Yes, this is a tennis post. I have a love for tennis, whether it's watching it or playing it. In fact, my first UB article was about Roger Federer (you can read said article here.)Anyways, the Austrlian Open is the first major tournament of the year, and it is one of the Grand Slam tournaments (along with the French Open, Wimbledon, and the US Open). This year's Women's Final features an up-and-comer versus a wily veteran. Li Na, of China, the 9th ranked ATP Women's Player, will face off against the red-hot Kim Clijsters, who has made the finals (and lost) twice in Melbourne. Clijsters is the 3rd ranked player. A new fan-favorite, Li is the first Asian Women's player to reach a grand slam final.
Though Clijsters has won three US Opens, and this is Na's first grand-slam final, this one could easily be a close match. Na beat No. 1 player in the world Caroline Wozniacki to advance, taking a win despite facing two Wozniacki match points. Clijsters is coming off a US Open victory, and is playing like she did before a brief retirement in 2007 (she returned in 2009.)
So who am I "predicting" to win? While I'm no expert,I think I can make a somewhat informed descision. Clijsters seems unstoppable right now, winning her semi-final match in just over an hour, while Na went through a three-set thriller. Also, Clijsters has beat Na twice in grand-slam play. Though Na is a very likable, and talented player, look for Clijsters to win in two sets.
On Saturday, my men's final preview will be going up. Keep your eyes open for it.
now that Sharapova and Wozniacki are out no one really cares about women's.
ReplyDeleteHeikkila
One's man's opinion, but Sharapova hasn't really been relevant since 2008, at least when it comes to winning at majors. But she has plenty of awkward camera commercials to make up for it.
ReplyDeleteWozniacki IS entertaining, and but tell China that people don't care, as Na is somewhat of a star there, especially being the first Chinese tennis star in women's. And Clijsters, though boring, is a phenomenal tennis player.
Yeah exactly but not many here will watch them.
ReplyDeleteHeikkila
Very true, most casual fans in the US don't care if the Williams sisters or other more-recognized names (like Sharapova) aren't involved, but die-hard fans and those in other countries certainly have a vested interest in this match-up.
ReplyDelete