Interesting… very interesting.
Maria confirms to be in a very good shape (not talking only about the look!).
The Russian beauty is ktill displaying a very aggressive tennis with the clear aim to regain the first spot in the WTA ranking. She lost the previous 4 matches with the Chenese and for a tennis player with an (healthy) ego and a self pride like the Russian’s that was too much. Something to correct asap and without any shadow.
And that was it. Maria entered the field like an warrior.
The first 5 games were a bit odd since it was just about 5 straight breaks from each side. Than it was Maria’s show to win 8 straight games. 6-3 6-0 in 68 minutes!
‘I came into this match having lost to her the last few times. I just really wanted to change that, so I was extremely focused and looking forward to the match,’ said Sharapova.
‘I was just really consistent today in those conditions where, you know, it’s a little gusty and blowing around and I was facing a tough opponent.’
Maria will play next Wozniacki.
Caroline had a remarkable victory against Serena. The American was in ominous form and she appeared to be the favourite. But Caroline now has a very important advantage. She is not anymore the ‘underserving world nr.1’ (a concept that was quite controversial and that we have always disagreed with) and she looks free from some extra pressure.
So, for the first time in 4 matches Wozniacki defeated Serena taking advantage of 36 unforced errors by the American.
But it wasn’t an easy ride. Whenever the Dane was taking off, the American was bringing her to the ground. In the second set, Caroline had a favourable 4-1 lead (2 breaks) to then being reapproched by Serena. It was a tight 5-4 for Wozniacki… but eventually she managed to wrap up the set at 6-4.
‘I knew I had to close it out, she wasn’t going to give it me, she was determined,’ said the Dane, ‘I knew if I didn’t take care of my serves it would be difficult.’
MARIA’S COURTSIDE INTERVIEW
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