While Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer went out in the quarterfinal stage, top seed Novak Djokovic and 4th seed Andy Murray reached the finals for a blockbuster rematch of their Australian Open final earlier this year. From the get go, Murray was dictating points while Djokovic looked exhausted. It's no surprise since the Serbian has won every match he has played this year, but one, and that's a lot of tennis for anyone. It all came to a head when Djokovic was broken twice early in the second set after getting medical treatment for his shoulder after losing the first set. Djokovic retired down 3-6 0-3 giving Murray the win and Djokovic only his 2nd loss of the year.
Fourth seed Maria Sharapova and 13th seed Jelena Jankovic both took advantage of injuries, withdrawals, and early losses from some of the top seeds to reach the finals. But they both also earned their place beating four top ten seeds between them en route. The final was anything but easy for the two former world no. 1s. Littered with 100+ unforced errors and more than a dozen breaks of serve, it was the player who held on the longest to win. This is Sharapova's first big hardcourt title in a couple of years and should bode well for the upcoming US Open. Reaching the finals is also a great result for Jankovic who has been floundering the past couple of years.
The US Open is just one week away and as per usual, injuries continue to plague both tours. Apparently, 11 of the top 20 men have been injured post-Wimbledon including more recently top seed Djokovic. The women already has one big withdrawal for the Open in defending Kim Clijsters citing a stomach injury and who knows what is really up with Serena and Venus Williams. Nevertheless, it all adds to the excitement of the US Open. Can't wait.
I know nothing of tennis aside from the fact that it's men playing with balls.
ReplyDeleteIt was a great tournament and Murray played and good game and major thing is Djokovic's injury because i don't thing Murray can beat Djokovic if he is OK.
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