First-time Wimbledon finalist Simona Halep and seven-time Wimbledon champion Serena Williams will meet in the championships match of the tournament’s 2019 edition after both cruised past their semifinal opponents on Thursday.
The first two games of Simona Halep’s match against first-time Grand Slam semifinalist Elina Svitolina promised a marathon, but eventually we had a fairly straight-forward victory of the former world No.1. After fighting for twenty minutes to go 2-0 up, Halep dropped serve, but then won all the remaining games, finalizing the set in 43 minutes on her sixth set point, after six deuces. In the second set, the seventh-seeded Halep held her first three service games to love before going a break up at 4-3 and never looking back, sealing a 6-1 6-3 victory with another break.
Even though it seemed that Halep wasn’t really troubled by Svitolina, if we disregard those several long games, the Romanian assured us otherwise:
It was not as easy as the score shows. I fought really hard, [Svitolina] is an amazing player and it’s always tough to play against her.
In the second women’s semifinal on Thursday, seed No.11 Serena Williams was too strong for unseeded Barbora Strycova, needing less than an hour to dispatch the Czech 6-1 6-2. They both made 10 unforced errors, but Williams counterbalanced them by 28 winners, compared to Strycova’s modest 8. The American legend was superior in every department, including her 80% break point conversion rate, compared to her opponent’s 0%, and the number of points won at the net, 81% as opposed to Strycova’s 36%.
Halep and Williams have faced each other 10 times so far, with Williams leading their head-to-head 9-1. The only time the Romanian celebrated against the American was in the semifinals of Indian Wells four years ago. Despite the lopsided record, Halep is now readier than ever to face the legend:
Now I feel stronger mentally facing her. We will see what is going to happen. It’s just a big challenge for me.
Serena steamrolled Barbora. She was never a threat to the GOAT, Serena. Halep’s opponent was not on her level either. Congrats to both ladies. I’d really like to see Serena take the title since Cocoa is out. So sick of folks harking on #24 as if she doesn’t already hold the Open Era record (why isn’t that being mentioned?). What I’d like to know is, why is ESPN and other networks always showing Federer’s Hall of Fame Record (as ESPN put it), showcasing & mentioning his major titles which includes mixed doubles, singles, doubles, and Olympic titles. Why don’t they showcase or mention each and every one of Serena’s major titles? I’ve even seen it done for Nadal. I mean, the woman won her first major singles title at age 17 and her first major mixed doubles title at age 16. Most young folk aren’t aware of that and should be schooled. Matter of fact, it seems most people in general aren’t aware. Thank God for Andy Murray speaking to Serena’s defense about how her accomplishments, dominance, and longevity in women’s tennis are overlooked and often not discussed or even mentioned. Can’t help but ask myself why this has been going on for all the years she’s been in the game: Like decades of seeing her opponents come and go, and yet she remains. Interesting indeed.
Have to say the Halep-Svitolina match was soooo dull. Both very boring players. Serena and Strycova was a bit more interesting although I was surprised at Strycova’s strategy. She was just hitting the ball back to Serena which there was really no point in doing.
Serena Williams: “I’m a mother! I would never cheat!” Well, good you realize you’re a mother. But were you thinking of motherhood (specifically your precious daughter) when you took the Harper’s Bazaar August 2019 edition photo where you’re showing your bare bottom? Indeed, your body is a gorgeous and well-built one, but no need to showcase it in such a provocative and suggestive way. Indeed, we see your huge bottom, but we certainly don’t need (or want to, personally) to see it naked! Moreover, please don’t forget: you’re a professional tennis player, not a stripper or a professional model! Stay focused, and make yourself a mother your miracle baby can always be proud of. #MORALITY&MODESTYCOUNT! #THELOVEOFMONEYISTHEROOTOFALLEVIL!
Billie Jean King is totally right! Serena Williams needs to give up all this celebrity and fighting for equality stuff! Didn’t I recently comment about her hooking up with Harper’s Bazaar for that provocative and very inappropriate photo shoot, showcasing her naked rear end? Her priorities are totally messed up until it’s just getting to be ridiculous! She looked like she usually does in a slam final since giving birth…a nervous unseasoned tennis player/the underdog. She’s lost her confidence and keeps letting nerves get the best of her since making her comeback. Serena should’ve steamrolled Halep (look at her record against Halep) and stepped up her level of play in the 1st set. Halep didn’t earn that title, it was COMPLETELY GIVEN TO HER BY A FEARFUL, NERVE-WRECKED 7-TIME WIMBLEDON CHAMP! After the 1st set, I turned my TV off and was done. Serena’s body language and lack of effort was a dead giveaway. She speaks of seeing a therapist; well, obviously a therapist is not the answer or solution. How are you going to go thru this tournament, do all that fighting and winning to then make it to yet another final and end up the loser? Makes no sense at all. There’s a much deeper issue going on here with Serena (psychological). Again, that was not a match…it was a stone give away! “Lord, help Serena to focus on the sport called tennis and find her way back to consistent championship form; help her to overcome and conquer nervousness, doubt, fear and unbelief. Help her to listen to Your still small voice and the wisdom of her elders, and help her to regain confidence and steadfast peace while on the court in a final. Pour your grace & mercy over her and bring her finally thru to the victory of acquiring at least 2 more major titles so she can retire from singles, focus on motherhood, and just simply enjoy life. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.”