(Rank/Seed)
1/1 Williams defended her title in beating (5/4) Li from behind 26 63 60! It was the 57th title of her career, her 11th of 2013 (the most since Hingis in 1997) and her 4th at this event (only the fourth woman to do so after Evert, Navratilova and Graf). In addition, she is the oldest woman to ever win this title and the first number one to win this event since Henin in 2007, who was also the last person to defend this title. Having amassed $12.3 million this season, she's obliterated Azarenka's previous annual best of $7.9 million won last year, whilst only Djokovic has ever won more in a season on the ATP! Remember though, Li moves to a career high of number 3 to end the year!
1st Set
Once again, Li had a quick start in breaking Williams's serve in the third and fifth games in building a 5-1 lead. Though her serve was faltering in getting only 30% of her first serves in, Li confidently serve and volleyed and attacked the return in hitting 10 winners to only 8 unforced errors. Williams wasn't as lethargic as she had been in the semis but was certainly not at her best as she served slowly and didn't hit with her typical ferocity. She hit only 5 winners to 10 unforced errors, whilst not even reaching break point against Li. It was the first time since Miami 2009 that Li had taken a set off Williams!
2nd Set
Williams won a pivotal nine deuce first game on serve, where she saved two break points to hold before breaking Li for the first time en route to a 3-0 lead. Li wasn't overwhelmed though as she quickly battled back to 3-3 as Williams's forehand started to err. However, Li would ultimately capitulate with a costly double fault contributing to her being broken in the eighth game. Williams would then have to save a further two break points before holding to close out the set. Li was still bossing the points, hitting 15 winners to 12 unforced errors, but Williams improved immensely from the first set, hitting an equal amount of winners to 10 unforced errors, whilst maintaining a first serve percentage of 72%.
3rd Set
After losing a three deuce opening service game, Li's game fell apart as her confidence plummeted. Her volleys were suddenly missing and the double faults were mounting (she hit 10 all match). Williams was steely and confident as her serve and movement looked as good as new in hitting 10 winners to race through the final set, completing her 9 game win streak to secure the title. It was Williams 10th win in 11 meetings with Li and meant she would finish 78-4 for the year!
Monday, 28 October 2013
Sunday, 27 October 2013
Final Prediction
Williams vs Li
Its the first time that two 30+ women have contested this final, so whoever wins will become the new oldest champion at this event.
Williams is looking for her 11th title of the year out of 13 finals played. She is on a 17 match win streak and is looking to win her 3rd straight championships in terms of her participation. However, she has twice lost the finals here (2002 and 2004) and is obviously out of gas after her epic semi final clash with Jankovic.
Li is looking for only her 2nd title of the year out of 4 finals played. Like Williams, she was unbeaten in her round robin group and has dropped only one set to Jankovic to reach the final. She's certainly the fresher of the two as she bids to beat both the worlds top 2 players in claiming this title.
Williams dominates the head to head 9-1, winning all 3 of their meetings this year in straight sets (see www.2013wtamiami.blogpsot.com, www.2013wtacincinnati.blogpsot.com, www.2013wtausopen.blogspot.com). However, Li's only win came on indoor hard back in 2008 at Stuttgart 06 61 64!
If Williams is tired and is serving like yesterday, she will struggle to contend with Li's power. Li will have to deal with the pressure though, which in itself could create problems for her. However, I have a feeling as this is the last match of the year that Williams will put everything into this one and even if she plays subpar, will still be tough to beat. I predict Williams will defend her title in straight sets as Li will be too nervous too take advantage of Williams's lethargy.
Its the first time that two 30+ women have contested this final, so whoever wins will become the new oldest champion at this event.
Williams is looking for her 11th title of the year out of 13 finals played. She is on a 17 match win streak and is looking to win her 3rd straight championships in terms of her participation. However, she has twice lost the finals here (2002 and 2004) and is obviously out of gas after her epic semi final clash with Jankovic.
Li is looking for only her 2nd title of the year out of 4 finals played. Like Williams, she was unbeaten in her round robin group and has dropped only one set to Jankovic to reach the final. She's certainly the fresher of the two as she bids to beat both the worlds top 2 players in claiming this title.
Williams dominates the head to head 9-1, winning all 3 of their meetings this year in straight sets (see www.2013wtamiami.blogpsot.com, www.2013wtacincinnati.blogpsot.com, www.2013wtausopen.blogspot.com). However, Li's only win came on indoor hard back in 2008 at Stuttgart 06 61 64!
If Williams is tired and is serving like yesterday, she will struggle to contend with Li's power. Li will have to deal with the pressure though, which in itself could create problems for her. However, I have a feeling as this is the last match of the year that Williams will put everything into this one and even if she plays subpar, will still be tough to beat. I predict Williams will defend her title in straight sets as Li will be too nervous too take advantage of Williams's lethargy.
Williams vs Li in the final
The semi finals contrasted as one was relatively routine, whilst the other was an extended and at times confusing battle. In each instance, I guessed the winner correctly!
(Rank/Seed)
1/1 Williams outlasted the ever tenacious (8/7) Jankovic 64 26 64 to reach her 6th career WTA Championships final. Williams was exhausted due to her unusually busy season (this was her 81st match of the year), hitting 40 unforced errors throughout and was twice reduced to tears at the sit down. Jankovic struggled to contend with Williams's strangely slow serves as she let a 3-1 first set lead slip, hitting most of her total 22 unforced errors in dropping the set. Williams simply hit the ball as hard as she could off the ground, a tactic she would later adopt again in the third set (she hit 40 winners overall). However, Jankovic mastered the tactic of moving Williams side to side in the second set, hitting most of her total 22 winners as Williams was reduced to chipping the balls back. This riled the crowd who berated Williams for what seemed to be poor sportsmanship. Whether this affected Williams or not, she came out firing in the third set, her serve back at full potency in building a 5-1 lead. Jankovic wasn't finished though as she saved 3 match points to win the next three games and come within a point of levelling at 5-5, only for Williams to hit an ace. Williams has survived for now, but it's tough to see her getting away with it again in the final.
5/4 Li confidently bypassed 2011 champion (6/5) Kvitova 64 62 to become the first Asian finalist at the WTA Championships and the first to crack the top 3! Li had another quick start in building a double break 3-0 lead, only for Kvitova to overcome the early rust in levelling at 4-4. She even had a game point for a 5-4 lead but double faulted, Li then taking the initiative to break and serve out the set. Though Kvitova would win 2 straight games to take a 2-1 lead in the second, her energy levels dissipated dramatically as Li romped through the last 5 games. Li was the much steadier of the two despite her typically cagey forehand, hitting 18 winners to 15 unforced errors, even implementing her new serve and volley effectively throughout. Kvitova was sluggish and slow on her feet, hitting only 14 winners to 29 unforced errors.
(Rank/Seed)
1/1 Williams outlasted the ever tenacious (8/7) Jankovic 64 26 64 to reach her 6th career WTA Championships final. Williams was exhausted due to her unusually busy season (this was her 81st match of the year), hitting 40 unforced errors throughout and was twice reduced to tears at the sit down. Jankovic struggled to contend with Williams's strangely slow serves as she let a 3-1 first set lead slip, hitting most of her total 22 unforced errors in dropping the set. Williams simply hit the ball as hard as she could off the ground, a tactic she would later adopt again in the third set (she hit 40 winners overall). However, Jankovic mastered the tactic of moving Williams side to side in the second set, hitting most of her total 22 winners as Williams was reduced to chipping the balls back. This riled the crowd who berated Williams for what seemed to be poor sportsmanship. Whether this affected Williams or not, she came out firing in the third set, her serve back at full potency in building a 5-1 lead. Jankovic wasn't finished though as she saved 3 match points to win the next three games and come within a point of levelling at 5-5, only for Williams to hit an ace. Williams has survived for now, but it's tough to see her getting away with it again in the final.
5/4 Li confidently bypassed 2011 champion (6/5) Kvitova 64 62 to become the first Asian finalist at the WTA Championships and the first to crack the top 3! Li had another quick start in building a double break 3-0 lead, only for Kvitova to overcome the early rust in levelling at 4-4. She even had a game point for a 5-4 lead but double faulted, Li then taking the initiative to break and serve out the set. Though Kvitova would win 2 straight games to take a 2-1 lead in the second, her energy levels dissipated dramatically as Li romped through the last 5 games. Li was the much steadier of the two despite her typically cagey forehand, hitting 18 winners to 15 unforced errors, even implementing her new serve and volley effectively throughout. Kvitova was sluggish and slow on her feet, hitting only 14 winners to 29 unforced errors.
Friday, 25 October 2013
Semi Final Predictions
I'm pleased to say I guessed 3 of the four semi finalists at the beginning of the tournament. Azarenka was the one disappointment and I truly hope that she will be both physically and mentally fitter for the 2014 season, where she will begin the year as the two time defending Australian Open champion! No pressure there!
Saturday's order of play:
Li vs Kvitova: Li hasn't lost a match at the championships yet, topping the White Group with a 3-0 record. Kvitova has won 2 out of 3, losing only to Williams in the Red Group. Li hasn't been in the semis here until now, another plus to what she considers to be her best career season. It could get better; if she wins this match she'll become the first Asian woman to crack the top 3! Kvitova is a former champion so knows what it's like to be in this position, whilst also having the benefit of only recently beating Li in Beijing in an electric 3 setter (www.2013wtabeijing.blogspot.co.uk). The head to head is tied at 3-3 overall and they often go the distance, so I wouldn't be surprised if this follows suit. I have a feeling Li's the fresher and more confident of the two and may become the first Asian woman to reach the WTA Championships final.
Williams vs Jankovic: Williams has powered through her first 3 matches to top the Red Group and has been deservedly guaranteed the year end number one ranking. In fact, Williams hasn't dropped a set at any WTA Championships since 2009 and is now on a 13 match win streak at this tournament! Jankovic is lucky to reach the semis, having won only one of her 3 matches in the White Group, but so did Azarenka and Errani. Ominously, Williams has never failed to reach the final of the WTA Championships when she has competed and not withdrew, as she did in 2007 and 2008 whilst Jankovic has twice made the semis but never further. Jankovic is actually one of few top players to have several wins over Williams, though Serena still leads 7-4, hasn't lost to Jankovic since Rome 2010 and just recently beat a somewhat injured Jankovic in the Beijing final. I can't see Jankovic being able to punch any holes in Williams's game and Serena will win in straight sets.
Saturday's order of play:
Li vs Kvitova: Li hasn't lost a match at the championships yet, topping the White Group with a 3-0 record. Kvitova has won 2 out of 3, losing only to Williams in the Red Group. Li hasn't been in the semis here until now, another plus to what she considers to be her best career season. It could get better; if she wins this match she'll become the first Asian woman to crack the top 3! Kvitova is a former champion so knows what it's like to be in this position, whilst also having the benefit of only recently beating Li in Beijing in an electric 3 setter (www.2013wtabeijing.blogspot.co.uk). The head to head is tied at 3-3 overall and they often go the distance, so I wouldn't be surprised if this follows suit. I have a feeling Li's the fresher and more confident of the two and may become the first Asian woman to reach the WTA Championships final.
Williams vs Jankovic: Williams has powered through her first 3 matches to top the Red Group and has been deservedly guaranteed the year end number one ranking. In fact, Williams hasn't dropped a set at any WTA Championships since 2009 and is now on a 13 match win streak at this tournament! Jankovic is lucky to reach the semis, having won only one of her 3 matches in the White Group, but so did Azarenka and Errani. Ominously, Williams has never failed to reach the final of the WTA Championships when she has competed and not withdrew, as she did in 2007 and 2008 whilst Jankovic has twice made the semis but never further. Jankovic is actually one of few top players to have several wins over Williams, though Serena still leads 7-4, hasn't lost to Jankovic since Rome 2010 and just recently beat a somewhat injured Jankovic in the Beijing final. I can't see Jankovic being able to punch any holes in Williams's game and Serena will win in straight sets.
Azarenka Out, Li, Kvitova and Jankovic into semis
I correctly guessed the winners of all 3 matches today! I've not done too bad lately!
(Rank/Seed)
5/4 Li defeated an injured (2/2) Azarenka 62 61 to cement her place in the semis and eliminate the Belarusian from the event. Li was definitely in control before Azarenka even injured her back in the 6th game, but from there on in the match was effectively over. Though she looked as if she should've retired, Azarenka valiantly continued for the benefit of the crowd despite obvious discomfort. Li did well to concentrate considering the circumstances, hitting into the open court where Azarenka couldn't defend. Its the first time Li has ever progressed beyond the round robins, whilst its Azarenka's first failure to do so since 2010!
6/5 Kvitova battled past (9/8) Kerber to reach the semi finals with a 67(3) 62 63 win. Kvitova was in control throughout, despite letting a 4-1 first set lead slip. She hit 41 winners, was only broken twice all match and dominated at the net, winning 30 of 38 points in the forecourt. Kerber was typically tenacious, using a strong first serve to mount her challenge, However, her second serve frequently let her down as she was broken 6 times in total.
7/6 Errani surprisingly got the better of (8/7) Jankovic 64 64, despite the fact she had no chance of progressing into the semis. Jankovic was already guaranteed a place in the semis and was perhaps trying to save energy, raising a major argument against the round robin system. She was left to rue 36 unforced errors as she was broken a dismal 6 times throughout the match. Errani was continually pegged back by the Serb, particularly from 4-1 to 5-4 in the first set and then when trying to close out the match, missing her first 4 match points. However, a clean 20 winners to 9 unforced errors helped her unsettle Jankovic, despite losing her serve 4 times herself! It was her first win over Jankovic.
(Rank/Seed)
5/4 Li defeated an injured (2/2) Azarenka 62 61 to cement her place in the semis and eliminate the Belarusian from the event. Li was definitely in control before Azarenka even injured her back in the 6th game, but from there on in the match was effectively over. Though she looked as if she should've retired, Azarenka valiantly continued for the benefit of the crowd despite obvious discomfort. Li did well to concentrate considering the circumstances, hitting into the open court where Azarenka couldn't defend. Its the first time Li has ever progressed beyond the round robins, whilst its Azarenka's first failure to do so since 2010!
6/5 Kvitova battled past (9/8) Kerber to reach the semi finals with a 67(3) 62 63 win. Kvitova was in control throughout, despite letting a 4-1 first set lead slip. She hit 41 winners, was only broken twice all match and dominated at the net, winning 30 of 38 points in the forecourt. Kerber was typically tenacious, using a strong first serve to mount her challenge, However, her second serve frequently let her down as she was broken 6 times in total.
7/6 Errani surprisingly got the better of (8/7) Jankovic 64 64, despite the fact she had no chance of progressing into the semis. Jankovic was already guaranteed a place in the semis and was perhaps trying to save energy, raising a major argument against the round robin system. She was left to rue 36 unforced errors as she was broken a dismal 6 times throughout the match. Errani was continually pegged back by the Serb, particularly from 4-1 to 5-4 in the first set and then when trying to close out the match, missing her first 4 match points. However, a clean 20 winners to 9 unforced errors helped her unsettle Jankovic, despite losing her serve 4 times herself! It was her first win over Jankovic.
Thursday, 24 October 2013
Day Four Predictions
Friday's order of play:
Azarenka vs Li: Li knows that a win in this match will secure her place in the semis. Therefore, she will be nervous. However, Azarenka has admitted to being burnt out and I don't think she has the form or even the motivation to beat Li. I think Li will beat Azarenka for the first time since 2011, avenging losses here in both 2011 and 2012.
Kvitova vs Kerber: This match will decide who will follow Williams into the semis so both players will be nervous. Its a battle of the lefties and their head to head is close, so I wouldn't be surprised if this match went the distance. Kerber played stunningly against Radwanska, whilst Kvitova was humbled by Williams, so the German has the advantage of going into the match with confidence. It's close, but I still favour Kvitova in this one.
Errani vs Jankovic: Errani is already out of the competition, so she will be playing for pride and prize money. This could make her very dangerous as she has nothing to lose. In contrast, Jankovic is still in the running for a semi final place. Obviously what transpires earlier between Azarenka and Li will have a major impact on Jankovic's psyche. I have a strange feeling that Errani could surprise everyone and win this match!
Azarenka vs Li: Li knows that a win in this match will secure her place in the semis. Therefore, she will be nervous. However, Azarenka has admitted to being burnt out and I don't think she has the form or even the motivation to beat Li. I think Li will beat Azarenka for the first time since 2011, avenging losses here in both 2011 and 2012.
Kvitova vs Kerber: This match will decide who will follow Williams into the semis so both players will be nervous. Its a battle of the lefties and their head to head is close, so I wouldn't be surprised if this match went the distance. Kerber played stunningly against Radwanska, whilst Kvitova was humbled by Williams, so the German has the advantage of going into the match with confidence. It's close, but I still favour Kvitova in this one.
Errani vs Jankovic: Errani is already out of the competition, so she will be playing for pride and prize money. This could make her very dangerous as she has nothing to lose. In contrast, Jankovic is still in the running for a semi final place. Obviously what transpires earlier between Azarenka and Li will have a major impact on Jankovic's psyche. I have a strange feeling that Errani could surprise everyone and win this match!
Williams first into semis, Radwanska goes out
Once again, I correctly predicted two of the three results today.
(Rank/Seed)
1/1 Williams went up a gear in beating (6/5) Kvitova 62 63 for her 5th win in as many meetings against the Czech, thus becoming the first player to qualify for the semi finals. Kvitova started promisingly, holding 3 break points against Williams in the opening game behind some fierce hitting. However, Serena saved two with aces (she hit 11 throughout the match) and from there on in, seized control. Crouching low on the returns to attack the ball as early as possible, she hit 27 winners to only 13 unforced errors, won 15 straight points at one stage and incredibly 18 successive points on serve! Kvitova tried to control the game as she always does, but just couldn't make any impact on the return.
5/4 Li now has one foot in the semi finals after battling past (8/7) Jankovic 63 26 63, the first time she has ever won 2 matches in the round robins here in 3 years. The match was full of streaks as both players fluctuated in form, hitting many more unforced errors than winners. Li laboured to break, converting only 6 of 21 opportunities but despite her frequently erratic forehand was able to go on the most important streaks, winning the last 3 games of the first and third sets. This makes Friday's matches pivotal in terms of who will qualify for the semi finals.
9/8 Kerber was stunning in thrashing (4/3) Radwanska 62 62 to avenge her recent loss to the Pole in Beijing and eliminate her from the competition. Kerber dominated every aspect of the court, whether she was on the attack or defending to win her first match in 5 at the WTA Championships. Her forehand was devastating, contributing to a lot of her 31 winners ,whilst she only hit 11 unforced errors and didn't face a break point all match. Radwanska hit 10 winners to 10 unforced errors but as I predicted often looked lost and disinterested as she failed to hit through the slow court. After a consistent year, it genuinely looked as if Radwanska couldn't wait for the off season!
(Rank/Seed)
1/1 Williams went up a gear in beating (6/5) Kvitova 62 63 for her 5th win in as many meetings against the Czech, thus becoming the first player to qualify for the semi finals. Kvitova started promisingly, holding 3 break points against Williams in the opening game behind some fierce hitting. However, Serena saved two with aces (she hit 11 throughout the match) and from there on in, seized control. Crouching low on the returns to attack the ball as early as possible, she hit 27 winners to only 13 unforced errors, won 15 straight points at one stage and incredibly 18 successive points on serve! Kvitova tried to control the game as she always does, but just couldn't make any impact on the return.
5/4 Li now has one foot in the semi finals after battling past (8/7) Jankovic 63 26 63, the first time she has ever won 2 matches in the round robins here in 3 years. The match was full of streaks as both players fluctuated in form, hitting many more unforced errors than winners. Li laboured to break, converting only 6 of 21 opportunities but despite her frequently erratic forehand was able to go on the most important streaks, winning the last 3 games of the first and third sets. This makes Friday's matches pivotal in terms of who will qualify for the semi finals.
9/8 Kerber was stunning in thrashing (4/3) Radwanska 62 62 to avenge her recent loss to the Pole in Beijing and eliminate her from the competition. Kerber dominated every aspect of the court, whether she was on the attack or defending to win her first match in 5 at the WTA Championships. Her forehand was devastating, contributing to a lot of her 31 winners ,whilst she only hit 11 unforced errors and didn't face a break point all match. Radwanska hit 10 winners to 10 unforced errors but as I predicted often looked lost and disinterested as she failed to hit through the slow court. After a consistent year, it genuinely looked as if Radwanska couldn't wait for the off season!
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