Aussie Open: Day 11 Preview

To Russia with Love

Yesterday they closed the roof for the first time in the land down under in protest to the extreme heat endured during the day matches. The Russian women then barricaded themselves inside and excluded all other challengers except one lone American who refused to vacate the premises...

The women, of course, were playing the afternoon matches in preparation for their return to the court today to slug it out during the Australian Open semifinal matches.  The winners will advance to the finals. Another scorcher is predicted—on and off the court.

It appeared for some time that it would be an all Russian women’s affair today; but Serena Williams finally brought her game to bear and did enough damage to send Svetlana Kuznetsova packing.

Women’s Semifinals

Vera Zvonareva vs. Dinara Safina

There is no one on the women’s side of the draw playing better and hitting the ball with more power and precision than Vera Zvonareva. She has not lost a set on her way to the semifinals.

It was like her last opponent Marion Bartoli said after her dismal showing in the quarterfinals, “I don’t think it went badly. I think she is just the better player.  At a point you have to admit when someone just plays better than you.”

But fellow country woman Dinara Safina has also had an impressive run in the 2009 Australian Open. Her path has not been as easy as she has battled her way through 3 three-set matches against quality opponents. She has scrapped and fought her way back into contention numerous times in the past week and a half. 

It will come down to who can find her game the fastest and turn up the pressure the quickest. My bet is that it will be Zvonareva, the “ball machine,” who will do it and win this one in three.

Elena Dementieva vs. Serena Williams

Serena’s game has been competent but not impressive on her way to the semifinals. She has not crackled or sizzled in the intense summer heat.

In fact, watching her play has left us chilly. She is meeting the ever-improving Elena Dementieva whose serve is legendarily weak—noted as having possibly the worst serve in the WTA.

But the rest of her game sparkles.

Dementieva is the gold medal winner at the 2008 summer Olympics.  But she has never won a major and is ranked number 4 coming into the Australian Open.  Of the two players there is no doubt that Serena has the more complete game and the bigger serve. 

The question is whether the real Serena will be standing on the service line today.  My guess is that she will because the final is on the line and Serena will impose her will upon Dementieva—winning in three.

Night Match: Men's Semifinal

Roger Federer vs. Andy Roddick

The night session features a rock solid contest between two men who have met often under these circumstances—whose 17 matches have produced some magical, I can't believe what I saw moments. 

The last time they met, it was Andy Roddick who won—who had not beaten Roger in 11 tries. That was at the ATP Masters in Miami in 2008. Andy has managed to win two out of the 17 contests.

Both are playing excellent tennis. Roger Federer dismantled Juan Martin Del Potro in the last round only allowing him three games in the 6-3, 6-0, 6-0 match. Andy Roddick dispatched a depleted Novak Djokovic, who retired in the fourth set. Roddick is fit and raring to go. 

But he will not go past Federer in this contest. Roddick does not have enough weapons to bring down Federer when Federer is on top of his game. Roger will secure this victory because it assures him a place in the final and an opportunity to win his 14th major title, tying Pete Sampras' grand-slam record. 

Look for Federer to win in four.