2013 French Open SF: Sharapova vs. Azarenka

[tented]

Blonde Ambition Tour - Volume 13
Latest Stop on this tour is Paris

Vika leads the H2H 7-5

Maria has won both clay meetings, 2012 Stuttgart and 2011 Rome. Vika has won both meetings in the slams, 2012 AO and 2012 USO.

Who will be the most ambitious blonde?

vs.

 

[Correspondent Kiu]

I have to take Vika although it's really a toss-up.

Oooops, voted the other way!

 

[10isfan]

The dream semifinal. We get to see whether Vika can compete with Pova on red clay. This is the only surface where Pova can realistically beat Vika. The winner here will get run over by Serena.

 

[Calvy]

The dream semifinal. We get to see whether Vika can compete with Pova on red clay. This is the only surface where Pova can realistically beat Vika. The winner here will get run over by Serena.

Sharapova has beaten Azarenka on indoor hard and almost beat her at USO.

That being said, this is a toss up, could go either way.

 

[Sundaymorningguy]

They both have been pretty atrocious with their serving, so this is a toss up. I will go with Sharapova in 3 as she has been to this stage at RG.

 

[10isfan]

Good point, Sunday. First semifinal appearance for Vika. Pova should prevail unless her serve is worse than Vika's.

 

[revan]

I'm taking Maria in 3

 

[10isfan]

Calvy, thanks for the clarification. I knew Pova has beaten Vika on other surfaces. I should have said red clay is the surface where Vika has the toughest time beating Pova. I am looking forward to this match, but not the final which I do not expect to be competitive unless Serena is completely off or injured.

 

[MargaretMcAleer]

I will go with Azarenka in 3 sets

 

[tented]

Sharapova in three, but I agree with the others who think it's a toss-up.

 

[kskate2]

Maria in 3. She's trying to defend as many points as possible.

 

[Correspondent Kiu]

Masha took the opening set 6-1
It's all even at 1-1 in the second set.

Anyone watching this match? I am about to tune in.

 

[10isfan]

Will start third set after rain delay.

 

[Correspondent Kiu]

Masha is gooood in third sets, Vika is the smarter player she also has the momentum, beating Masha 6-2 last set.
Some key stats of the match after 2 sets:
Masha 5 Aces 4 double faults
Vika 2 Aces 0 Double faults
Winnes: Masha 20 Vika 12
Unforced errors: Masha 17 Vika 9
Breaks: Masha 3/6 Vika 3/4
Serve %: Masha 60% Vika 71%
Total points: Masha 44 Vika 39

 

[kskate2]

Masha took the opening set 6-1
It's all even at 1-1 in the second set.

Anyone watching this match? I am about to tune in.

We were all watching and were in the chat room. Join us next time

 

[Calvy]

It just dawned on me after the finish of this match. That these are the same semifinalist from the last USO, and in that semi between Maria and Vika, Vika came out on top 6-4 in the third....hmmm!

 

[kskate2]

It just dawned on me after the finish of this match. That these are the same semifinalist from the last USO, and in that semi between Maria and Vika, Vika came out on top 6-4 in the third....hmmm!

Good catch!

Had it been hard courts my vote would have been Vika in 3. But on the clay I thought Maria would have a slight edge in 3 sets and in the end she did.

 

[MashaFan]

And the "cow on ice" - the lovely - incredible - fantastic - stellar and amazing Masha did it again - and won her semifinal 61, 26, 64 - The excitement was nearly killing me but she did it in the end - And what a stellar finish it was - an ACE on her first match point!!! - Who gives a freck about all her DF in such a show!!

I was a great fight from Vika as well - Masha's H2H vs Vika has however shrunk to 7 - 6 so the talk about Vika has Masha number doesn't apply anymore!! - I'm also glad that Vika went off the court in one piece - extremely healthy - Thank Gawd for that

Now Masha probably has to face Serena in the final - but I really don't give a freck if Masha loses against Serena once again - 2-13 against Serena or 2-14 - *shrug* - It doesn't matter anymore - Masha at least has provided great entertainment in this French Open

Thank you Masha!!!​

 

[Calvy]

It just dawned on me after the finish of this match. That these are the same semifinalist from the last USO, and in that semi between Maria and Vika, Vika came out on top 6-4 in the third....hmmm!

Good catch!

Had it been hard courts my vote would have been Vika in 3. But on the clay I thought Maria would have a slight edge in 3 sets and in the end she did.

Yes, I did also, especially after the rain. It slows the court and heavy spin isn't as effective.