Serena Williams Reigns Supreme at the 2007 Australian Open
Posted by Aaress Lawless on Jan 26, 2007 | Print
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The clock finally struck midnight in Serena Williams’ miraculous comeback today at the Australian Open, but like the famous fairy tale of Cinderella, Serena walked away as the Princess of Melbourne.
In a blistering display of near perfection (she had just eleven unforced errors, compared to twenty-seven winners), Serena Williams crushed top seed Maria Sharapova 6-1, 6-2 in the championship match.
Serena Williams has said that one of the things that she loves the most is to prove her critics wrong, but after tonight, nobody should be criticizing her game, fitness, or form for a very, very long time.
She came out so strong tonight against Sharapova that it was almost painful to see the new world’s number one - the “best” tennis player in the world - get pushed around on court. Nothing Maria tried worked, and in just sixty-two minutes, Serena was ready to hoist the trophy.
Not only was this one of Maria’s most depressing performances, but ESPN quoted the stat that this was her worst loss ever in a Grand Slam match. Of all the times to play her worst tennis, Maria Sharapova had to have a bad day at the office today.
The story of Maria’s Australian Open apart from her difficult first round match against Camille Pin was her uncharacteristically faulty serve. Two double faults in her opening service game handed Serena the early break, and by the time the straight sets match was finished, she had racked up six double faults.
Maria blew both of her first two service games, but she finally managed to get on the scoreboard at 0-5. Unfortunately for Maria, about the only thing that was good for was avoiding the dreaded bagel.
A shot into her body during the sixth game by Sharapova only made Serena even more willing to fight for the win and she served out the first set on her second match point for the early lead.
Maria opened the second set with a double fault, and after winning just one more point, she lost the opening break to Serena. Once again she had to struggle just to get on the scoreboard at 0-4, but Serena easily held to serve out the match on her first Championship point.
Serena’s ranking has skyrocketed since she first stepped on the court at Melbourne last week, and with her fourth Australian Open title - eighth overall - she is projected to rise back to No. 14.
An overjoyed, but tearful Serena dedicated the trophy to her late sister Yetunde Price, who was murdered in September of 2003.
I picked Sharapova to win the title, but this was truly Serena’s day on court. She has played a lot of big matches in her day, but I can truthfully say that this was the best performance I have ever seen from her. Unlike many times in the past, Serena did not need to will herself to the trophy.
She just played her game, her way, and the rest just came naturally.
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Sapphisto | Jan 26, 2007 | Reply
Well, color me depressed.
I can’t summon any enthuiasm for this result, and I’m actually kinda glad I missed the match (still at work).
Still, I’m sure plenty of people are thrilled - especially the tv ratings folks.
Gah. I’ll look forward to the mens’ final - that’s going to be a scorcher of a match!!
Nexty | Jan 26, 2007 | Reply
or may be it wasn’t Sharpie’s day
what did she mean when she talked about Jeova?
Aaress | Jan 26, 2007 | Reply
Nexty,
Yes, it definitely was not Sharapova’s day, but Serena dominated from the start and really played an exceptionally clean match.
Serena and Venus identify themselves religiously with the beliefs of Jehovah Witnesses. Instead of calling God by name, they use the name Jehovah, which is taken from the ancient Hebrew spelling for God (YHWH or Yahweh).
Nexty | Jan 26, 2007 | Reply
I made a bit of reserch and I found out that sport and being a Witness was kind of contradiction
Wierd no?
I didn’t hear excactly what she said..was ia a Thanks …?
Aaress | Jan 26, 2007 | Reply
She did express thanks in her speech, and in fact, does that after winning any title.
I’m not sure where sports fits into their religion, but I do know that there are a lot of things that they can and cannot do based on their beliefs.
Brant | Jan 27, 2007 | Reply
OK, it was SOOO great to be at the final today… and Serena fully deserves the victory.
It was complete opposites really… Serena played incredible, while Maria played awful.
But what a way for Serena to officially announce that she is back!!!
Venusfan | Jan 27, 2007 | Reply
All I can say is wow! That was the real Serena, who we havn’t seen since about 2002. Shahpova didn’t stand a chance. And Serena was so happy at the end! And it was lovely the way she dedicated it to Yetunde. Brought a tear to my eye.
Nexty | Jan 27, 2007 | Reply
loved her dancing show before the ceremony lol
Spud | Jan 29, 2007 | Reply
It’s great to see her back and playing so well. Fingers crossed that she can stay injury free this year. Watch out Sharapova, Williams will be gunning for that number one spot.
Aaress | Jan 29, 2007 | Reply
Hi Spud,
Nice redesign! I get your updates in my rss feed reader and enjoy reading your work.