Comments on: Justine Henin Wins 32nd Straight, Awaits Maria Sharapova in Quarterfinals

By: Lee Chen Siong

Lee Chen Siong — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 00:38:27 +0000

My! I was made speechless. Gotta swallow my words! Sharapova simply played a flawless game. Guess you were right to say that Henin was no longer in that state of winning-ness. She was simply outplayed in all departments. Congrats to you and your Maria.

By: pov

pov — Mon, 21 Jan 2008 00:47:47 +0000

Yeah. It’s interesting. I was musing that there’s a state I’ll call winning-ness. Most everyone has been there from time-to-time. It seems that certain people lock into that state for longer periods and, no matter what, they pull off the victory. If Justine Henin is still in that state, Sharapova - who I’m rooting for - may have a difficult time.

By: Lee Chen Siong

Lee Chen Siong — Mon, 21 Jan 2008 00:26:29 +0000

So what. justine will definitely delivers when it matters. Playing against Hsieh, a novice for the first time, esp when leading 6-2, 5-0. That explains the late hiccups. But playing Maria in the quarters will be something else. She will simply rise to the occasion to beat Maria, again. You bet.

By: Aaress

Aaress — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 22:14:41 +0000

Good question, Pov. Apparently, Justine’s winning the points that really matter, but I’m not convinced that she will be good enough to defeat Sharapova tomorrow.

Henin has never been the best server in women’s tennis, so I’m not puzzled by her low service percentage or double faults, but the key to her continued success is that she returns serve so well.

By: pov

pov — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 18:25:36 +0000

How is Henin winning? Looking at the match stats, she was outplayed in almost every way.

Stats are here: http://www.australianopen.com/en_AU/scores/stats/day12/2401ms.html

By: pov

pov — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 18:23:06 +0000

How is Henin winning? Looking at the match stats, she was outplyaed in almost every way.

Match Summary Henin (BEL)Hsieh (TPE) 1st Serve %30 of 63 = 48 %29 of 50 = 58 %

  Aces20
  Double Faults41
  Unforced Errors2324
  Winning % on 1st Serve20 of 30 = 67 %8 of 29 = 28 %
  Winning % on 2nd Serve15 of 33 = 45 %13 of 21 = 62 %

  Winners (Including Service)2016
  Receiving Points Won29 of 50 = 58 %28 of 63 = 44 %
  Break Point Conversions6 of 9 = 67 %2 of 5 = 40 %
  Net Approaches15 of 20 = 75 %6 of 10 = 60 %
  Total Points Won6449

Fastest Serve185 KMH165 KMH Average 1st Serve Speed171 KMH145 KMH Average 2nd Serve Speed142 KMH117 KMH