FO - Womens Semi-Final Day

Good morning tennis fans. I know that today's play won't have as much interest as tomorrow's juicy line up, but there is some interest to be had and some interesting talking points. We have Schiavone looking to retain her title. Sharapova looking to complete a career Grand Slam. Bartoli looking to win her native slam title and Li Na looking to become the first Chinese player to win a singles slam. A couple of records there to be had.

Also I would like this thread to be used as a discussion for tomorrow's semi finals. Can Djokovic continue the streak or will Federer do the seemingly impossible and defeat the Serbinator? Also there will be plenty of British interest. Will Andy Murray end Rafa's era at Roland Garros and make it from the red button onto BBC2 or will Rafa pull in another superb display and dash British hopes again?

I know I can't wait.

Today's head to head records

Sharapova 5 - 2 Na. Sharapova has won their only clay meeting, but Li Na has won the last 2 meetings which were both at Brimingham on grass in 2009 and 2010.

Bartoli 1 - 4 Schiavone. These 2 have never met on clay before, which should make today's encounter interesting. The last time these 2 met was back in 2009 at Wimbledon where Schiavone won in 2 sets.

Some pub trivia knowledge. The last time 4 women semi finalists that had all previously had made a Grand Slam final appearance?

Wimbledon 2009. Where Serena Williams faced Elena Dementieva and Venus Williams faced Dinara Safina.

Another fact. The last time the 4 Grand Slam Titles were held by 4 different players in a season?

Mens - 2003 - Australian Open - Andre Agassi. French Open - Juan Carlos Ferrero. Wimbledon - Roger Federer. US Open - Andy Roddick

Womens - 2008 - Australian Open - Maria Sharapova. French Open - Ana Ivanovic. Wimbledon - Venus Williams. US Open - Serena Williams

Order of preference

1 - Li
2 - Bartoli (I am French so no choice)
3 - Schiavone
4 - Sharapova - I don't trust her smiley face.

I like Li's game a lot. Risk taking, powerful shots, with drop shots.

Allez li!

Li certainly starting better of the 2. Her forehand is causing so much damage. Very Henin like.

Sharapova is certainly not well adjusted to the conditions out there. Very windy. I think if Li keeps her off the backhand side she can win this in 2.

Li is a break up in the first still and 4-1 up. Li's movement has been slick and fluid today. Moving across the baseline with grace like a ballet dancer on a diamond floor.

Sharapova's fist pump is certainly something to fear. It lookes like a very tight grip. I fear for any manhood that falls into her palm.

Sharapova holds onto her serve and puts some pressure on the Li serve. The wind is now starting to affect both players. Sharapova breaks back. 3-4

Looking back on yesterdays play certainly for me had a Glee theme to it with the French personnel kitted out in red cardigans. Maybe they would bang out a few tunes during a rain delay perhaps? Shades of Sir Cliff at Wimbledon.

Sharapova with 2 double faults. Li with some break points. Sharapova with a Safin-esc meltdown during a set. Another double fault?? Not sure what is happening here. Li serving for the first set. Li now is deciding keeping the ball in the court is not fun anymore and goes long on a couple of points. Break points for Sharapova. Saves one....and another break. 5-4 Li

Li takes the first set against the Sharapova serve again. 6-4 Li.

sharapovas 2nd serve is like her 1st serve,,full speed,,full energy

thus double fault

i think Li can improve her footworks on clay

when she tried to get the ball,,she was running n facing towards where she judge the ball would land instead of positioned herself in the centre of baseline,,when sharapova hit it 'behind' her,,no chance she would be able to get it

ebar86 wrote:sharapovas 2nd serve is like her 1st serve,,full speed,,full energy

thus double fault

And a double fault is what she ended the match on.

Very disappointing for her, but apropos.

ebar, please visit that thread if your are coming from 606.

https://www.606v2.com/t5745-606-pseudo-index

I believe without her knee problem Li woudl have won the AO and the FO and would be on course for a grand slam.

She does slow down quite a bit after the first set. Same thing in the AO.

Really glad to see Pova out. Horrendous on-court presence.

droogle wrote:Really glad to see Pova out. Horrendous on-court presence.

DO you, like me, find Schiavone better looking than Sharapova?

Her tennis sure is.
She's playing some great tennis at the moment.

Pova is a giant with a tiny, tennis ball-sized head.

Bartoli is clubbing it like captain caveman.

Last time I watched Bartoli live was when she beat Henin at Wimbledon (07?). It's amazing how much more physical the game has become in that period, even on the WTA tour.

Well played Francesca. She is an amazing mover on the clay. I am especially a fan of her volleying and overally net play.

Oooops (blush)

Sorry Legend - Just realised your thread was here

Ignore mine - I'll just go away !!!

what bartoli had in her knees? springs?

i hate her 'spring motion' before serve