I’ve extended my New Year’s Eve celebrations a bit, but today I’m finally resuming blogging and launching the 2014 season. You may know that in Serbia we also celebrate the Serbian New Year on the night of January 13th, but I will not let that one make me lose track of my blogging duties. 🙂
The start of 2014 has been very busy in tennis, with the Brisbane International, Shenzhen Open and ASB Classic all running in this first week of January. While at the ASB Classic Ana Ivanovic is set to face Venus Williams in the finals and in China Li Na will play fellow Chinese Peng Shuai for the title, at the Brisbane International, which suffered a lot of injuries and withdrawals but had it’s top four seeds all in the semifinals, Victoria Azarenka defeated Jelena Jankovic despite dropping her first three service games and facing three break points in the beginning of the second set. As for the other semifinal, the last time Maria Sharapova had defeated Serena Williams was in 2004 and now we’re in 2014 and the Russian has yet again failed to find the key to Williams’ game. The top-seeded Williams defeated her 6-2 7-6(7) and extended her head-to-head lead to 15-2. Williams cruised through the first set, and after recovering from 3-1 down in the second, she ground out the victory.
I’m glad to be back in top gear with my blogging! 🙂 (photo: ©Neal Trousdale)
Happy New Year, Marija and everyone!!!!
Seems Serena had no problem picking up from where she left off last season. The season is just kicking off but the ladies are all ready for battle.
It’s a shame Jelena lost focus in her semis but I see good things for her this year. I wouldn’t be surprised if she ended the year in top 5.
Hopefully Venus stays healthy enough but it’s doubtful considering her debilitating disease.
Azarenka needs to improve her first serve if she wants to win majors this year. Too many breaks of serve against her.
Question is how healthy is Maria’s shoulder?
Na Li seems to also be picking up from where she left off, which is a good thing. She loves this part of the season.
As for Ana, I think the jury is still out 🙂
Cheers,
Ashley
African Tennis Now, nice overview 🙂 I would like JJ and Ana to have another 2008 in 2014 and I wouldn’t let my hopes get to high, but there might be a good chance!