U.S Open 2010: Player performances after two difficult weeks in New York
We have heard for years that the French Open tennis tournament is the hardest competition to win. However, what about the United States Open? It is not contested on clay and it does not need as many hours of work, but it does require that you fight in two
totally distinct sets of conditions, from the sultry humidity to the alarmingly breezy. Even the top ranked tennis ace, Rafael Nadal, who played some of the best tennis of his professional life, missed a set along the way. The last time a player captured a
U.S Open title without even dropping a single set was fifty years ago.
Let’s discuss some of the players who contested this year’s U.S Open and how they fared over two difficult weeks in New York.
1. Kim Clijsters
Kim contested in the 2010 final major in the absence of Serena Williams as well as Justine Henin. At 5-4 up during the third set in her match against Venus, the Belgian showed the world everything she has. Kim controlled her nerves and played one of the
finest games she has ever played in a clash of such magnitude and versus an opponent of William’s stature. Then Clijsters went out and did it for a total of two sets in the title battle where she didn’t look that she could miss if the Belgian had attempted.
Therefore, as far as the U.S Open champ is concerned, she was unhampered by the blustery conditions at Flushing Meadows in New York and the hard court well supported her game and style.
2. Vera Zvonareva
It won’t be unfair to give Vera a benefit of doubt, for the sake of sympathy. Considering the recent Women’s final in New York, it is extremely difficult to go out there and fight for a Saturday night clash on the very first occasion in a career. However,
after Vera’s patient and smart elimination of Caroline in the semi final battle, it was also a little frustrating to say the least. All the old instability and nerves, which Vera looked to have overcome came rushing back on court.
3. Caroline Wozniacki
The Danish tennis star, despite being seeded number one in New York couldn’t make it that far as she did back in 2009. However, when the Dane triumphed, she without any question triumphed comprehensively and her straight-setter
win over the Russian tennis ace, Maria Sharapova was an amazing exhibition of power and control. The problem is when a pressure situation arises, as it did versus Vera in the semi final match, there is not a whole lot that Caroline can do about it. Wallboards
are strong and tough to move and are not so famous for their flexibility.
4. Maria Sharapova
She is just twenty-three at the moment, but now that the U.S Open is over, a question can be asked, that will she ever grab another Grand Slam title in her career? To be honest, it doesn’t look like an easy task for the former
top ranked Russian sensation as a lot of things can go wrong with Sharapova’s game, ranging from her service toss to the most usual forehand. Maria has always played on the risky edge, however, every player losses accuracy if they fail to play well on a consistent
basis.
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