The ladies semifinals of the Australian Open have been lined up and Serena Williams has spoiled an all Russian party by stopping Kuznetsova to join the fellow countrywomen- Safina, Dementieva and Zvonareva in the semifinals.Four of the top seven seeds have made it to the semifinals, which is a good sign for the championships organisers, however, the departure of Australian stars has reduced the gliteratti and exuberance with which the fans were followig the draw. The final four promise to deliver one of the toughest performances of their lives with weather conditions the only major factor against them. Lets take a look at the two semifinals on Day 11.
Williams vs. Dementieva
Williams leads 4-3
Last meeting Sydney 2009, semifinals, Dementieva won 6-3, 6-1
Out of seven career meetings, last three have been won by the Russian, which is a promising sign for the Olympic Champion, who disposed off Serena's bid for singles gold, by defeating the American in the quarterfinals at the Beijing Olympics. Serena, on the other hand, who struggled in the early rounds at the Open here, will have to get a lot of free points off Dementieva'a return errors, as once the rally progresses, is where Williams seems to get into trouble. Dementieva has a pretty calculative game plan, ensuring there are minimal unforced errors to make things tough for the opponent. In wednesday's quarterfinals, Serena lost the error prone first set, but re-grouped to win the second and third, leaving Kuznetsova in acute disappointment as the Russian was once serving for the match. This is exactly the kind of ability that puts Serena into a different league altogether. Williams has a wonderful track record in the come-from-behind victories, however a straight set loss at this year's Medibank International semifinals in Sydney was a shocker, not just for the Williams camp, but also to the Russian, who must have expected a three setter.
A look at Dementieva's chances to make it to the first final in Melbourne Park tells that the woman is on a winning spree, claiming back-to-back titles in Sydney and Auckland. The Russian will play to win her 16th match of the season with no losses. On a given day, she can outplay any player including the creme of women's tennis, but depending on the opponents bad form isn't quite a back up going into the match. Martina Hingis used to play tennis like the game of chess, forcing opponents to make errors with occassional winners on both flanks. The strategy was shortlived as the Swiss was troubled throughout her career by the power game of the Williamses, Davenport's and Capriati's of the fraternity. Big matches call for a big game plan, which Elena has, its just a matter of execution. On paper, Elena has a stronger chance, but majorly for a fact that Williams way to semis has been no less than a shaky ride.
Safina vs. Zvonareva
Safina leads 5-4
Last meeting Moscow 2008, semifinals, Zvonareva won 6-2, 7-6(5)
Zvonareva has been on a high road of her career ever since reaching her first ever WTA championships final in Doha last year. Though, the Russian's resurgent run was ended by Venus Williams in the final, Zvonareva showed signs that she is quite capable of winning big titles. Safina has had a tremendous 2008, winning four titles and a final finish at Roland Garros. However, there was one player who beat her on every occassion they met, fellow Russian Vera Zvonareva. Both women come into the semifinals with convincing victories in the previous rounds. Zvonareva has the ability to win points through long rallies, serve may be a bit of a concern, though. In the quarterfinals against Dokic, Safina showed tremendous grit and determination, in a see-saw match that witnessed numerous service breaks. The only thing going against the Russian is the fragile temperament, which makes her a true Safin sister. It will be a matter of hunger to win. And with both the women vying for a place in their first ever Australian Open final, a classic is definitely on its way.
Williams vs. Dementieva
Williams leads 4-3
Last meeting Sydney 2009, semifinals, Dementieva won 6-3, 6-1
Out of seven career meetings, last three have been won by the Russian, which is a promising sign for the Olympic Champion, who disposed off Serena's bid for singles gold, by defeating the American in the quarterfinals at the Beijing Olympics. Serena, on the other hand, who struggled in the early rounds at the Open here, will have to get a lot of free points off Dementieva'a return errors, as once the rally progresses, is where Williams seems to get into trouble. Dementieva has a pretty calculative game plan, ensuring there are minimal unforced errors to make things tough for the opponent. In wednesday's quarterfinals, Serena lost the error prone first set, but re-grouped to win the second and third, leaving Kuznetsova in acute disappointment as the Russian was once serving for the match. This is exactly the kind of ability that puts Serena into a different league altogether. Williams has a wonderful track record in the come-from-behind victories, however a straight set loss at this year's Medibank International semifinals in Sydney was a shocker, not just for the Williams camp, but also to the Russian, who must have expected a three setter.
A look at Dementieva's chances to make it to the first final in Melbourne Park tells that the woman is on a winning spree, claiming back-to-back titles in Sydney and Auckland. The Russian will play to win her 16th match of the season with no losses. On a given day, she can outplay any player including the creme of women's tennis, but depending on the opponents bad form isn't quite a back up going into the match. Martina Hingis used to play tennis like the game of chess, forcing opponents to make errors with occassional winners on both flanks. The strategy was shortlived as the Swiss was troubled throughout her career by the power game of the Williamses, Davenport's and Capriati's of the fraternity. Big matches call for a big game plan, which Elena has, its just a matter of execution. On paper, Elena has a stronger chance, but majorly for a fact that Williams way to semis has been no less than a shaky ride.
Safina vs. Zvonareva
Safina leads 5-4
Last meeting Moscow 2008, semifinals, Zvonareva won 6-2, 7-6(5)
Zvonareva has been on a high road of her career ever since reaching her first ever WTA championships final in Doha last year. Though, the Russian's resurgent run was ended by Venus Williams in the final, Zvonareva showed signs that she is quite capable of winning big titles. Safina has had a tremendous 2008, winning four titles and a final finish at Roland Garros. However, there was one player who beat her on every occassion they met, fellow Russian Vera Zvonareva. Both women come into the semifinals with convincing victories in the previous rounds. Zvonareva has the ability to win points through long rallies, serve may be a bit of a concern, though. In the quarterfinals against Dokic, Safina showed tremendous grit and determination, in a see-saw match that witnessed numerous service breaks. The only thing going against the Russian is the fragile temperament, which makes her a true Safin sister. It will be a matter of hunger to win. And with both the women vying for a place in their first ever Australian Open final, a classic is definitely on its way.
