Williams to play Zakopalova in Collector Swedish Open semis

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Wilson Blade 9

It comes as no surprise that Serena Williams handily advanced to the semifinals of the Collector Swedish Open, but it is unbelievable that if she wins her next match, and her obstacle will be a player who had beaten her before, the world No.1, winner of countless singles and doubles titles, will be in her first final of an International-level event.

In today’s quarterfinals, Williams defeated Lourdes Dominguez Lino 6-1 6-1 in 62 minutes, but her next opponent will be third seed Klara Zakopalova, who not only won their 2009 Marbella match on clay, but saved five match points against Williams in the first round of the French Open that same year.

Here’s what Serena said about the upcoming encounter:

I want to play two more matches and win on the last day, but I have a really tough opponent coming up.

Zakopalova, who advanced to the semis with a 6-2 6-3 win over Richel Hogenkamp, is not so optimistic about repeating her 2009 feat:

I remember she was just coming from Miami and was a little bit tired and injured. It’s not like the Serena today. She’s playing amazing tennis.

(source: WTA Tour, photo: Ralf Reinecke)

2 COMMENTS

  1. If Zakopalova doesn’t believe in her chanches, she will never going to win against top 3. I hope that she is just trying to put more pressure on Serena with that interview because if she really doesn’t think she can win, it’ll be very lopsided match.

  2. Zakopalova has done really well this week, particularly as she often struggles against players she is expected to beat. This will most likely be Serena’s toughest match of the whole week.

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