6 Li Na shocked 2 Sharapova in straight sets, 6 – 2, 6- 2 to advance to her second Australian Open final (lost to Kim Clijsters in her first). Na outplayed Sharapova from start to finish, playing perhaps one of her most complete tennis matches ever. I was pleased to see this result.
1 Azarenka took out the up and coming Sloane Stephens (fresh off of her huge upset win over an injured Serena Williams) 6 -1, 6-4. Bit of controversy when serving at 5 -3 for the match, Azarenka called for a trainer and then left the court for ten minutes to deal with two different injuries. She had squandered 5 match points prior to this and so now people will talk about the “timing” of this injury timeout. At the end of the day, Azarenka won, was probably going to win regardless and yes, perhaps the injury timeout rule in tennis needs to be discussed and changed. Do not think the end result of this match was in doubt to be honest. So 1 Azarenka and 6 Li Na will face off for the Australian Open women’s title. Azarenka must win to remain at #1 in the world. If she loses, Serena Williams (currently at #3) will regain the #1 world ranking.
Mens’ semifinal action; Djokovic dismantled Ferrer 6 -2, 6 -2, 6-1. Ferrer had come back from two sets down to win a grueling five set quarterfinal victory in his last outing. No disrespect, but does anyone else miss Rafa?
Huge semifinal tonight (probably 3:30 am EST), 2 Roger Federer and 3 Andy Murray. Rematch of Wimbledon final (Fed) and Gold Medal final (Murray). I know you all know it, but I will say it just for good measure, I am pulling for Mr. Federer!
