The unbeatable top-ranked Serena Williams won the blockbuster quarterfinal against Victoria Azarenka, 3-6 6-2 6-3, in an imposing comeback victory. Can you imagine that almost all Vika’s recent losses have come at the hands of Serena or Sharapova? Dating back to Indian Wells: Sharapova, Pennetta, Serena, Sharapova, Serena, Serena.
And speaking of Sharapova, the Russian is Williams’ next opponent. Maria Sharapova stopped Coco Vandeweghe 6-3 6-7(3) 6-2, the American who had taken out three seeded players en route to the quarters and in Tuesday’s big encounter managed to force the decider by pushing through the second set after a 5-3 deficit and kept the third set entertaining by breaking back after an initial 3-0 disadvantage. The world No.4 Sharapova is through to her 20th Grand Slam semifinal!
After the match, however, Vandeweghe questioned Sharapova’s sportsmanship and even said that she thought the umpire was too afraid to confront the big star:
What I experienced, what I felt from her moving around in between my serving motion was not, I don’t think, sportsmanlike, in my opinion. I try to play as fair as I can. You know, when I felt like it wasn’t being reciprocated, that’s when I spoke with the umpire for her to deal with.
Sharapova’s reaction:
I mean, it is what it is. What she said, I’m not going to argue against her words.
World No.20 Garbine Muguruza made her first Grand Slam semifinal with a 7-5 6-3 victory over Timea Bacsinszky, becoming the first Spaniard in 18 years to earn a place among the final four at Wimbledon, where she’ll face thirteenth-ranked Agnieszka Radwanska, the 7-6(3) 3-6 6-3 winner over Madison Keys. (photos: Jimmie48)
Quite petulant behaviour from Coco in criticising Maria’s return positions. It is very very common practice for tennis players, from novices at clubs to pros, to move around right before hitting a return. It can indeed be tactical, to ‘force’ your opponent to serve to the said you are moving away from, but that’s what it is- a tactic, which sport is all about. Moving around during your opponents serve also adds explosiveness to a return, as it encourages momentum towards the ball. A perfectly legal, and commonplace move- not sure why Coco felt the need to bring it up.
I’m not sure why CoCo let it bother her so much, I think maybe her competitive drive got the best of her. I love CoCo, I think she’s a breath of fresh air. Her overall attitude, bravado, tom “boyishness” is so much fun. I hope she continues to progress!
I for one, would love to see a Serena and Muguruza final. Garbine defeated Serena in the French Open last year rather easily. Then Serena got her revenge against Mugu at this year’s Austrailian Open in a tough 3 setter. It would be a classic battle of the “old Guard” versus the younger up and comer, whom I think will win multiple major titles in the future.
Are you guys watching Serena steamroll Sharapova? And, wow, I can’t believe Chris Evert finally uttered some positive truth about Serena’s game: Serena exposes the weaknesses of Maria’s game. Looks like my girl, Serena, is headed to the finals. “Go, Serena, go! You (the GOAT) are still the talk of the town and yet another championship isl in your hands. You’re going to make it happen for sure!”
I agree with Sam regarding his comment about Coco V. She should have never said that, because it makes one think she’s making excuses for her loss to Maria. She rushed her play and simply made too many ridiculous errors; she actually should have won the match.
Well done, Serena! Match over, with yet another win (anyone surprised?). As Chris Evert truthfully said, Maria simply had nothing to even hurt Serena . It was disappointing to see Maria show a negative attitude with that hurried, cold handshake when the match was over. She really acted like a sore loser, and that facial expression spoke volumes. “Congrats, Serena! The championship and slam are all yours. Keep on believing it and receiving it, because it’s in your hands.”
The Real Deal, it’s such a black spot in Sharapova’s career that there’s no way she can beat Serena. I mean, even Muguruza has beaten her recently and five-time Grand Slam champ Sharapova hasn’t.