Tennis in the Ten. Let's all get our sticks back out.

[judgejudy27]

If Justine wins in straight sets today she probably has a good shot in the final.

[Loves_Shizuka]

^Ha. Well Justine won 6-1 6-0! And on that performance, I think she's gonna win it all. So ruthless; poor Jie - looked hopeless! :o :(

[DinDonShamu]

Justine gave a classic tennis lesson - how to smash weak serves/returns, how to put balls down the line while on the run, half volleys, dictate the rally and work your way to the net, etc. Frankly, it was quite exciting for me :slinkaway:

[judgejudy27]

I would have to concur after today I expect Justine to win the final. I dont know whether to be glad or unhappy about that as I dislike her and Serena about equally anyway.

[Loves_Shizuka]

Yea, I think Justine is gonna pull a Kim, and win her first GS on her return; though I can't stand her :lol: I have to admire her tennis brilliance and competitive nature. I WANT Serena to win, though I hope more for just a good, high-quality (and maybe dramatic) match, seeing as those are like gold dust in GSs finals these days.

Oh and I also want to congratulate Na Li and Zheng Jie. Ten years ago, China was a nobody in the tennis world; their success of recent years - Li/Sun winning OGM, Yan/Zheng becoming GS champions, Zheng first into top twenty and into a GS semi, Li first into a top ten, and of course BOTH of them reaching the SF at the same slam - it's an amazing acheivement. Maybe it's just the start. A big clap to them!

[judgejudy27]

I think if you could combine the best qualities of Na and Zheng they would be great and could even win slams. They both lack what the other has, and has what the other needs. Zheng needs Na's serve, power, and shotmaking ability. Na needs Zheng's consistency, speed, ability to play defense, and court smarts.

[Rottie]

Slept through the tennis last night, but color me thrilled to find Justine in the final. And kudos to both Chinese women for getting as far as they did. Hopefully Williams v. Henin will be epic.

Must. Be. Awake. For Federer v. Tsonga match tonight.

[oleada]

Oh and I also want to congratulate Na Li and Zheng Jie. Ten years ago, China was a nobody in the tennis world; their success of recent years - Li/Sun winning OGM, Yan/Zheng becoming GS champions, Zheng first into top twenty and into a GS semi, Li first into a top ten, and of course BOTH of them reaching the SF at the same slam - it's an amazing acheivement. Maybe it's just the start. A big clap to them!

I think it's great for them. It's only a start and hopefully will inspire their younger players. Junior player Hao Chen Tang is in the SF of the girls tournaments, after taking out the #2 seed Watson in the first round.

[allezfred]

Justine. :cheer2:

[Jimena]

I saw Pam's interview with Justine after the match. She did great. She was very excited and was very personable (!!). She was also very complimentary of Serena.

I'm sooooo looking forward to the final. Hopefully, both will play lights out. I think it would be a mistake to underestimate Serena. I still pick her to win.

[Beefcake]

Exciting match, Li v. Ree! I hadn't realized that they had to play the day after their respective tough QFs ... with that turnaround the kind of match we saw is 100% what I'd have expected. Serena had, what, 20 hours between matches? Yikes! Boo to the AO PTB for not maneuvering the schedule (move the Williamses doubles match) to accommodate. But, anyway, little sister played through her obvious exhaustion.

Good for her, and good for Na for her career first Slam semis.

I suppose Serena knows her abilities better than anyone else, but I am shocked that she and Venus didn't withdraw from doubles. They beat Raymond/Stubbs in a 3-setter. Ouch! Couple more hours on the court for Serena. She made it through, so now it gets easier. The sisters have the doubles final Friday, and Serena has the final Saturday.

:respec: Murray polishing off Cilic in five sets to make his first Aussie Open final. Good job, Great Scot.

:soapbox: I HATE the habit of some Slams giving one guy a very unfair advantage in rest time ... i.e. playing one semifinal a day before the other (or any late-tourney round unevenly).

Solace here is that, for the first time I can remember, the guy playing the early match, and getting that extra day's rest and relaxation, is not Federer. :puppet: What? Every advantage the PTB can give to Roger isn't being given to Roger? Times they are a changing! (I wish.)

[judgejudy27]

I am amazed Stubbs is still playing competitive doubles. Isnt she like 40 now. Granted I know Navratilova did until she was almost 50, but that is Navratilova.

I am pretty sure it is determined beforehand in Australia which half plays the second semi, in fact pretty much always the top seeds half semifinal is the next day.

[omuma]

The only consolation I have about Serena's scheduling is that the same thing happened last year and we know how that turned out.

[judgejudy27]

Playing doubles and singles isnt a big deal. Back in the 80s the top women and men mostly played singles, doubles, and mixed doubles. I think most of them could today, doubles just isnt that important anymore and not many even want to play it. It is nowhere as physically taxing as singles.

Of course last year is a difficult comparision since Safina is about 10% the player Henin is at the best of times, and in a slam final she is basically a free pass to victory for anyone who can hold a racquet straight.

[allezfred]

Andy Murray's mouth (http://uk.news.yahoo.com/4/20100128/twl-murray-through-to-final-in-melbourne-41f21e0.html). :eek: :scream: