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Does Maria Have ANY Chance Vs. Super Serena?
13 Comments · Posted by Scoop Malinowski in Articles, Scoop
There have been some lopsided major finals over the years where we just knew it could be a one-sided rout…Seles vs. Huber in Australia, Graf vs. a silenced Seles at Wimbledon, Clijsters over Pierce at US Open, Henin vs. Pierce in Paris, Myskina vs. Dementieva in Paris, and of course Graf vs. Zvereva in Paris.
It’s inevitable in tennis that some finals just plain disappoint.
Sharapova vs. Williams today has all the makings to be a wipeout, considering how superbly Serena played in her semifinal win over Erran 60 61 and the 13-2 head to head edge in favor of Serena over Maria (including 12 in a row).
But miracles do happen, especially in Paris, like Guillermo Coria losing to Gaston Gaudio from two easy sets up, and John McEnroe blowing a two set lead to Ivan Lendl, maybe just maybe Maria can play the match of her life and add some new twists and tactics to her game, as she promised, and pull off the unthinkable today.
Maria: “Whatever I did in the past hasn’t worked. So I’ll have to try to do something different.”
John McEnroe: “When she’s (Serena) on her game, nobody can beat her…if anybody could do it it would be her (Sharapova).”
Super Serena vs. Miracle Maria
Scoop Malinowski · June 8, 2013 at 9:05 am
After long and thoughtful analysis and study of statistical data, I’m tipping Serena to win her second French Open title and 16th major title.
Scoop Malinowski · June 8, 2013 at 9:27 am
Maria showing more hunger, more desire, more passion in the opening games here. 2-0 Maria. Serena is the -900 betting favorite. But wait till Serena awakens.
Dan Markowitz · June 8, 2013 at 10:22 am
Did Sharapova really just hit a slice backhand to throw Serena off and Serena hit forehand into the net so that
Maria held in first game of second set. The problem Shara has is she doesn’t move well, particularly after her serve when she has to chase down the return. Shara can hit beautifully off both sides, but she never changes the pace and she never comes to net. So Serena gets the same look each time.
Serena can bang, but she also employs drop shots and she comes to net and volleys and she hits much more off-pace angle shots. If Shara can blast her way to victory in this match, all credit to her, but I don’t see it happening.
Scoop Malinowski · June 8, 2013 at 11:25 am
Valiant effort Maria tried as hard as she could but she is one dimensional and she does not have the arsenal to take down Serena. She is a desire player, she plays with all out fury and intensity and tries to fight her way to victory. Nobody can beat Super Serena when she’s at her best, nobody from history. MAria did have a nice volley late in the second, off a nice backhand cross court approach near the line.
Steve · June 8, 2013 at 11:29 am
No Henin, no interest.
Dan Markowitz · June 8, 2013 at 11:30 am
You’re right, I think Serena is the greatest in history. Best serve, backhand and now she’s very fit again. I only give a caveat to Navratilova who I once saw play in the George Washington basketball center in 1985 and she was magnificent that day and so many others over so many years. She moved extraordinarily and her serve and volley and her touch shots were beautiful. I don’t know if that could withstand Serena’s onslaught.
That said, Serena is fortunate to have her “coaching consultant” the French dude on maybe more levels. If they are a couple it seems to be working well for Serena not only in her game and dedication, but she also seems as calm and confident as I’ve ever seen her. Very interesting contrast to when she first won the French and she was just all youth and uber-energy and game. Be interesting to see who’d win that contest, the young Serena against today’s version.
Scoop Malinowski · June 8, 2013 at 11:47 am
On second thought, maybe – MAYbe – a prime Seles could outbrawl Serena, I think Seles was a stronger version of Maria, with the lefty serve. Henin was a nemesis for a while especially on clay. I remember a Belgium journalist told me years ago on the media bus at US Open when both were in the top 10 that Henin actually said that she would never lose to Serena again because Serena had poor movement. How wrong she was. Steve, big challenge doubles match at Oritani today at 2, then later we’ll play at the new old Overpeck courts which are great (north side of park).
Steve · June 8, 2013 at 7:22 pm
Henin has classic wins over Serena but yes Serena at her best is like fighting Mike Tyson at his best. Serena has incredible power and fighting spirit but I prefer a polished all court game. You must remember that Henin is a very tiny person that can serve 117 and had the best backhand of all time and probably the best volleyer of her generation. Had incredible wheels too. Scoop, I have no doubt Serena can lift you over her head and toss you like a rag doll. 🙂 Can’t argue with pure power.
Had hoped to watch more Kvitova, she’s a good lefty with her own style of play.
Steve · June 8, 2013 at 7:29 pm
Scoop, busy car hunting but hopefully you’ll post about the match. A rematch with the Russians?
Scoop Malinowski · June 8, 2013 at 9:01 pm
Steve I’d run away before she could get a hold of me, might break the record for the 100 meters in the process. Though she is a beautiful lady. Always liked Henin too, what a workhorse and tough player. Shew used to give the Williams big problems. Though Henin did cheat Serena that time at the French Open when she raised her hand and then denied it, that was awful sportsmanship.
Steve · June 9, 2013 at 6:45 am
Henin was the sweetest striker of the ball I’ve ever seen, man or woman. I openly wept when she retired the first time. If Serena or Djokovic were 5’5″ and 120 pounds they would not be champions.
Mitch · June 9, 2013 at 12:09 pm
Is Rafa the favorite for Wimbledon now?
Scoop Malinowski · June 9, 2013 at 12:17 pm
Djokovic or Nadal, probably Nadal by a slight margin Mitch.