Hi everyone. Looks like a new thread is necessary, so here it is. We're through two days of Doha and the standings are as follows:
(Match won/lost : Set won/lost)
White Group
- Vera Zvonareva (2-0 : 4-0)
- Kim Clijsters (1-0 : 2-0)
- Victoria Azarenka (0-1 : 0-2)
- Jelena Jankovic (0-2 : 0-4)
Maroon Group
- Samantha Stosur (2-0 : 4-0)
- Caroline Wozniacki (1-1 : 2-2)
- Francesca Schiavone (0-1 : 0-2)
- Elena Dementieva (0-1 : 0-2)
Not too much middle ground so far; just one player, Wozniacki, has both won and lost a set. Zvonareva, Stosur -- looking good. Jankovic, Dementieva -- not so much. Clijsters? Too early to tell, but her match tomorrow against Azarenka will be revealing. I'm looking forward to that tussle the most. Before that, however, Stosur takes on Dementieva and Wozniacki faces Schiavone.
If Stosur clinches a semifinal spot tomorrow (not precisely sure how that happens, but I'm sure some of you know) she'll essentially have a day-and-a-half of rest before her Saturday match. That will be a welcome respite after three straight days of play. As for Clijsters and Azarenka, they'll have to play five consecutive days if they are to win. Nothing they haven't done before, but if squared off in the final against a much fresher opponent, like Stosur, that could prove important. And Sam has been solid so far; I thought today's win was a big one for her.
So what I'm saying is, I like Stosur's chances. But we're only halfway through the round-robin portion of the tournament. Chat about the rest of it here; Pete will be back later this week.
Thanks,
Ed McGrogan
P.S. Be sure to check out the Racquet Reaction blog **HERE**.
(match won/lost : set won/lost)
White Group
- Vera Zvonareva (2-0 : 4-0)
- Kim Clijsters (1-0 : 2-0)
- Victoria Azarenka (0-1 : 0-2)
- Jelena Jankovic (0-2 : 0-4)
Maroon Group
- Samantha Stosur (2-0 : 4-0)
- Caroline Wozniacki (1-1 : 2-2)
- Francesca Schiavone (0-1 : 0-2)
- Elena Dementieva (0-1 : 0-2)