Truth be told, no scare is a big scare for Serena Williams, even though the initial double-break 3-0 lead that Sloane Stephens earned in their blockbuster fourth-round Indian Wells clash did look encouraging to the younger American. But you know, sometimes I think that Serena allows these slumps on purpose, to give her opponents a confidence boost and then enjoy watching them dissipate in despair.
Anyways, at 3-3 in the first set, just as I was considering whether Serena maybe purposely gave Sloane three straight games in the opening of the set, I ditched my conspiracy theory when Serena wasted a set point at 5-4 and in the tiebreak that soon followed Sloane was in full command until winning it 7-3.
With her first serve improved and Sloane’s number of errors up, Serena straightforwardly took the second set, firmly holding to the break she earned in the first game of the set and then sealing Sloane’s fate by another break in the seventh game.
Sporting the pink version of her sexy Nike Spring Slam Tunic launched at the Australian Open, the world No.1 Serena pretty much copied and pasted the second set to the decider, winning the match 6-7(3) 6-2 6-2 on Stadium 1.
And by the way, after all the drama between the two players, I can tell you that today the net handshake was very friendly! 🙂 (photo: © Neal Trousdale)
I am glad that she passed this round, but she is not playing well nor moving, and she isn’t serene at all. I wonder wassup with her or is it just the fact that she hasn’t played for “a long time”
Forehand11, I’m not worried about Serena, she always turns on the power button when necessary.
I hope she does that this time again, i really want her to win this tournament just for history, she’ll be the first to win it 3 times ( and then in the future Masha could pass that statistic ). It’ll be cool if she pull off IW and Miami back to back which is a big challenge
Forehand11, well maybe you’re asking for too much, but since it’s Serena, nothing is too much.
I know, i know. Kim did it in ’05 and Graf twice in ’94 & ’96 ( well that was another era : competition-wise. Like i said “it’d be cool” to write that in her history, but she doesn’t need that.
Sidenotes : A well focused and motivated SW can do that, a second week of grand slam type of Serena
Serena might have a tough match in Bacsinsky next round..but she should win. BTW what was with Pennetta..she was on the verge of tears throughout her match with Sharapova (which she won!) Is she breaking it off with Fognini or something? Noticed Favio showed up to watch her match kind of late.
Hey Marija, this is off topic but on the subject of fashion, Maria and Serena are both carrying some really nice Nike tote bags. I don’t see them for sale. Do you have any information on these?
No Jim,
She was just overwhelmed during the whole match and really tight in the first set, she really wants to do well at IW this year again and really really wanted to win this match up vs Masha
Thanks Forehand11. I remember Pennetta’s semifinal match against Li last year at IW. Before the match they were laughing and chatting with each other in the tunnel! Li also was very friendly with Cibulkova before the semifinals at Miami last year. No other player but Li Na could do this. I sure do miss her.
@Jim Man, i wasn’t ready for her retirement, just when i started to watch wta tennis again…. She is truly missed
Sabey, unfortunately not. I searched Nike’s website, Tennis Warehouse, and other retailers and I haven’t found the bags. If I come across them, I will let you know.
Thanks Marija!
I know Serena will win Indian Wells this year. I think on eof her goals is to do the IW-Miami double. That would be interesting considering she’s the defending champion in Miami. Oh I love Serena’s dress!
Sabey, I’m sorry I couldn’t be of more help.