AO 2013 - Semifinals - Vika Azarenka v. Sloane Stephens

[TennisFan436]

Has a thread been created on the match of the day? Not even Djoker/Ferrer can top this one. SO excited to see this. I think Sloane can pull this one out in 2 if she is on the ball early. Aza has shown some major weakness in her last two matches.

[mistik]

Sloane wins in 3.

[Warmaster]

Azarenka in 2. It takes something special to defeat her in a hc major (in other words: Serena in great form) these days and I don't think Stephens is quite up to the task yet.

[Soianka]

I know RedFoo is happy to not have to see Serena whip up on Vika again.

That said, I think Victoria is going to win in 2 relatively easy sets.

But I look forward to possibly being surprised with a great showing by Sloane.

[robow7]

AZ in straights. Sloan will have the typical let down after beating one's idol.

[TennisFan436]

Come on Sloane!! I hope Li Na inspired you. Lets get this done in 2!

[soyizgood]

Thank goodness I don't need to start another thread. Sometimes I feel I should get paid by the WTA for all the WTA posts I've started here.

I root for both, but this time I'm pulling for a fellow Californian in Sloane.

[Ginger ninja]

Redfoo's getting lucky tonight.....and probably within the hour.
This could be a blowout

[JadeC]

I think I will be in the minority this time. Rooting for Azarenka.

[THUNDERVOLLEY]

Azarenka sees the finish line, and has avoided all attention so far. This should allow her to play free of the influence of the media or talking heads.

[quest01]

I'm going with Sloane in three sets, gotta go with the American.

[Soianka]

What's interesting is if Sloane wins, Serena becomes #1.

[scrappy]

now, i like sloane stephens a lot, BUT that interview shot that keep showing where she says something like "i'm in a grand slam semifinal, whoa! it wasn't as hard as i thought!" seems a little -- dare i say it, disrespectful (her recent complaint about serena) -- of the people she beat to get there?

[scrappy]

Originally Posted by Soianka

What's interesting is if Sloane wins, Serena becomes #1.

pretty ironic

[Vlad_C]

Sloane who?

Let's face the reality: she's not really that good. She did not play that well against Serena, and only won the match due to Serena's injuries. Even then, after Serena's injury timeout, she kept hitting the net a few times in a row.

At least last year she used to look good. Now, she looks more and more like Serena. Maybe they share the same pharmacist, who knows.

She has the physical condition to overpower many opponents, but she really needs to work on her groundstrokes. Lose those loopy topspin forehands that all teenage American players are thought by their USTA coaches, and learn to hit more winners.

[BreakPoint]

Pam Shriver must be blind. She said that ball Sloane challenged was "way in" when Hawkeye showed it to be way out.

[scrappy]

ugh, commentators are so much worse for this semi than the last one

[Defcon]

Pam and Chris, worst ever, just won't shut up. Listening to Pam is torture.

[President]

Azarenka has the same semi-grinding, mid pace, generic game as Lance does, it's tough to watch either of them..

[Brian11785]

Originally Posted by BreakPoint

Pam Shriver must be blind. She said that ball Sloane challenged was "way in" when Hawkeye showed it to be way out.

Rewatch the tape. She said "If this ball was way in, it is a sign that Sloane is tight." based on the fact that it was, like, the second point of the match and Sloane seemed to not even go for it (sort of willing it out.) She never called the ball in.