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The Seattle Seahawks came from behind at home in a tremendously exciting and hard fought game late Sunday to defeat San Francisco, 23 – 17 and will face Peyton Manning and the Denver Broncos in the Super Bowl on February 2,2014. Pulse stopping finish to this one, San Francisco driving and with 22 seconds left, pass in the endzone for M. Crabtree was deflected by Richard Sherman and found it’s way into the hands of fellow defender Smith for the game saving interception. The Seattle – Denver match up should be a great one. Also love the irony at the end, Richard Sherman played for 49er head coach Jim Harbaugh at Stanford. Well taught, don’t you think, it was an amazing defensive play to preserve the victory.
Meanwhile, admiring greatness and amazing talent, let’s talk Roger Federer! Federer returned to vintage “Federer form” last night (wee hours of the morning in the US) to take out J. Tsonga in straight sets, 6-4, 7-5 ,6-4. Federer express is rolling once again, and he will next face Andy Murray in the quarters. Murray needed four sets to prevail. Every facet of Roger’s brilliant game was on full display, forehand, backhand, serve, chip and volley, he certainly looks ready to ring in a much better 2014. Only converted on 3/7 break points opportunities, would still like to see that improve. Non the less, he looks locked and loaded to give Murray, Nadal and Djokovic a run for it all!
Nadal had a tough three set match against K. Nishikori, winning 7-6,7-5,7-6. 22 Dimitrov continues to come on and won in four sets to make his first quarters at the Australian Open (first of any Grand Slam).
On the women’s side, Sharapova fell to Dominkia Cibulkova, 3-6, 6-4,6-4. Both Serena and Maria out of this year’s Australian Open, failing to make the quarters. Serena can cite a back injury as a contributor to her early exit, along with the outstanding performance of Ana Ivanovic. Sharapova was simply beaten. She has not looked good at this tournament after her four month injury layoff. Azarenka took out the last remaining American, Sloane Stephens in convincing fashion, 6-3,6-2. She is the favorite, with strong consideration going to Li Na, A. Radwansak, both winners in straight sets, along with Ana Ivanovic. Ana will play the 19 year old tournament darling from Canada, Eugenia Bouchard (ranked #30) in tonight’s women’s quarterfinal match.
Very funny exchange with Azarenka in her on court post match interview. Boyfriend Redfoo was in the stands supporting her as he almost always is and she was asked about possibly buying a house down under since she loves the beaches there so much. She grinned and the commentator mentioned something missing..a ring! She laughed, Redfoo laughed (cringed?, no not really) and Vika said he better get her a bigger one than Caro’s. That was referring to the gorgeous huge rock given Caroline Wozniacki by now fiance Rory Mcilroy. So, we shall see how that all unfolds but he certainly loves tennis and is a very supportive boyfriend for Vika, almost never misses her matches.
Action continues tonight from down under, men’s and women’s quarters will air tonight and tomorrow night on ESPN2 with replays the next day on Tennis Channel. Most enticing match tonight on the men’s side, Stan Wawrinka vs. Novak Djokovic. Wawrinka lost a heartbreaker to Nole last year in five sets.
Until later…
