Tuesday, September 06, 2016

U.S. Open: Finally! A women's barnburner

Well, I'm not going to feign surprise about Venus Williams' loss in the fourth round yesterday. My draw had her bowing out to Karolina Pliskova from the beginning. One thing that did surprise me was the quality of the match -- on Venus' part. She has a tendency to go off the rails in an effort to go for her shots, but lately she's been able to do that and keep the ball in the court. In my estimation, even when she was destroying everyone on tour, her game wasn't as strong as it is now. She and Pliskova both played unbelievable tennis, especially when things got tight for both of them. OK, that backhand crosscourt by Venus on her third match point down? And the forehand up the line by Pliskova in the same spot? WHAT?! That was finally our high-level women's match of the tournament.
I thought there was a chance Agz Radwanska/Ana Konjuh would reach that level, but Konjuh apparently had to get back to the hotel and watch some Degrassi because she handled Radwanska with the quickness. This is one situation where the score (6-4, 6-4) did not reflect the match, because it seemed that Konjuh ran away with the thing. So it looks like Konjuh's going to be a handful for the next person playing her -- Pliskova. That should be fun.
There are a couple of good day matches lined up today, along with Caroline Wozniacki v. Ana Sevastova and Novak Djokovic v. Jo-Jo Tsonga at night. I know we just had a holiday weekend, but I am wondering if it would be low-class to take another day off with sickness. Because:
Angelique Kerber v. Roberta Vinci: This has No. 1-ranking implications for Kerber. Basically, all she has to do is win the U.S. Open and she'll be the best player in the world! So easy! And against Vinci? Oh please. Of course she'll roll against her. I mean, last year, Vinci just ... oh. Hm. Hmmmm.
I definitely feel a fever coming on.
Lucas Pouille v. Gael Monfils: Now I have the chills and a slight cough. Achy throat. Reaching for my cell phone.

4 comments:

GLT said...

I'm glad I'm not the only one considering taking additional time off this week! Though, realistically I can not, and will have to watch delayed. Its ok, I'll live.

I'm VERY excited about Ana Konjuh. It probably helped that Aga has never been one of my favorite players, but I was very impressed with the 19 year old.

I also think Wozniacki could do some damage! She played a great match against Madison Keys, who let Wozzy cause her to implode. Keys has to have a plan B for when the ball comes back!

Naf said...

No spoilers! Kidding -- but I do hope to be watching tonight until I pass out.
So Konjuh. I'm not saying she doesn't have game, but if there's a top 10 player I'd pick to play as an underdog, then why not Radwanska? If you can hit through her trickery, why not? Do you think she'll beat Pliskova?
Woz is looking good right now. I guess Sevastova got hurt, which I missed, so I'd like to see what she does against Kerber. That will be the test.
Keep blogging! I'm putting you in my blog roll, so you have to.

GLT said...

Little late on the replies to your questions...I don't think I've been paying Pliskova enough attention! I did not get to see the Serena match, I got home from work just in time to see match point. And then I fell over.

I'm going to try to keep blogging! Might change platforms, and if I do, I will let you know!

Naf said...

LOL -- yeah, I about fell over on that match point, too. A double fault?!!! Whaaaa??!!!
I don't think anyone's paid much attention to Pliskova until recently. I could not believe the way she took down Kerber in Cincy.
It's been really hard to keep blogging for me, too. But I have so much fun with it, why not? :)