2012 Australian Open: Part 3

[Drummond]

Just spent the last few hours watching Azarenka’s QF and SF to gear up for the big one. Man I love her. What a fight against Clijsters, and such a great post match interview.

Generally, people have no idea where she has come from and how much hard work it took for her to get to this point. I was at her very first Grand Slam match at the 2006 Australian Open against Mirza when she was 16. She was very talented, but very mentally fragile, and I don’t have the stats, but from memory she lost 7-6, 6-1. There were some close calls in the TB and she lost it and got very angry with the linespeople and the umpire before imploding in the second. That was the beginning, and for many years little changed, huge talent, but got upset and distressed at every questionable call, remark from the crowd, the ball boys, everything. She stagnated, she struggled with the heat, she had some chokes, some early exits, some injuries, and mentally she was still all over the shop. But under her new coach, she has changed unbelievably. She is so much more composed, she never dwells on anything, she just gets on with it and focuses on herself and her game. Not much phases her anymore, she is so in control and has such a great, positive attitude. This tournament has been a big test for her, the crowds have been on her in numerous matches, and it really could’ve derailed her campaign and focus. If anything it made her stronger.

It’s been a long journey and she’s still only so young. I’m not confident of a win tonight, but this is the start of a very long and successful career. Go Vika!!!!!!

 

[NYRB]

Make sure you turn the volume down or your housemates will think you're watching lesbian pr0n.

 

[NYRB]

Their game's and their run to the final pretty much mirror each others so the biggest contributing factor towards winning will be the player who makes the fewest UE's and that imo, will come down to experience as in who will have the fewest nerves which puts Azarenka at a disadvantage from the start, only 2 of the the last 10 first time slam finalists on the women's game have won the final. MS will have to significantly lower her UE % from the previous match to gain control.

Another key factor will be who returns better, Shara imo is a better returner and possibly the best in the game which puts one of Azarenka's best attributes over the last 2 weeks into question for the final, she has won 75% of first serve pts but if anyone can strike a ball at first attempt in tight situations effectively it's Maria. Although Azarenka is big hitter - Kvitova is even more so and MS came though that in 3, which reminds me, the last 2 times that this match up went to 3 sets, maria won them both on hard courts in LA and Beijing albeit both 2 and a half years ago.

In Azarenka's favour she of course beat MS in the last two finals they played on hard courts albeit in non slam events in Miami and Stanford in straights, both are agile enough but Aza is a better mover on court, blistering forehand rallies from the baselines would favour her.

In terms of fitness edges, there's next to nothing in it, game time has been pretty similar, with MS spending about 20 odds minutes longer on court the last two weeks and both playing semi's on the same day.

Whilst it's fair to say Azarenka has gone walkabouts upstairs in big moments in the past, her mental strength has developed since then winning 4 titles last year but in her first slam final against Sharapova? the latter has two important intangible edges in a mental strength capacity that Aza doesn't - the knowledge of having previous experience and mental strength to cope with such an occasion.

 

[Drummond]

Was a good toss to win. Major nerves from Vika, as expected.

Now break back immediately.

 

[Johnny619]

Azarena is the worst. ever.

 

[Bombers_Forever]

I think I have found something more annoying than the two grunters........the cooking show on 7 ad which seems to be shown every 10 minutes

 

[Bombers_Forever]

Did I just read that correctly - was their a question on the screen about who was winning the 'fashion stakes' tonight? Fair dinkum..........

 

[Drummond]

You gun Vika what a point!!!

 

[Drummond]

Re: 2012 Australian Open: Part 2

One to go Vika.

One to go.

 

[red+black]

LOL @ the interest level in this thread while the screamer's final is on. I assume most people, like me, are watching the Big Bash final on Foxtel.

 

[matt_897]

LOL @ the interest level in this thread while the screamer's final is on. I assume most people, like me, are watching the Big Bash final on Foxtel.

There aren't really many fans of women's tennis (or tennis in general) on this forum so it isn't surprising.

Vika looks like she is running away with it, played some pretty good tennis out there making Sharapova look weak as piss. lookign for some entertainment closing it out though.

 

[red+black]

Just watching a couple games. It warms my heart to see Sharapova upset and disappointed on court.

 

[Barnzy]

If Azarenka wins her first GS I'll be disappointed if she doesnt strip down and do a nude run.

Dat body.

 

[Drummond]

Todd Woodbrige you're a hack mate.

GO VIKA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[red+black]

out out out BOOOOOOO

 

[red+black]

Suck it Sharapova. Please be a bagel.

 

[matt_897]

Todd Woodbrige you're a hack mate.

I won't post pictures of all his grand slam doubles titles then

Maria, at least keep the ball in the court to allow Vika to choke

 

[Drummond]

ONE MORE GAME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Oh my gosh this is unbelievable!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[outabounds]

Shit final

 

[red+black]

Someone confirm new rankings?
1 - Azarenka
2 - Sharapova
3 - Kvitova
4 - Wozniacki

 

[red+black]

I will never accept that this bullshit is even worth half of what the men get paid. You have Nadal and Djokovic bust their asses in the semis and again tomorrow night while the women put on this shit and laugh (or scream) all the way to the bank.

 

[CHBench]

Yes Vika. Massive beatdown.

 

[tazzietiger]

Shit final

Yep didn't even have a final atmosphere to it.

Bring on the mens tomorrow night.

 

[peternorth]

is that asian bird her girlfriend?

also do players practice their celebration - falling to the ground?

 

[Arecsa]

I will never accept that this bullshit is even worth half of what the men get paid. You have Nadal and Djokovic bust their asses in the semis and again tomorrow night while the women put on this shit and laugh (or scream) all the way to the bank.

Women's tennis is an absolute joke. Ridiculous they are given the same amount of money as the men.