(Rank/Seed)
4/4 Li won her second major and her first at Melbourne with a 76(3) 60 win over upset queen (21/20) Cibulkova, as I predicted she would. A heavy favourite going into the match, Li ultimately conquered her nerves to become the oldest champion at the event in the Open Era at 31 years of age. She also joins just 3 other women (Seles, Capriati and Serena Williams) in winning the title having been match point down at some point.
1st Set
Both players were nervous in the first few games for obviously different reasons and unforced errors were frequent. Li didn't look confident despite taking a 3-1 lead and it was Cibulkova who seemed to settle quicker in winning the next 3 games in a row to lead 4-3 behind some forceful hitting. Though Li's backhand was smoking hot as always, her forehand was erratic and Cibulkova seemed to target it more so as the two remained on serve through 5-5, when Li made what seemed to be the critical break. However, a missed backhand down the line up set point led to Li finding herself broken for a second time, forcing the set into the tiebreak, an occurrence that had happened in their last two meetings. It was from here that Li showed her champion's quality, suddenly looking as if there was no pressure at all as she overpowered Cibulkova, particularly off the second serve return to take the set, which had lasted over the hour.
2nd Set
Despite a close first game where Li battled back from 0-30 down to hold, she never was in trouble again. She suddenly couldn't miss off either wing and Cibulkova, try as she might was powerless to resist the stream of winners passing her. Li's heavy weight of shot constantly pushed Cibulkova back and out of position, so she was unable to play the aggressive tennis which had bettered Sharapova and battered Radwanska. Li consummately took Cibulkova's weak serve apart and converted her second match point as Cibulkova's forehand drifted long.
Li made a classic acceptance speech, typically at her husband's expense that had the crowd in hysterics whilst Cibulkova was unsurprisingly emotional after having come so close. Still, Cibulkova should be incredibly proud of what she's achieved here, though the question remains can she keep it up? For Li, the focus is on perhaps becoming the number one now that she will be literally a few points from being number two, which at this point she deserves considering her perfect 12-0 start to the season.
Sunday, 26 January 2014
Thursday, 23 January 2014
Li vs Cibulkova- Pre match analysis
(Rank/Seed)
So, the final pits (4/4) Li Na against (21/20) Dominika Cibulkova in a final no one would have predicted.
Li is 31 years old and has already mentioned retirement in the near future, so this could be her last hurrah. Li has a losing record in finals (8-11) and in major finals (1-2), losing both times at the Australian Open despite having won the first sets in 2011 and 2013. However, unlike her opponent she has obviously been here before and knows how to win a major, having won the French Open in 2011. Her form couldn't be much better having reached the WTA Championships final at the end of last year, defended Shenzhen almost 3 weeks ago and is now into her second straight Australian Open final. Aside from being one point away from going out against Safarova in the 3rd round, the rest has been pretty plain sailing as she's looked better with each round since that time.
Cibulkova is a 24 year old surprise package and I mean that quite literally too, considering at 5" 3 she is one of the shortest major finalists in the Open Era! She also has a losing record in finals (3-5), her biggest final to date coming way back in 2008 at the Canadian Open. Her biggest title to date was her win in Stanford last year, an event worth just under $796,000, so this is a different challenge all together, one in which she has nothing to lose. Previously, she had never gone beyond the 4th round here, having reached that stage just once before in 2009. Her recent form indicated that she would be dangerous here, after reaching the quarters of Brisbane (losing to Serena Williams) and losing a tough first round in Sydney to Kerber. Apart from her come from behind win against Sharapova, the rest has been plain sailing as she's dropped only 15 games in the other 5 matches, beating the likes of Schiavone, Voegele, Suarez Navarro, Halep and Radwanska!
Li has never lost to Cibulkova, leading 4-0. The last two times they've played, (the last being at Toronto 2013) Cibulkova has taken Li to a tiebreak in one set, but neither were as close as their meeting in Madrid 2010, where Li won 7-5 in the third. So, Cibulkova always tests Li but will she handle the pressure well? It will be a slugfest of a match where unforced error counts will prove decisive. Li appears much calmer under the influence of Rodriguez and seems to believe that it will be three times a charm. On the other hand, Cibulkova has believed in herself all fortnight and will presume herself capable of causing another upset. I still think Li will win in straight sets though.
So, the final pits (4/4) Li Na against (21/20) Dominika Cibulkova in a final no one would have predicted.
Li is 31 years old and has already mentioned retirement in the near future, so this could be her last hurrah. Li has a losing record in finals (8-11) and in major finals (1-2), losing both times at the Australian Open despite having won the first sets in 2011 and 2013. However, unlike her opponent she has obviously been here before and knows how to win a major, having won the French Open in 2011. Her form couldn't be much better having reached the WTA Championships final at the end of last year, defended Shenzhen almost 3 weeks ago and is now into her second straight Australian Open final. Aside from being one point away from going out against Safarova in the 3rd round, the rest has been pretty plain sailing as she's looked better with each round since that time.
Cibulkova is a 24 year old surprise package and I mean that quite literally too, considering at 5" 3 she is one of the shortest major finalists in the Open Era! She also has a losing record in finals (3-5), her biggest final to date coming way back in 2008 at the Canadian Open. Her biggest title to date was her win in Stanford last year, an event worth just under $796,000, so this is a different challenge all together, one in which she has nothing to lose. Previously, she had never gone beyond the 4th round here, having reached that stage just once before in 2009. Her recent form indicated that she would be dangerous here, after reaching the quarters of Brisbane (losing to Serena Williams) and losing a tough first round in Sydney to Kerber. Apart from her come from behind win against Sharapova, the rest has been plain sailing as she's dropped only 15 games in the other 5 matches, beating the likes of Schiavone, Voegele, Suarez Navarro, Halep and Radwanska!
Li has never lost to Cibulkova, leading 4-0. The last two times they've played, (the last being at Toronto 2013) Cibulkova has taken Li to a tiebreak in one set, but neither were as close as their meeting in Madrid 2010, where Li won 7-5 in the third. So, Cibulkova always tests Li but will she handle the pressure well? It will be a slugfest of a match where unforced error counts will prove decisive. Li appears much calmer under the influence of Rodriguez and seems to believe that it will be three times a charm. On the other hand, Cibulkova has believed in herself all fortnight and will presume herself capable of causing another upset. I still think Li will win in straight sets though.
Li and Cibulkova power into final
The two semi finals saw contrasting results, one going with the favourite, the other producing a major upset.
(Rank/Seed)
4/4 Li is now one step away from the one major title which has narrowly eluded her twice before after beating (31/30) Bouchard 62 64, her 3rd win in 4 semi finals played here. Initially, Bouchard was nervous as she didn't win a point in her first 3 service games to trail 0-5. Li was striking the ball beautifully once again, particularly off her backhand, hitting either clean winners or forcing Bouchard into errors. However, the Canadian eventually settled and would then win 4 of the next 5 games to lead 2-0 in the second after two marathon games almost lasting twenty minutes combined! Though Li would regain the momentum to win 3 straight games from here, the match remained closer as Bouchard began to impose herself more so on the return. It was clear Li was getting nervous as the finish line approached, but she never stopped going for it, hitting her 35th winner on match point (compared to just 23 unforced errors) to reach her third final here in the last 4 years. Bouchard in contrast managed only 10 winners to 14 unforced errors, but her phenomenal fortnight is a sure indication that Bouchard will be a future champion of some description.
21/20 Cibulkova stunned everyone into silence with a thorough demolition of (5/5) Radwanska 61 62 to become the first Slovak ever to reach a major final! Radwanska was flat and lacklustre; a sad shadow of the woman who had played inspirational tennis to beat Azarenka a day earlier, a scheduling dilemma she bemoaned. Inspired by the Wimbledon triumph of her close friend, Marion Bartoli, Cibulkova was in contrast a bundle of energy. Initially, it looked as if Radwanska was just nervous but it soon became apparent that she was moving slowly by her normal standards, Cibulkova putting her permanently on the run, frequently closing in for drive volley winners. Cibulkova routinely killed her opponents 60mph second serve to build a 61 4-0 lead. Though the crowd cheered after a slight Radwanska reprieve to 4-2, having finally broken serve on her 9th break point of the match, it was purely a stay of execution. Cibulkova was always in control and romped to the finish, converting her first match point on yet another lame Radwanska netted backhand, jumping for joy and laying on her back in triumph. She finished the match with 21 winners to 20 unforced errors. Radwanska made a solemn, hasty retreat having let another golden opportunity to reach a major final slip away. You would never have known that Radwanska had led 4-1 in the head to heads before the match!
(Rank/Seed)
4/4 Li is now one step away from the one major title which has narrowly eluded her twice before after beating (31/30) Bouchard 62 64, her 3rd win in 4 semi finals played here. Initially, Bouchard was nervous as she didn't win a point in her first 3 service games to trail 0-5. Li was striking the ball beautifully once again, particularly off her backhand, hitting either clean winners or forcing Bouchard into errors. However, the Canadian eventually settled and would then win 4 of the next 5 games to lead 2-0 in the second after two marathon games almost lasting twenty minutes combined! Though Li would regain the momentum to win 3 straight games from here, the match remained closer as Bouchard began to impose herself more so on the return. It was clear Li was getting nervous as the finish line approached, but she never stopped going for it, hitting her 35th winner on match point (compared to just 23 unforced errors) to reach her third final here in the last 4 years. Bouchard in contrast managed only 10 winners to 14 unforced errors, but her phenomenal fortnight is a sure indication that Bouchard will be a future champion of some description.
21/20 Cibulkova stunned everyone into silence with a thorough demolition of (5/5) Radwanska 61 62 to become the first Slovak ever to reach a major final! Radwanska was flat and lacklustre; a sad shadow of the woman who had played inspirational tennis to beat Azarenka a day earlier, a scheduling dilemma she bemoaned. Inspired by the Wimbledon triumph of her close friend, Marion Bartoli, Cibulkova was in contrast a bundle of energy. Initially, it looked as if Radwanska was just nervous but it soon became apparent that she was moving slowly by her normal standards, Cibulkova putting her permanently on the run, frequently closing in for drive volley winners. Cibulkova routinely killed her opponents 60mph second serve to build a 61 4-0 lead. Though the crowd cheered after a slight Radwanska reprieve to 4-2, having finally broken serve on her 9th break point of the match, it was purely a stay of execution. Cibulkova was always in control and romped to the finish, converting her first match point on yet another lame Radwanska netted backhand, jumping for joy and laying on her back in triumph. She finished the match with 21 winners to 20 unforced errors. Radwanska made a solemn, hasty retreat having let another golden opportunity to reach a major final slip away. You would never have known that Radwanska had led 4-1 in the head to heads before the match!
Wednesday, 22 January 2014
Radwanska shocks Azarenka, Cibulkova crushes Halep
The quarter finals are now complete and there was another huge shock, marking the first time since 1997 that none of the top 3 seeds reached the semi final here.
(Rank/Seed)
5/5 Radwanska completed the seemingly impossible in defeating (2/2) Azarenka 61 57 60, snapping her 18 match win streak at the Australian Open. Radwanska was a puppet master in the first and third sets, using drop shots and lobs to beguile her more powerful opponent, retrieving seemingly unreachable shots, much to the crowds delight. She remained composed throughout, despite a wobble when she was broken in the 12th game of the second set, hitting 23 winners to only 15 unforced errors. Azarenka was never really in the match as she struggled to make easy put-aways, frequently mishitting her forehand on crucial points. Though she seemed to find her rhythm during the back end of the second set, she lost a closely contested first game of the third set after having held 4 game points and never recovered, imploding badly thereafter. Overall, she made 47 unforced errors, compared to 33 winners. You would never have known that Radwanska had lost her last 7 meetings against Azarenka with the way in which she dismantled the two time defending champion to move into her first Australian Open semi final.
21/20 Cibulkova used her past experience to crush (11/11) Halep 63 60 to move into her second major semi final, having lost in the semis of the French Open in 2009. Though Halep seemed to be rallying after a nervous start from 1-4 to 3-4 on serve, she wouldn't win another game as Cibulkova overpowered her. Halep eventually looked eager just to get off the court. Cibulkova was extra pumped for the match and later admitted that the fact that she'd been in this situation before (1-3 in previous major quarter finals) helped her remain calm.
Radwanska leads Cibulkova 4-1, winning their last meeting in Tokyo 2013, 63 64 whilst also beating her 60 60 in the final of Sydney last year. Cibulkova's one win came in last year's Stanford final, but even then she had to recover from 2-4 down in the 3rd! Radwanska is 1-1 in major semis (both at Wimbledon), whilst as mentioned, Cibulkova lost her only previous semi. I think Radwanska will be too solid and reach the final, to play Li.
(Rank/Seed)
5/5 Radwanska completed the seemingly impossible in defeating (2/2) Azarenka 61 57 60, snapping her 18 match win streak at the Australian Open. Radwanska was a puppet master in the first and third sets, using drop shots and lobs to beguile her more powerful opponent, retrieving seemingly unreachable shots, much to the crowds delight. She remained composed throughout, despite a wobble when she was broken in the 12th game of the second set, hitting 23 winners to only 15 unforced errors. Azarenka was never really in the match as she struggled to make easy put-aways, frequently mishitting her forehand on crucial points. Though she seemed to find her rhythm during the back end of the second set, she lost a closely contested first game of the third set after having held 4 game points and never recovered, imploding badly thereafter. Overall, she made 47 unforced errors, compared to 33 winners. You would never have known that Radwanska had lost her last 7 meetings against Azarenka with the way in which she dismantled the two time defending champion to move into her first Australian Open semi final.
21/20 Cibulkova used her past experience to crush (11/11) Halep 63 60 to move into her second major semi final, having lost in the semis of the French Open in 2009. Though Halep seemed to be rallying after a nervous start from 1-4 to 3-4 on serve, she wouldn't win another game as Cibulkova overpowered her. Halep eventually looked eager just to get off the court. Cibulkova was extra pumped for the match and later admitted that the fact that she'd been in this situation before (1-3 in previous major quarter finals) helped her remain calm.
Radwanska leads Cibulkova 4-1, winning their last meeting in Tokyo 2013, 63 64 whilst also beating her 60 60 in the final of Sydney last year. Cibulkova's one win came in last year's Stanford final, but even then she had to recover from 2-4 down in the 3rd! Radwanska is 1-1 in major semis (both at Wimbledon), whilst as mentioned, Cibulkova lost her only previous semi. I think Radwanska will be too solid and reach the final, to play Li.
Tuesday, 21 January 2014
Li pummels Pennetta, Bouchard breaks Ivanovic down
The first two quarterfinals were completed in warm, favourable conditions.
(Rank/Seed)
4/4 Li serenely dispatched ever dangerous Italian (29/28) Pennetta 62 62 to maintain her perfect record in Australian Open quarter finals at 4-0. Li was too good from start to finish, overpowering Pennetta on the return and during the rallies. At times, it looked as if Li could pick off winners on a whim (she hit 23 to 17 unforced errors), off both wings. Her serve was also exemplary as she was broken only once all match and even then it was after she had held 2 set points at 5-0 in the first set. Pennetta tried to add more topspin to her forehand in order to push Li back, but frequently erred. She grew increasingly frustrated at her relative inability to halt Li Na's progress, despite her 2-1 head to head advantage, showing just how much Li has improved since they last met in Sydney 2010.
31/30 Bouchard made history as she recovered to beat Serbian, (14/14) Ivanovic 57 75 62 to become the first Canadian semi finalist in a major since Carling Bassett at the US Open 1984, but the first ever at the Australian Open! After a nervy first set, Bouchard settled nicely into the second to take a 4-1 lead with Ivanovic looking far from secure, a complete contrast to her match against Serena. Ivanovic had treatment for a hip injury down 3-4 in the second and it seemed to unnerve the 19 year old as the set was soon level at 5-5. However, Ivanovic nervously double faulted twice in the 12th game to relinquish the set. It was from this point on though that Bouchard showed exactly what she's made of as she calmly began to break Ivanovic down with aggressive play, unflinching at the finish as she hit her 47th winner on her first match point to replicate her triumph over Ana at Wimbledon 2013. Ivanovic, in contrast had looked ill at ease throughout the whole match, as the pressure and mental fatigue told. She often made strange shot choices, constantly looked at her box for reassurance and rarely hit with the imposing power which she had exhibited against Williams.
Li beat Bouchard in their only previous meeting in Montreal 2012, 64 64 but that win seems to be insignificant now Bouchard is a more experienced player. She has beaten top 10 players before, most recently over Jankovic in Tokyo 2013 but I'm not sure she will be able to handle the relentless power of Li in this mood. I also think Li will win the tournament this year as there seems to be something about Li's path that is almost pre-destined; she's talking of retirement in the next year or two but wants to win one more major before she does, she saved a match point earlier in the event, she's been so close in two finals... I think it will be third time lucky!
(Rank/Seed)
4/4 Li serenely dispatched ever dangerous Italian (29/28) Pennetta 62 62 to maintain her perfect record in Australian Open quarter finals at 4-0. Li was too good from start to finish, overpowering Pennetta on the return and during the rallies. At times, it looked as if Li could pick off winners on a whim (she hit 23 to 17 unforced errors), off both wings. Her serve was also exemplary as she was broken only once all match and even then it was after she had held 2 set points at 5-0 in the first set. Pennetta tried to add more topspin to her forehand in order to push Li back, but frequently erred. She grew increasingly frustrated at her relative inability to halt Li Na's progress, despite her 2-1 head to head advantage, showing just how much Li has improved since they last met in Sydney 2010.
31/30 Bouchard made history as she recovered to beat Serbian, (14/14) Ivanovic 57 75 62 to become the first Canadian semi finalist in a major since Carling Bassett at the US Open 1984, but the first ever at the Australian Open! After a nervy first set, Bouchard settled nicely into the second to take a 4-1 lead with Ivanovic looking far from secure, a complete contrast to her match against Serena. Ivanovic had treatment for a hip injury down 3-4 in the second and it seemed to unnerve the 19 year old as the set was soon level at 5-5. However, Ivanovic nervously double faulted twice in the 12th game to relinquish the set. It was from this point on though that Bouchard showed exactly what she's made of as she calmly began to break Ivanovic down with aggressive play, unflinching at the finish as she hit her 47th winner on her first match point to replicate her triumph over Ana at Wimbledon 2013. Ivanovic, in contrast had looked ill at ease throughout the whole match, as the pressure and mental fatigue told. She often made strange shot choices, constantly looked at her box for reassurance and rarely hit with the imposing power which she had exhibited against Williams.
Li beat Bouchard in their only previous meeting in Montreal 2012, 64 64 but that win seems to be insignificant now Bouchard is a more experienced player. She has beaten top 10 players before, most recently over Jankovic in Tokyo 2013 but I'm not sure she will be able to handle the relentless power of Li in this mood. I also think Li will win the tournament this year as there seems to be something about Li's path that is almost pre-destined; she's talking of retirement in the next year or two but wants to win one more major before she does, she saved a match point earlier in the event, she's been so close in two finals... I think it will be third time lucky!
Monday, 20 January 2014
Cibulkova conquers Sharapova
The fourth round is now complete and the upsets continued to come thick and fast.
(Rank/Seed)
2/2 Azarenka avoided the upset bug with a commanding 63 62 win over American, (13/13) Stephens in a rematch of last year's semi final. Considering last year's controversy when Azarenka took a dubious medical timeout at a point when it seemed she was 'choking' at the finish against Stephens, this match was billed as a revenge match. Despite some added spice when both players aimed balls in one another's direction up close at the net (Stephens scoring a direct hit), Stephens was never really at the races as Azarenka was simply too intense from the start and this time unflinching in victory. Frequently targeting Stephens's weaker backhand, despite her 7 double faults, Azarenka saved both break points she faced all match, finishing with 20 winners to 20 unforced errors. She is now a firm favourite to complete a hat trick of titles here in Melbourne.
24/20 Cibulkova, from Slovakia defeated 2008 champion (3/3) Sharapova 36 64 61 for the second huge upset of the tournament in as many days. Ultimately, Sharapova tired due to the three long matches she had won this tournament and her lack of recent match play, this being only her second event since August! Despite a decent first set, Sharapova's baseline consistency deserted her and after a sudden reprieve where she won 4 straight games from 0-5 down in the second, she was spent, winning only one more game after a visit by the trainer at the beginning of the third set for a hip injury. Cibulkova capitalised on Sharapova's 45 unforced errors, hitting only 18 winners herself but remained composed under pressure, often outlasting Sharapova in lengthy baseline exchanges. Having beaten Maria twice before in 5 meetings, including in a major (2009 French Open), Cibulkova believed in herself and in the end that was enough. Cibulkova has now completed a career set of reaching at least the quarters in every major, whilst Sharapova suffered her earliest defeat here since 2011.
5/5 Radwanska was happy Roger Federer finished his match quickly before her, considering she finished her 61 63 defeat of Spain's Muguruza just shy of midnight. The match was decided in the first few multiple deuce games which featured long and exhausting rallies, taking over half an hour to complete. Radwanska broke for 3-1 and then cantered away, her young opponent seemingly lost at what to do. Muguruza, who had defeated (10/10) Wozniacki one round earlier tried to hit her way out of trouble in the second set but to no avail. Radwanska now moves through to her 5th Australian Open quarter final, her fourth in a row, yet she is still yet to win one! With Azarenka next, she may still have to wait.
11/11 Halep, from Romania practically secured a top 10 debut next week after beating (8/8) Jankovic 64 26 60 to reach her first major quarter final! The 2013 Most Improved Player of the Year was pushed to three sets for a fourth time in as many meetings with the Serb, but came out on top for a third time in a row. In a very physical match, full of gruelling rallies, both players complained of fatigue, Halep in the second set and Jankovic in the third. However, Halep won the pivotal 5 deuce first game of the third before romping away, becoming the first Romanian woman to reach the quarters here since Irina Spirlea in 1998.
(Rank/Seed)
2/2 Azarenka avoided the upset bug with a commanding 63 62 win over American, (13/13) Stephens in a rematch of last year's semi final. Considering last year's controversy when Azarenka took a dubious medical timeout at a point when it seemed she was 'choking' at the finish against Stephens, this match was billed as a revenge match. Despite some added spice when both players aimed balls in one another's direction up close at the net (Stephens scoring a direct hit), Stephens was never really at the races as Azarenka was simply too intense from the start and this time unflinching in victory. Frequently targeting Stephens's weaker backhand, despite her 7 double faults, Azarenka saved both break points she faced all match, finishing with 20 winners to 20 unforced errors. She is now a firm favourite to complete a hat trick of titles here in Melbourne.
24/20 Cibulkova, from Slovakia defeated 2008 champion (3/3) Sharapova 36 64 61 for the second huge upset of the tournament in as many days. Ultimately, Sharapova tired due to the three long matches she had won this tournament and her lack of recent match play, this being only her second event since August! Despite a decent first set, Sharapova's baseline consistency deserted her and after a sudden reprieve where she won 4 straight games from 0-5 down in the second, she was spent, winning only one more game after a visit by the trainer at the beginning of the third set for a hip injury. Cibulkova capitalised on Sharapova's 45 unforced errors, hitting only 18 winners herself but remained composed under pressure, often outlasting Sharapova in lengthy baseline exchanges. Having beaten Maria twice before in 5 meetings, including in a major (2009 French Open), Cibulkova believed in herself and in the end that was enough. Cibulkova has now completed a career set of reaching at least the quarters in every major, whilst Sharapova suffered her earliest defeat here since 2011.
5/5 Radwanska was happy Roger Federer finished his match quickly before her, considering she finished her 61 63 defeat of Spain's Muguruza just shy of midnight. The match was decided in the first few multiple deuce games which featured long and exhausting rallies, taking over half an hour to complete. Radwanska broke for 3-1 and then cantered away, her young opponent seemingly lost at what to do. Muguruza, who had defeated (10/10) Wozniacki one round earlier tried to hit her way out of trouble in the second set but to no avail. Radwanska now moves through to her 5th Australian Open quarter final, her fourth in a row, yet she is still yet to win one! With Azarenka next, she may still have to wait.
11/11 Halep, from Romania practically secured a top 10 debut next week after beating (8/8) Jankovic 64 26 60 to reach her first major quarter final! The 2013 Most Improved Player of the Year was pushed to three sets for a fourth time in as many meetings with the Serb, but came out on top for a third time in a row. In a very physical match, full of gruelling rallies, both players complained of fatigue, Halep in the second set and Jankovic in the third. However, Halep won the pivotal 5 deuce first game of the third before romping away, becoming the first Romanian woman to reach the quarters here since Irina Spirlea in 1998.
Sunday, 19 January 2014
Ivanovic stops Serena in her tracks
The top half of the draw completed their fourth round matches in cooler conditions and there was a huge shock!
(Rank/Seed)
14/14 Ivanovic, the former world number one from Serbia stunned everyone in beating the red hot tournament favourite (1/1) Williams 46 63 63 to snap her 25 match win streak! Having never taken a set from Serena in 4 previous meetings, Ivanovic missed her opportunities in the first set against a somewhat lethargic Williams. However, she wouldn't miss out again, bludgeoning Serena with her hefty forehand and aggressive return of serve. Only one break decided the third set as Ivanovic impressed with her coolness under pressure, finishing with 33 winners to just 27 unforced errors. Despite hitting 12 aces, Williams was often caught flat footed and frequently miss timed the ball, hitting only 22 winners to 27 unforced errors (the most she's hit since the 80's according to Serena). Later, she admitted that she had nearly withdrawn from the event before her 3rd round match due to a blocked back but had instead opted to take heavy medication. Either way, it didn't seem that it had much affect on the outcome as Ivanovic just dealt with the situation much better. Having beaten Venus Williams 2 weeks ago to win the title in Auckland, she has now done a rare Williams double to reach her first Australian Open quarter final since 2008! For Williams, her 18th major will have to wait as she suffered her second fourth round loss in the last 3 years at this event.
4/4 Li looks to have shrugged off the horrors of the third round with a clinical demolition of Russian, (22/22) Makarova 62 60, improving to 5-0 in their head to head. After barely beating Safarova, Li hit the practice courts and looked much more assured in her strategy against Makarova, who's also a lefty as she won the last 9 games of the match. She moves into her 4th quarterfinal here in her last 5 appearances, but well done to Makarova in reaching at least the fourth round here herself for the last 4 years.
29/28 Pennetta, a former top 10 player from Italy, continues her comeback from wrist surgery as she outlasted (9/9) Kerber 61 46 75 to reach her first Australian Open quarter final, having only ever reached that stage at the US Open. Pennetta played impeccably through the first set as she destroyed Kerber's second serve. However, Kerber was typically tenacious and began extending the rallies, using her forehand to dictate and change the momentum. The third set was a tense affair as both players traded breaks before Pennetta broke again to serve for the match at 5-3. Unsurprisingly, she played nervously to get broken only for Kerber to then make a series of nervous, rash errors to lose the match. Pennetta's compact aggression saw her hit 43 winners and edge ahead 3-2 in their head to head series, marking the 5th time in her last 5 fourth round matches in majors that Kerber has lost.
31/30 Bouchard, the Canadian 2013 Newcomer of the Year, won her very first fourth round match at a major, upsetting the home crowd and Australian wildcard Dellacqua, 67(5) 62 60. Dellacqua had accounted for Wimbledon semi finalist (19/18) Flipkens in the second round and applied scoreboard pressure in the first set, edging the tiebreak. However, the 19 year old Bouchard improved her court position and started to dictate play, demonstrating composure well beyond her years as she became the first Canadian woman since Patricia Hy at the US Open 1992 to reach a major quarter final and the first her since Carling Bassett in 1983!
(Rank/Seed)
14/14 Ivanovic, the former world number one from Serbia stunned everyone in beating the red hot tournament favourite (1/1) Williams 46 63 63 to snap her 25 match win streak! Having never taken a set from Serena in 4 previous meetings, Ivanovic missed her opportunities in the first set against a somewhat lethargic Williams. However, she wouldn't miss out again, bludgeoning Serena with her hefty forehand and aggressive return of serve. Only one break decided the third set as Ivanovic impressed with her coolness under pressure, finishing with 33 winners to just 27 unforced errors. Despite hitting 12 aces, Williams was often caught flat footed and frequently miss timed the ball, hitting only 22 winners to 27 unforced errors (the most she's hit since the 80's according to Serena). Later, she admitted that she had nearly withdrawn from the event before her 3rd round match due to a blocked back but had instead opted to take heavy medication. Either way, it didn't seem that it had much affect on the outcome as Ivanovic just dealt with the situation much better. Having beaten Venus Williams 2 weeks ago to win the title in Auckland, she has now done a rare Williams double to reach her first Australian Open quarter final since 2008! For Williams, her 18th major will have to wait as she suffered her second fourth round loss in the last 3 years at this event.
4/4 Li looks to have shrugged off the horrors of the third round with a clinical demolition of Russian, (22/22) Makarova 62 60, improving to 5-0 in their head to head. After barely beating Safarova, Li hit the practice courts and looked much more assured in her strategy against Makarova, who's also a lefty as she won the last 9 games of the match. She moves into her 4th quarterfinal here in her last 5 appearances, but well done to Makarova in reaching at least the fourth round here herself for the last 4 years.
29/28 Pennetta, a former top 10 player from Italy, continues her comeback from wrist surgery as she outlasted (9/9) Kerber 61 46 75 to reach her first Australian Open quarter final, having only ever reached that stage at the US Open. Pennetta played impeccably through the first set as she destroyed Kerber's second serve. However, Kerber was typically tenacious and began extending the rallies, using her forehand to dictate and change the momentum. The third set was a tense affair as both players traded breaks before Pennetta broke again to serve for the match at 5-3. Unsurprisingly, she played nervously to get broken only for Kerber to then make a series of nervous, rash errors to lose the match. Pennetta's compact aggression saw her hit 43 winners and edge ahead 3-2 in their head to head series, marking the 5th time in her last 5 fourth round matches in majors that Kerber has lost.
31/30 Bouchard, the Canadian 2013 Newcomer of the Year, won her very first fourth round match at a major, upsetting the home crowd and Australian wildcard Dellacqua, 67(5) 62 60. Dellacqua had accounted for Wimbledon semi finalist (19/18) Flipkens in the second round and applied scoreboard pressure in the first set, edging the tiebreak. However, the 19 year old Bouchard improved her court position and started to dictate play, demonstrating composure well beyond her years as she became the first Canadian woman since Patricia Hy at the US Open 1992 to reach a major quarter final and the first her since Carling Bassett in 1983!
Saturday, 18 January 2014
Li survives Safarova, Wozniacki crashes out
The third round is now
complete. The top half of the draw played in further intense heat whilst the
bottom half were fortunate as the following day was cooler and overcast.
(Rank/Seed)
1/1 Williams donned her pink cap and did what she had to do to get past experienced Slovak, (33/31) Hantuchova 63 63. The only time Serena had lost to her opponent was in the third round at this very tournament back in 2006, which could have augured badly. Though her baseline game was relatively off compared to previous rounds (11 winners to 18 unforced errors), Serena's serve saved her as she hit 10 aces, some on second serves, often when Daniela had break point. Williams would finally lose her serve for the first time this tournament in the 6th game of the second set, but broke back immediately, taking advantage of Daniela's comparatively slow court coverage. This was her 61st win at the Australian Open, an all time record as well as her 25th successive match victory!
2/2 Azarenka crushed Austrian, Meusberger 61 60. After trading breaks in the first two games, Azarenka found her rhythm during the long rallies for her most comprehensive win since the US Open first round last year. Later, she entertained the crowd with her ball girl impression.
3/3 Sharapova is still skating on thin ice, scraping past France's, (25/25) Cornet 61 76(6). Initially, Sharapova showed no signs of fatigue from her previous marathon, bulldozing her way through a defensive Cornet in the first set. However, she lost all her rhythm in the second when she trailed 1-3 before winning 4 straight games. After missing a match point at 5-3, she then failed to serve out the match at both 5-4 and 6-5, even saving a set point down 5-6 in the tiebreak! In the end, she finished with 35 winners to 35 unforced errors, but her serving and big point consistency still leave a lot to be desired.
4/4 Li was very nearly sent home, surviving match point against Czech, (26/26) Safarova 16 76(2) 63. Though Li had won 6 of their previous 7 meetings, many had been close and Li started terribly. She couldn't hit a barn door, making an incredible 20 unforced errors in the first 8 games! Though she had to save break points in almost every service game in the second set, she extended the rallies and managed to hang in the set. Still, Safarova served for the match at 5-3 (from the impossible sunny end) and even had a match point at 6-5, which she narrowly missed with a backhand down the line. Lucie's self doubt was now self evident and Li dominated the tiebreak and broke clear from 3-3 in the third, though her 17 winners to 50 unforced errors tells the tale of a very lucky Li Na!
5/5 Radwanska had to survive a battering ram, edging Russia's (30/29) Pavlyuchenkova 57 62 62. Trailing 57 0-2, it looked as if Radwanska would relent against a barrage of winners, but she stuck to her game plan (tenacious counterpunching) in outlasting her mercurial opponent, winning 9 straight games on her way to the fourth round.
8/8 Jankovic claimed she felt as if she were playing the Japanese Open as she played and defeated a third straight woman from the country, this time Nara 64 75, recovering from 2-5 and set point at 4-5 down to win.
9/9 Kerber was at her retrieving best against much improved American, Riske to win 63 64.
Spain's (38/-) Muguruza, fresh off her maiden title in Hobart upset (10/10) Wozniacki for the second time in as many meetings, this time coming back to win 46 75 63. The 20 year old stuck to her untypical Spanish game of hitting all out from start to finish, gradually finding the court more as the match wore on. Wozniacki was cool under pressure when she won the first set from 2-4 down, but despite leading the whole way through the second without any breaks, she capitulated in the decisive 11th game after missing several game points. She was then left to rue missed break point opportunities in the third set as she capitulated in yet another serious setback in a major tournament. For Muguruza, this is her first second week at a major whilst it marks the 8th straight major in which Wozniacki has failed to reach the quarters and her worst Australian Open exit since 2009!
(Rank/Seed)
1/1 Williams donned her pink cap and did what she had to do to get past experienced Slovak, (33/31) Hantuchova 63 63. The only time Serena had lost to her opponent was in the third round at this very tournament back in 2006, which could have augured badly. Though her baseline game was relatively off compared to previous rounds (11 winners to 18 unforced errors), Serena's serve saved her as she hit 10 aces, some on second serves, often when Daniela had break point. Williams would finally lose her serve for the first time this tournament in the 6th game of the second set, but broke back immediately, taking advantage of Daniela's comparatively slow court coverage. This was her 61st win at the Australian Open, an all time record as well as her 25th successive match victory!
2/2 Azarenka crushed Austrian, Meusberger 61 60. After trading breaks in the first two games, Azarenka found her rhythm during the long rallies for her most comprehensive win since the US Open first round last year. Later, she entertained the crowd with her ball girl impression.
3/3 Sharapova is still skating on thin ice, scraping past France's, (25/25) Cornet 61 76(6). Initially, Sharapova showed no signs of fatigue from her previous marathon, bulldozing her way through a defensive Cornet in the first set. However, she lost all her rhythm in the second when she trailed 1-3 before winning 4 straight games. After missing a match point at 5-3, she then failed to serve out the match at both 5-4 and 6-5, even saving a set point down 5-6 in the tiebreak! In the end, she finished with 35 winners to 35 unforced errors, but her serving and big point consistency still leave a lot to be desired.
4/4 Li was very nearly sent home, surviving match point against Czech, (26/26) Safarova 16 76(2) 63. Though Li had won 6 of their previous 7 meetings, many had been close and Li started terribly. She couldn't hit a barn door, making an incredible 20 unforced errors in the first 8 games! Though she had to save break points in almost every service game in the second set, she extended the rallies and managed to hang in the set. Still, Safarova served for the match at 5-3 (from the impossible sunny end) and even had a match point at 6-5, which she narrowly missed with a backhand down the line. Lucie's self doubt was now self evident and Li dominated the tiebreak and broke clear from 3-3 in the third, though her 17 winners to 50 unforced errors tells the tale of a very lucky Li Na!
5/5 Radwanska had to survive a battering ram, edging Russia's (30/29) Pavlyuchenkova 57 62 62. Trailing 57 0-2, it looked as if Radwanska would relent against a barrage of winners, but she stuck to her game plan (tenacious counterpunching) in outlasting her mercurial opponent, winning 9 straight games on her way to the fourth round.
8/8 Jankovic claimed she felt as if she were playing the Japanese Open as she played and defeated a third straight woman from the country, this time Nara 64 75, recovering from 2-5 and set point at 4-5 down to win.
9/9 Kerber was at her retrieving best against much improved American, Riske to win 63 64.
Spain's (38/-) Muguruza, fresh off her maiden title in Hobart upset (10/10) Wozniacki for the second time in as many meetings, this time coming back to win 46 75 63. The 20 year old stuck to her untypical Spanish game of hitting all out from start to finish, gradually finding the court more as the match wore on. Wozniacki was cool under pressure when she won the first set from 2-4 down, but despite leading the whole way through the second without any breaks, she capitulated in the decisive 11th game after missing several game points. She was then left to rue missed break point opportunities in the third set as she capitulated in yet another serious setback in a major tournament. For Muguruza, this is her first second week at a major whilst it marks the 8th straight major in which Wozniacki has failed to reach the quarters and her worst Australian Open exit since 2009!
Thursday, 16 January 2014
Sharapova survives searing heat to beat Knapp!
(Rank/Seed)
I felt this match deserved a post all of its own! What started as a relatively innocuous second round match, turned into an epic which will be tough to better this tournament.
(3/3) Sharapova outlasted Italian, Knapp 63 46 108 in a match lasting 3 hours 28 minutes when on court temperatures measured an alarming 41 degrees Celsius! The first two sets saw Sharapova blow a 63 3-1 lead as Knapp rallied with some heavy hitting, breaking to love in the 10th game.
Though play was suspended elsewhere due to the heat, the two had started the third set so were forced to finish it, outdoors! Sharapova led 3-1 and 5-3, holding 3 match points serving at 5-4. Knapp saved 2 with fearless hitting and broke back. Both players had struggled with their serve; Sharapova served 12 double faults (Knapp 9), both frequently aborted ball tosses and Knapp struggled to hold from the non sunny end and vice versa. However, despite the conditions, both players commendably held their serve for the next 6 games until Sharapova finally made the winning breakthrough. Still, she had to overcome further serving difficulties as she hit 3 doubles faults in the last game before converting her 4th match point when Knapp hit a backhand long.
Both players were given a standing ovation, not only due to the powerful ball striking exhibited throughout but also because neither player complained about the heat once nor showed any signs of intentional stalling or fatigue. A class performance from both women!
I felt this match deserved a post all of its own! What started as a relatively innocuous second round match, turned into an epic which will be tough to better this tournament.
(3/3) Sharapova outlasted Italian, Knapp 63 46 108 in a match lasting 3 hours 28 minutes when on court temperatures measured an alarming 41 degrees Celsius! The first two sets saw Sharapova blow a 63 3-1 lead as Knapp rallied with some heavy hitting, breaking to love in the 10th game.
Though play was suspended elsewhere due to the heat, the two had started the third set so were forced to finish it, outdoors! Sharapova led 3-1 and 5-3, holding 3 match points serving at 5-4. Knapp saved 2 with fearless hitting and broke back. Both players had struggled with their serve; Sharapova served 12 double faults (Knapp 9), both frequently aborted ball tosses and Knapp struggled to hold from the non sunny end and vice versa. However, despite the conditions, both players commendably held their serve for the next 6 games until Sharapova finally made the winning breakthrough. Still, she had to overcome further serving difficulties as she hit 3 doubles faults in the last game before converting her 4th match point when Knapp hit a backhand long.
Both players were given a standing ovation, not only due to the powerful ball striking exhibited throughout but also because neither player complained about the heat once nor showed any signs of intentional stalling or fatigue. A class performance from both women!
Serena wins stellar 60th!
The second round was completed in almost unbearable heat, forcing a large proportion of both men and women to retire or withdraw from the tournament over the two days. Somehow, the top 10 players all managed to pull through!
(Rank/Seed)
1/1 Williams saved the only break point she faced in beating Serbia's Dolonc 61 62 to claim her 60th career match win at the Australian Open, equalling Margaret Court for the all time championship record. Despite the score, Dolonc certainly impressed with her compact, flat hitting but couldn't contend with Williams's hefty shot making (24 winners, 10 aces).
2/2 Azarenka avoided the heat of the day, playing indoors in the evening to beat Czech, Zahlavova Strycova 61 64. Azarenka led 61 3-1 but found herself pegged back by her tenacious opponent, who impressed not only with her sterling defence but her willingness to serve and volley, even behind her second serve!
4/4 Li took out yet another 16 year old, this time the 2013 junior French Open and Wimbledon champion, Bencic from Switzerland 60 76(5). As against Konjuh, Li was overpowering initially but Bencic, a more solid player than the Croat, rallied and twice lead by a break. However, 2 clean winners from 5-5 in the tiebreak saw experience beat youth...this time!
5/5 Radwanska had yet another sudden lapse but recovered to beat Belarusian, Govortsova 60 75. Played in relative luxury indoors, Radwanska was surprised by her opponents sudden aggression and trailed 1-4 in the second.
8/8 Jankovic was all business as she crushed Japan's Morita 62 60 later in the day.
9/9 Kerber put the horrors of the first round behind her as she handled Russian qualifier Kudryavtseva 64 62.
10/10 Wozniacki worked through a topsy-turvy match 60 16 62 against American, McHale to extend her perfect record of at least reaching the 3rd round here. McHale had beaten the Dane in 2 of their previous 3 meetings but Wozniacki couldn't miss in the first set. The reverse was true in the second, with McHale holding 2 break points with Wozniacki serving down 0-1 in the third. However, as she had done in the first, Wozniacki took the ball earlier and reversed the momentum. Later, she showed the crowd her dazzling 8 carat diamond engagement ring!
(Rank/Seed)
1/1 Williams saved the only break point she faced in beating Serbia's Dolonc 61 62 to claim her 60th career match win at the Australian Open, equalling Margaret Court for the all time championship record. Despite the score, Dolonc certainly impressed with her compact, flat hitting but couldn't contend with Williams's hefty shot making (24 winners, 10 aces).
2/2 Azarenka avoided the heat of the day, playing indoors in the evening to beat Czech, Zahlavova Strycova 61 64. Azarenka led 61 3-1 but found herself pegged back by her tenacious opponent, who impressed not only with her sterling defence but her willingness to serve and volley, even behind her second serve!
4/4 Li took out yet another 16 year old, this time the 2013 junior French Open and Wimbledon champion, Bencic from Switzerland 60 76(5). As against Konjuh, Li was overpowering initially but Bencic, a more solid player than the Croat, rallied and twice lead by a break. However, 2 clean winners from 5-5 in the tiebreak saw experience beat youth...this time!
5/5 Radwanska had yet another sudden lapse but recovered to beat Belarusian, Govortsova 60 75. Played in relative luxury indoors, Radwanska was surprised by her opponents sudden aggression and trailed 1-4 in the second.
8/8 Jankovic was all business as she crushed Japan's Morita 62 60 later in the day.
9/9 Kerber put the horrors of the first round behind her as she handled Russian qualifier Kudryavtseva 64 62.
10/10 Wozniacki worked through a topsy-turvy match 60 16 62 against American, McHale to extend her perfect record of at least reaching the 3rd round here. McHale had beaten the Dane in 2 of their previous 3 meetings but Wozniacki couldn't miss in the first set. The reverse was true in the second, with McHale holding 2 break points with Wozniacki serving down 0-1 in the third. However, as she had done in the first, Wozniacki took the ball earlier and reversed the momentum. Later, she showed the crowd her dazzling 8 carat diamond engagement ring!
Tuesday, 14 January 2014
No upsets as Azarenka and Sharapova win ugly!
The first round was completed in scorching temperatures.
(Rank/Seed)
2/2 Azarenka opened her title defence with a less than convincing 76(2) 62 win over Sweden's, Larsson. The hot temperatures made the ball rise higher than usual, favouring Larsson's topspin forehand. As Azarenka made a series of unforced errors, Larsson twice served for the set at 5-4 and 6-5 but completely disintegrated during the tiebreak.
3/3 Sharapova made a stuttering return to Grand Slam competition with a hard fought 63 64 win against dangerous American, Mattek Sands. Sharapova initially led 4-0 in the first set and then 3-1 in the second, but was unable to sustain leads for long. She didn't help her own cause by hitting 9 double faults, as well as 28 unforced errors to 'only' 29 winners. However, Mattek Sands wasn't the player who upset Radwanska last week in Sydney as she hit 8 double faults, 30 unforced errors and only 18 winners. Like I've said, Sharapova won ugly today and claimed her 150th career win in the Grand Slams.
5/5 Radwanska also struggled, despite a blistering start, to overcome Kazakh, Putintseva 60 57 62.
8/8 Jankovic put her poor form in Sydney behind her to beat Japan's, Doi 61 62, despite falling over and tweaking her ankle and grazing her knee.
10/10 Wozniacki was happy to finish quickly against Spain's, Dominguez Lino 60 62 considering her water bottle began to melt on the court! She was broken only once in the second set, which acted as wake up call for her to be more aggressive and avoid long rallies in the intense heat.
(Rank/Seed)
2/2 Azarenka opened her title defence with a less than convincing 76(2) 62 win over Sweden's, Larsson. The hot temperatures made the ball rise higher than usual, favouring Larsson's topspin forehand. As Azarenka made a series of unforced errors, Larsson twice served for the set at 5-4 and 6-5 but completely disintegrated during the tiebreak.
3/3 Sharapova made a stuttering return to Grand Slam competition with a hard fought 63 64 win against dangerous American, Mattek Sands. Sharapova initially led 4-0 in the first set and then 3-1 in the second, but was unable to sustain leads for long. She didn't help her own cause by hitting 9 double faults, as well as 28 unforced errors to 'only' 29 winners. However, Mattek Sands wasn't the player who upset Radwanska last week in Sydney as she hit 8 double faults, 30 unforced errors and only 18 winners. Like I've said, Sharapova won ugly today and claimed her 150th career win in the Grand Slams.
5/5 Radwanska also struggled, despite a blistering start, to overcome Kazakh, Putintseva 60 57 62.
8/8 Jankovic put her poor form in Sydney behind her to beat Japan's, Doi 61 62, despite falling over and tweaking her ankle and grazing her knee.
10/10 Wozniacki was happy to finish quickly against Spain's, Dominguez Lino 60 62 considering her water bottle began to melt on the court! She was broken only once in the second set, which acted as wake up call for her to be more aggressive and avoid long rallies in the intense heat.
Monday, 13 January 2014
Kvitova and Errani crash out early!
The top half of the draw have played the first round and already there have been two sensational upsets of top 10 players!
(Rank/Seed)
1/1 Williams eased her way into the championships, barely breaking sweat against Australian wildcard Barty 62 61, maintaining her perfect record in Australian Open first rounds (14-0). She never faced a break point, hitting 31 winners to 17 unforced errors. In winning her 23rd successive match, she has embarked on the second longest winning streak of her career, behind the 34 match win streak she held last summer.
4/4 Li continued to mix serve and volley into her game as she took out last year's junior Australian and US Open champion, Konjuh 62 60. Despite the fact she was forced to resort to Youtube in order to familiarise herself with the 16 year old Croatian's powerful game, she looked effortless.
88/- Kumkhum, a 20 year old from Thailand pulled off the biggest surprise on opening day, defeating former semi finalist (6/6) Kvitova 62 16 64 in what was her first match against a top 10 player. Using double handed ground strokes on both sides, she exploited the crosscourt angles to unsettle the former Wimbledon champion. Kvitova later admitted that she had had a great offseason but had put too much pressure on herself to perform in Australia. She couldn't comprehend what had gone wrong as she hit 40 unforced errors and admitted that she had been lucky to even win the second set. Though Kumkhum showed a few nerves when she failed to convert a match point and serve out at 5-3, Kvitova duly gifted her the match with her 22nd forehand unforced error. Kumkhum has now equalled her showing here from last year, whilst it marks Kvitova's earliest Grand Slam exit since the US Open 2011 and her worst Australian Open since her debut in 2009! It seems such a shame considering how well she played through the Hopman Cup and the early rounds in Sydney!
73/- Goerges, the former top 20 German player, defeated (7/7) Errani comfortably 63 62. Goerges had pushed Wozniacki to her limit last week in Sydney and continued where she left off, bruising Errani with 31 winners, 27 off her formidable forehand. Errani was never in it as she continues to struggle to maintain her top 10 presence. This marks a second straight year in which she's lost her first round here and the 4th time in the last 5 Grand Slam's that she hasn't made the third round!
9/9 Kerber battled herself, her opponent and the partisan crowd to subdue big hitting Aussie wildcard, Gajdosova after a second set meltdown, 63 06 62.
(Rank/Seed)
1/1 Williams eased her way into the championships, barely breaking sweat against Australian wildcard Barty 62 61, maintaining her perfect record in Australian Open first rounds (14-0). She never faced a break point, hitting 31 winners to 17 unforced errors. In winning her 23rd successive match, she has embarked on the second longest winning streak of her career, behind the 34 match win streak she held last summer.
4/4 Li continued to mix serve and volley into her game as she took out last year's junior Australian and US Open champion, Konjuh 62 60. Despite the fact she was forced to resort to Youtube in order to familiarise herself with the 16 year old Croatian's powerful game, she looked effortless.
88/- Kumkhum, a 20 year old from Thailand pulled off the biggest surprise on opening day, defeating former semi finalist (6/6) Kvitova 62 16 64 in what was her first match against a top 10 player. Using double handed ground strokes on both sides, she exploited the crosscourt angles to unsettle the former Wimbledon champion. Kvitova later admitted that she had had a great offseason but had put too much pressure on herself to perform in Australia. She couldn't comprehend what had gone wrong as she hit 40 unforced errors and admitted that she had been lucky to even win the second set. Though Kumkhum showed a few nerves when she failed to convert a match point and serve out at 5-3, Kvitova duly gifted her the match with her 22nd forehand unforced error. Kumkhum has now equalled her showing here from last year, whilst it marks Kvitova's earliest Grand Slam exit since the US Open 2011 and her worst Australian Open since her debut in 2009! It seems such a shame considering how well she played through the Hopman Cup and the early rounds in Sydney!
73/- Goerges, the former top 20 German player, defeated (7/7) Errani comfortably 63 62. Goerges had pushed Wozniacki to her limit last week in Sydney and continued where she left off, bruising Errani with 31 winners, 27 off her formidable forehand. Errani was never in it as she continues to struggle to maintain her top 10 presence. This marks a second straight year in which she's lost her first round here and the 4th time in the last 5 Grand Slam's that she hasn't made the third round!
9/9 Kerber battled herself, her opponent and the partisan crowd to subdue big hitting Aussie wildcard, Gajdosova after a second set meltdown, 63 06 62.
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