Monday 3 September 2012

US Open: Kvitova ousted

Singles - Fourth Round
(1) Victoria Azarenka (BLR) d. Anna Tatishvili (GEO) 62 62
(3) Maria Sharapova (RUS) d. (19) Nadia Petrova (RUS) 61 46 64
(11) Marion Bartoli (FRA) d. (5) Petra Kvitova (CZE) 16 62 60
(7) Samantha Stosur (AUS) d. Laura Robson (GBR) 64 64

(3) Maria Sharapova (RUS) d. (19) Nadia Petrova (RUS) 61 46 64


Nadia Petrova gives Sharapova a big fright by almost kicking her out of the tournament. After being demolished in the first set, Nadia raced to a 4-0 lead only for Maria to even it all at 4-all. However, Nadia grabbed the advantage again by winning the next 4 games to go up 2-0 in the 3rd set. Then, an unfortunate rain delay came and Nadia lost her momentum. Sharapova came roaring back and escaped with a victory. Maria was very pumped up for this match and was intimidating Nadia with every fist pump. To be honest, the fist-pumping was unnecessary but it shows how hungry she is for the win. Nadia will be disappointed as she was so close to an upset.

(11) Marion Bartoli (FRA) d. (5) Petra Kvitova (CZE) 16 62 60


Marion Bartoli recovered from a first set thrashing and gave Petra a taste of her own medicine in the next 2 sets. The Frenchwoman went on a tear and swept away the US Open series mercilessly. There was not much Petra can do when Marion is hitting her lines and Petra's serve was extremely ordinary. Makes you wonder if she did overplay in the lead-up tournaments. Marion was untouchable and was extremely zoned in, pumping herself up at every winner or error from Kvitova. Again, excessive use of fist-pumping but you do what you can to win. Marion now has reached the quarters of all 4 majors; which is a surprise as her form coming in was pretty bad. Another missed opportunity for Kvitova.

(7) Samantha Stosur (AUS) d. Laura Robson (GBR) 64 64


No fairy-tale ending for Robson as she falls to defending champion, Samantha Stosur in 2 tight sets. Laura was undone by her own errors, although she fought to the bitter end. The British lass saved a whooping 8 match points but it was too little, too late. Laura needs to find that middle game where you can turn to when your balls aren't going in. She's getting there but still needs to find the balance between going for it and playing safe. Good signs for Robson as she will climb to a career high ranking next week. Samantha continues to march on as she faces a tough task in the next round, beating Azarenka.

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