2017 US Open SF: Venus Williams vs. Sloane Stephens

[AnonymousFan]

Who wins?

 

[GameSetAndMath]

V will win in three. Sloane is coming back after a long injury break. But, Vee is in form all through year. Further, Sloane is basically a defensive player and that attitude is not going to win big matches.

 

[isabelle]

Sloane hopefully, I've always loved her, don't know why, she seems to be a nice little woman even if I never met her

 

[kskate2]

Venus in 2 tight sets or 3 sets w/ one being easy

 

[Moxie]

I like vote and didn't vote. I'd like to have seen Venus, but I think Sloane has a new grit after injury. Good for her.

 

[Fiero425]

I like vote and didn't vote. I'd like to have seen Venus, but I think Sloane has a new grit after injury. Good for her.

I'm so proud of Sloane finishing off the old lady! She's had her time; give someone else a chance I always say about old vets w/ no lives!

 

[the AntiPusher]

What a match..Wow..Sloane 's game has gotten so much better..she didnt have a mud court game before..everything was from behind the baseline.,I have to admit I was pulling for Vee..she played so great and such a classy lady..in the end.,it was too much Miss Ebony Smooth for Vee..

(Kskate you named that beautiful young lady well)

 

[kskate2]

It was as if no one wanted to win the match in the 3rd. Both getting broken several times, but Venus wasn't aggressive at the net when she needed to be nor did she serve all that well. That recipe is a paradise for a defensive player like Sloane who just kept getting the ball back. Congrats to Ebony Smooth on reaching her first slam final. I don't think she will win it though. Too defensive a game for either Keys or Puffy.

 

[Fiero425]

What a match..Wow..Sloane 's game has gotten so much better..she didnt have a mud court game before..everything was from behind the baseline.,I have to admit I was pulling for Vee..she played so great and such a classy lady..in the end.,it was too much Miss Ebony Smooth for Vee..

I'm so glad Sloane knocked out the old lady who has no life & should move on to something else! Now Venus can go see her new niece!

 

[the AntiPusher]

It was as if no one wanted to win the match in the 3rd. Both getting broken several times, but Venus wasn't aggressive at the net when she needed to be nor did she serve all that well. That recipe is a paradise for a defensive player like Sloane who just kept getting the ball back. Congrats to Ebony Smooth on reaching her first slam final. I don't think she will win it though. Too defensive a game for either Keys or Puffy.

I would favor Madison but I respectfully disagree with your analysis of defensive tennis..Sloane took it to Vee, In response, Vee brought it back and then with some more firepower but Sloane defense was almost like Novak or young Rafa, indestructible.. Sloane forced Vee to hit another ball, which was way too much for Venus..

 

[Fiero425]

I would favor Madison but I respectfully disagree with your analysis of defensive tennis..Sloane took it to Vee, In response, Vee brought it back and then with some more firepower but Sloane defense was almost like Novak or young Rafa, indestructible.. Sloane forced Vee to hit another ball, which was way too much for Venus..

I only watched it periodically, but I think most players are too defensive! They hit a great shot making their opponent scramble, but stay back 10 yards behind the baseline allowing a weak squash shot to stay in the point! I grew up when it was necessary to finish off points at the net instead of trying to outlast or wait for an error! I would think Sloane got defensive in that 2nd set hoping Venus would give her the match and she barely made it through in 3!

 

[the AntiPusher]

I only watched it periodically, but I think most players are too defensive! They hit a great shot making their opponent scramble, but stay back 10 yards behind the baseline allowing a weak squash shot to stay in the point! I grew up when it was necessary to finish off points at the net instead of trying to outlast or wait for an error! I would think Sloane got defensive in that 2nd set hoping Venus would give her the match and she barely made it through in 3!

Could be..I thought Venus stepped up her game..

 

[GameSetAndMath]

It was as if no one wanted to win the match in the 3rd. .

Correction. It was as if neither would let the other player win in the 3rd set.

 

[GameSetAndMath]

I posted in the wrong thread. I came home late, but just in time when 3rd set was about to begin. I was extremely impressed by the quality of tennis that these two brought. Easily, the best set at this year's USO.

I was rooting for Vee and generally don't like Sloane that much, but despite that I was really impressed by Sloane's determination, grit and defense. Unbelievable. From #930 to USO finalist in 5 weeks.

Now, I will be rooting for Sloane in the finals.

 

[kskate2]

I would favor Madison but I respectfully disagree with your analysis of defensive tennis..Sloane took it to Vee, In response, Vee brought it back and then with some more firepower but Sloane defense was almost like Novak or young Rafa, indestructible.. Sloane forced Vee to hit another ball, which was way too much for Venus..

Then we'll have to disagree. ES is the African American Kerber. She gets a ton of balls back, waits for her opponent to self-destruct and will occasionally strike a winner when the iron is hot . It's not that she can't be more aggressive and take the initiative, she just doesn't. Sorry, but 17 winners in a 3-set SF match against a power player spells defense all the day long...

 

[isabelle]

just very happy for Sloane, hope she can win this USO