An update on results and news from Thursday 24 and Friday 25 January at the 2013 Australian Open.
I had to do some work yesterday so didn’t get a chance to the daily update. Instead I’ve combined both updates today.
Men’s Semi-Finals
Andy Murray defeated Roger Federer in the night match on Rod Laver Arena tonight 6-4 6-7(5) 6-3 6-7(2) 6-2. It was a huge match and one I wish I’d been there for!
- Read more in Australian open article: Murray slams Fed.
Novak Djokovic defeated David Ferrer in last night’s match on Rod Laver Arena 6-2, 6-2, 6-1 in only 1 hour 29 minutes. Djokovic is now in his fourth Australian Open final in six years.
- Read the Australian Open match report, No worries for Novak.
Women’s Semi-Finals
Li Na defeated Maria Sharapova 6-2, 6-2.
Read more in Li Na shatters Sharapova
In perhaps the best match she’s played in a year and a half, China’s Li Na crushed No. 2 Maria Sharapova 6-2 6-2 on Thursday to move into the Australian Open final for the second time in her career. In an astonishing display of all-round power and know how, Li never allowed the free-swinging Russian to gain a toehold in the match, consistently attacking her taller foe with well-placed serves, huge returns and lethal groundstrokes. The 30-year-old said it was as perfectly as she has ever played.
Victoria Azarenka defeated Sloane Stephens 6-1, 6-4. There was a controversy around Azarenka calling a nine minute time out towards the end of the match.
Read more in Vika soldiers on.
As Victoria Azarenka homed in on a place in the women’s singles final, sploshing Sloane Stephens for a set and a bit with power and panache, everything suddenly went horribly wrong both on and off the court. On court, the world No.1 went off the boil, started to panic and ended up being prodded and poked by the medics who discovered that one of her ribs had “locked”. Off the court, the Twitterati went ballistic, accusing Azarenka of gamesmanship for taking a nine-minute medical time out just as Stephens was about to serve to stay in the match. This was going to take some sorting out.
Watch this great Vid by the Australian Open, which tells the story of the women’s semi-finals
Other News
Women’s Tennis
Predictions on what will happen in women’s tennis throughout 2013 Crystal Ball: The Women
Fan-Focussed Thoughts
My article on 9 Fan-Focussed Thoughts about the 2013 Australian Open
Women’s Double Final
No.1 seeds Errani and Vinci will play Aussie duo 16 year old Barty and Dellacqua in today’s final. Have a look at the prize money.
Until next time
Grand Slam Gal