2014 French Open SF: Sharapova vs Bouchard

[Sundaymorningguy]

I think even Genie knows she better hang tough and make things happen this second set or odds are not good in her favor for a 3rd.

 

[Riotbeard]

Listening to this match on the radio. I am rooting for the one who doesn't scream in my ear everytime they hit the ball! :gross:

Go Genie, but seriously listening on the radio really draws out how obnoxious the screeches are.

 

[Denis]

So who is mentally stronger: Nadal or Sharapova?

I think Nadal, since Sharapova goes awol with the serve sometimes.

 

[shawnbm]

I don't think it pertains to this match, but match point down Maria has come from behind more times than Rafa. I would wager she probably has won more from being behind. How many times has Rafa come back from two sets down to win in a major? Granted there are three sets for women, but it is the same as for men--you lose the next set and you are done. Both of them, along with Connors and Novak, are very strong mentally. Pistol Pete and Borg are in there too.

 

[tented]

^ And Serena.

 

[shawnbm]

^ And Serena.

oh, without a doubt--the best along with Maria (except when she is playing Serena).

 

[kskate2]

^ Yeah I think Serena has come back the most from MP down in majors to being the eventual champion.

Off the cuff I can think of 3: 03 AO, 05 AO, 09 Wimby

 

[Denis]

I don't think it pertains to this match, but match point down Maria has come from behind more times than Rafa. I would wager she probably has won more from being behind. How many times has Rafa come back from two sets down to win in a major? Granted there are three sets for women, but it is the same as for men--you lose the next set and you are done. Both of them, along with Connors and Novak, are very strong mentally. Pistol Pete and Borg are in there too.

That's true. Although Nadal doesn't get there very often in the first place, so might be more focused in the beginning.

 

[Denis]

I feel that many of Sharapova's opponents start overhitting at some point. She doesn't offer much rythm for sure.

 

[Correspondent Kiu]

Match time pix:

 

[tented]

^ Yeah I think Serena has come back the most from MP down in majors to being the eventual champion.

Yes, Wimbledon '09 she was MP down in the semi against Dementieva.

 

[Denis]

^Nice! Last one is not very flattering though!

 

[britbox]

I think it was Nick Bollieteri (sp) that said Sharapova was the toughest cookie (mentally) that he'd ever worked with.

 

[Denis]

lol double fault on sp though now.

 

[Denis]

Excellent! Bp

 

[Correspondent Kiu]

This is a good match to watch.

Genie hangs tough and earns a break point.

 

[Denis]

That's very good. 3rd set point Sharapova.

 

[Correspondent Kiu]

Maria gets second serve ace to save another breeak point

 

[Denis]

5-4. Nice little comeback. Now hold serve.

 

[Correspondent Kiu]

Genie breaks in the 9th game of the second set, now 4-5, she will serve to even the set.