Well today was the woman's semi finals at the French Open and the two matches were very much anticipated to be great classics in the making. However the wind played a big factor in taking the oommphh factor out of the play.
So to start with the Sharapova vs Li Na match, I really was honestly expecting Sharapova to come through this one, but I was very surprised by Li Na, who was in full control right from the beginning as she hit through the ball so much better. Meanwhile Sharapova's serve crumbled under pressure not only that but I think the wind totally took the sails out of Sharapova's play, it affected Li Na's as well but not to the same extent. And at the end I felt so disappointed for Sharapova because her match ended on a double fault which saw Li Na move into the final winning 6-4, 7-5. And I think she had 10 double faults througout the match, which is pretty bad. So that's Li Na into her second consecutive grand slam final this year, whether or not she can win on Saturday we'll soon find out.
So onto the second match of the day, Francesca Schiavone vs Marion Bartoli, which promised again to deliver a great deal. And to be fair it started off great, the first set was a pretty tight affair with some great shots from both players, although it was Schiavone that drew first blood and broke Bartoli's serve to take the set in 6-3. In the second set Marion took the advantage straight off and got the early break, however with the wind playing up once again, Bartoli's serve faltered badly and the unforced errors crept in letting Schiavone to break back. Once it was 3-3 all, Schiavone seized the initative again and broke Bartoli, and after that it was plain sailing for the Italian. I think the quality of the Barty and Schiavone match was better overall, but if it wasn't for the wind they could have been out there so much longer. But in the end Schiavone was the better player and a much fitter athlete, who moves very well round the court and Bartoli just didn't have the legs to keep up.
So its Li Na vs Schiavone for the final on Saturday, it should be a good one, they are both fit athletes with contrasting styles of play, Schiavone is firey and passionate while Li Na is calm, composed and methodical. So we will see how the state of play goes, I think Schiavone will edge it and will use the crowd to her advantage, plus she has won there last year so I think she will draw on her previous win to claim her second title. However I was wrong about Sharapova winning and moving through to the final today, so just maybe China might have their first ever grand slam champion. We'll see!!!
But I do have to say that I am really disappointed in Caroline Wozniacki's performance at the French Open this year, she start well playing a woman twice her age, but then after that her playing got shaky in the 2nd round and by the 3rd it was rubbish. To go in the 3rd round of a grand slam and be the World No.1 really isn't a good result, which is why I think Caz isn't really living up to her ranking just now. Another thing I noticed is during the WTA tour she continually brings her dad Piotr on who is her coach and in the slams the ladies players can't bring on their coaches, so I could see her struggling to work things out without her dad's help. Which means she really needs to try and be more independant of her dad when playing in the tour, as it will help her work things out for herself, so when it comes to the slams she will be more mentally prepared.
So the men's semi finals setup is on ramorra, with Andy vs Rafa, and Federer vs Djokovic. However I just hope the wind doesn't knock the sails out of both matches again, especially Andy's match as it could really knock him off and let Rafa rip right into him, but we'll see. But I have to say without getting into it too much that Rafa will win, and Djokovic I think will the be favourite to win, but you never know, it might Roger and Andy in that final!! And everyone usually has such low expectations of Andy in the slams in the latter stages that we overlook the possible fact he might just do it. But I have to agree with the sceptics, I don't see Andy winning this one, but I think he will try his best and raise his game tomorrow, he'll have to, otherwise it'll be a straight set drubbing.
So predictions for ramorra: Rafa win in 4 sets (at best 5, at worst 3 if Andy goes tits up. Don't Andy!). Djokovic in 5 sets. Its gonna be a belter, so a word of warning to the wind: don't mess it up, alright??????????!!!!!
Later.
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