Well, it is coming down to the nitty gritty of the tournament. Who has peaked and who are still yet to reach their top level.
Last night saw the ousting of the No. 4 seed Agnieszka Radwanska at the hands of former French Open champion and World's No. 6, Na Li, 7-5, 6-3. Sharapova continued her dominance of her side of the draw by beating Makarova 2 and 2. While everyone has been saying how dominant Sharapova has been this tournament, one only has to look at the rankings of her opponent to determine whether she is playing exceptionally well, or whether she is playing those that she should beat. The true test will come at the hands of Na, and if she gets by her in the same dominant fashion, then I will say that she is heads and shoulders above everyone on her side of the draw.
Day 10 sees the defending champion, Victoria Azarenka taking on resurgent Svetlana Kuznetsova. Kuznetsova had a fairly tough match against Wozniacki in the previous round and while Kuznetsova was able to get by Wozniacki, I don't think she will be as fortunate against Vika. Azarenka in 3.
The other ladies quarter-final sees the betting favourite Serena Williams going up against tennis' newest darling, Sloane Stephens. They had a pretty tight match in Brisbane a few weeks ago with Williams coming through in 2 tight sets. Look for the same thing to happen here. Williams does not under any circumstances want another young player making her name by beating her in a Major. That happened in 2004 and has not happened since. Look for Williams to come out dialed in, especially after losing a tough 3 set battle in doubles yesterday.
The only concern that I, and many others have is whether Serena's ankle is fine. I think it is.
Last night saw the ousting of the No. 4 seed Agnieszka Radwanska at the hands of former French Open champion and World's No. 6, Na Li, 7-5, 6-3. Sharapova continued her dominance of her side of the draw by beating Makarova 2 and 2. While everyone has been saying how dominant Sharapova has been this tournament, one only has to look at the rankings of her opponent to determine whether she is playing exceptionally well, or whether she is playing those that she should beat. The true test will come at the hands of Na, and if she gets by her in the same dominant fashion, then I will say that she is heads and shoulders above everyone on her side of the draw.
Day 10 sees the defending champion, Victoria Azarenka taking on resurgent Svetlana Kuznetsova. Kuznetsova had a fairly tough match against Wozniacki in the previous round and while Kuznetsova was able to get by Wozniacki, I don't think she will be as fortunate against Vika. Azarenka in 3.
The other ladies quarter-final sees the betting favourite Serena Williams going up against tennis' newest darling, Sloane Stephens. They had a pretty tight match in Brisbane a few weeks ago with Williams coming through in 2 tight sets. Look for the same thing to happen here. Williams does not under any circumstances want another young player making her name by beating her in a Major. That happened in 2004 and has not happened since. Look for Williams to come out dialed in, especially after losing a tough 3 set battle in doubles yesterday.
The only concern that I, and many others have is whether Serena's ankle is fine. I think it is.
