radwanska vs. Sorana Cirstea: This is the match I would watch if I were there. I expect it to have a bit of everything in it, and I expect the spectators to get their money's worth.
Daniela Hantuchova vs. Aleksandra Wozniak: Wozniak, the defending champion, is unseeded this year, as is Hantuchova. Both have been showing signs of quality play lately, so this, too, could be a good one.
Nadia Petrova vs. Bethanie Mattek-Sands: This is an unfortunate draw for both, since they are doubles partners.
Maria Sharapova vs. Ai Sugiyama: Yes, the veteran is not what she used to be, but neither is Sharapova. If Sharapova shows up with an iffy serve, she could have a long match on her hands. Sugiyama may no longer be in the top 10, but she is as tough as they come.
Serena Williams vs. Li Na: Sadly, this match will very likely not take place because of Li's knee injury, and--even if it does--Li is not likely to be playing at her best level. Still--on paper--it is a good one.
Samantha Stosur vs. Dominika Cibulkova: Stosur has been playing well of late. If she serves at her best level and Cibulkova is healthy (what a pity we have to say that so much), this could be an excellent first round match. It's certainly a shame to consider that one of them has to be eliminated.
Peng Shuai vs. Marion Bartoli: The two double-handers are usually quite entertaining when they have a go at each other.
Agnieszka Radwanska vs. Sorana Cirstea: This is the match I would watch if I were there. I expect it to have a bit of everything in it, and I expect the spectators to get their money's worth.
Daniela Hantuchova vs. Aleksandra Wozniak: Wozniak, the defending champion, is unseeded this year, as is Hantuchova. Both have been showing signs of quality play lately, so this, too, could be a good one.
Nadia Petrova vs. Bethanie Mattek-Sands: This is an unfortunate draw for both, since they are doubles partners.
Maria Sharapova vs. Ai Sugiyama: Yes, the veteran is not what she used to be, but neither is Sharapova. If Sharapova shows up with an iffy serve, she could have a long match on her hands. Sugiyama may no longer be in the top 10, but she is as tough as they come.
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