Comments on: Australian Open Draw Top Heavy, Potential Sharapova vs. Davenport 2nd Round

By: helaena

helaena — Sat, 12 Jan 2008 06:20:34 +0000

Justine, Serena and Jelena, why do they always come together? Now add Lindsay, Amelie and Maria, we got a loaded top half. Pfff….But the first quarter is indeed ridiculous, Justine, Maria, Lindsay will battle it out.

Venus owns the bottomhalf I must say. But she has to be careful, we have a very motivated Ivanovic lurking in her quarters which can do some damage as Ana has been working really hard in Australia, plus taking a set off Justine for the first time must give her some confidence when playing against top players.

By: Aaress

Aaress — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 19:55:01 +0000

Hi Michael,

Just want to clarify something – I was not saying that Sharapova has received cakewalk draws, I was merely pointing out that for once, no one can say she did receive an easy draw.

Several times over the past couple of years I’ve heard mention that Sharapova’s draws are often easier than the other top players, even to the point of people claiming the draw is rigged.

If Sharapova did indeed receive kind draws over the past couple of seasons, why does she only have two Grand Slam titles? Her title in 2006 required a lot of effort and work, especially as you mentioned she had to battle Mauresmo and Henin.

Plus, despite having a relatively easy draw, a player is still never invincible – something Sharapova proved last year at Flushing Meadows.

By: Will.I.Am

Will.I.Am — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 19:40:55 +0000

Michael you obviously didn’t pay attention to any of Maria Sharapova’s draws last year. More times than not at major tournamnets, she wouldn’t have to face a top player until the later rounds. Look at her year-end championship draw! No matter what she was always on the unloaded side of the draw! She’s getting what she deserves! Go Davenport!

By: Michael

Michael — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 14:52:46 +0000

With the exception of the 2007 U.S. Open, which she failed to take advantage of, I’m not sure why the comment was made that Sharapova gets a cakewalk at the Grand Slams? She beat then Numbers 1 and 2 Henin and Mauresmo to win the Open in 2006, hardly a cakewalk.

By: Nick

Nick — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 02:39:31 +0000

I wouldn’t count on an All-Williams Sisters final, I don’t think it will happen. The draw on both side is just loaded, I think Venus would have a better chance of advancing.

It would be like old time if it does happen, but I think Justine is hungry to win Aussie Open and so is Serena…Some big battle up on the top again.

Should be a great two weeks on the women side, the second round between Maria and Lindsay will be a fake-final match if both play well.

By: Aaress

Aaress — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 02:24:07 +0000

Wow Nick, I never thought of comparing the Grand Slams – good idea!

Serena stands to gain the most from having the draw so loaded – Justine, Maria, and Lindsay will bump each other off before getting to her.

An All-Williams final is clearly not out of the question.

By: Nick

Nick — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 02:17:24 +0000

The top half once again gets the biggies…and Serena and Justine again put in the same draw along with Jelena Jankovic.

Maria will have to battle Davenport in the second round if both get through, what a top draw:

Top:

Justine, Serena, Maria, Davenport, Muaresmo = 22 Grand Slams among them.

Bottom:

Venus, Kuznetosva = 7 Slams.

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