2019 Australian Open, Melbourne - WTA GRAND SLAM

[kskate2]

Just logged on to say Go Ash

Hi GG. Happy New Year. Don't stay away so long.

 

[tenisplayrla08]

Sloane saving 3 break back points. Had to work for the break. Doesn't want to give it back. Holds for 3-love.

 

[britbox]

Pavly gets on the board (can't be bothered to type her whole name out)

 

[kskate2]

I didn't see any matches yesterday. Good God what happened to Kerbie?

 

[kskate2]

Pavly gets on the board (can't be bothered to type her whole name out)

I go even shorter w/ Pavs.

 

[britbox]

I didn't see any matches yesterday. Good God what happened to Kerbie?

I didn't see it... was surprised as you!

Here's some very brief highlights, I couldn't find the full match.

 

[tenisplayrla08]

Sloane ready to SLEEEEEEP. She's like, "I got ta go." Focused. But Pavlyuchenkova playing well enough to keep her out there. Saves 3 break points here.

 

[tented]

I didn't see any matches yesterday. Good God what happened to Kerbie?

It was a train wreck of a match, based on the little bit ESPN showed. She played horribly.

 

[tenisplayrla08]

Pavlyuchenkova breaks back. Playing well enough to challenge. Good on her. Definitely hoping Sloane finds another level. But have always been a fan of Anastasia. So not too sad to see her at least challenging. Just hoping Sloane is the better player even with Pavlyuchenkova playing well.

 

[tossip]

@tossip Happy New Year!

hey kskate2 Happy New Year to you too...

 

[britbox]

Sloane grabs the first set. Not hugely impressive though at the mo.

 

[kskate2]

I still think she's missing her coach. He's notorious for coaching from the stands.

 

[britbox]

I still think she's missing her coach. He's notorious for coaching from the stands.

Any idea on why they split?

 

[tossip]

Scone is always cussing when she plays Pav...lol

 

[kskate2]

Any idea on why they split?

Rumor mill says they are taking a break and he will be back later this year. I don't know if he has a home situation to deal with or he just wanted to work w/ another player.

 

[britbox]

I've been spoiled today by some great tennis... maybe this is why I'm finding this match really uninspiring... :suicide:

 

[tenisplayrla08]

Man. Up 3-0. Has to win the set in a tiebreak. Up 2-0 in the second. Wins just 1 more game. Pavlyuchenkova definitely upping her ante. Adding more power or pace and keeping the ball in while doing so enough to win the games.

 

[tenisplayrla08]

A war of attrition out here. Commentators talking about Sloane is 2/11 on break points. Now 3/12. And Pavlyuchenkova is 4/18. They are 7/30 from break points. A lot of that is Sloane saving 8 in her first game of the third set. But still. Pavlyuchenkova playing well enough to put Sloane on the ropes but Sloane too good to go down. But she's broken again here. 3-2 Pavlyuchenkova. Her tactics are working. She seems to be getting a touch better. Missing less. Sloane just does not have her power game tonight. Though Pavlyuchenkova has a bit to do with that. Not letting her.

 

[tenisplayrla08]

Sloane just not good enough to deal with Pavlyuchenkova's power tonight. Definitely came out low energy. Except for the first few games. Pavlyuchenkova has been really good though. REALLY disappointing. But Pavlyuchenkova, having lost to Sloane twice before (never beat her) came in knowing that she's playing well. Trusting her game more. Going for less than she used to actually. Is more measured. And knowing that while Sloane is amazing, if you can keep up the power and keep the ball in, you can beat her. Sloane can return. Sloane has good bit of power when she wants to use it. And can handle the pace and redirect it. But hardly anyone can handle it this much. You have to inject your own pace. Go for it. Get off the back foot. Pavlyuchenkova has not let her do that when Sloane is serving. She's going after these returns so much.

 

[britbox]

Pavs (thanks @kskate2) closing in on the win.