2013 US Open SF: Azarenka vs. Pennetta

[kskate2]

The series is tied 1-1

http://www.wtatennis.com/head2head/player1/6578/player2/11289

These two haven't played since 2011 Dubai R16. A match Flavia won in 3 sets.

Who ya got?

vs.

 

[rubydo]

Flavia has had an amazing tournament, she enjoys the US Open, and after such a tough spell as I mentioned in an earlier message, deserves a good run at a major. As for beating Vika, that is a tall order, but she has taken out a number of quality players to reach the semi-final. Only a hunch here but I will go with the re-born Italian in three sets.

 

[tossip]

I think Flavia is more mentally stronger than Hantuchova and is a pusher with a strong serve.

 

[sk310]

Vika in straights.

I remember when Penetta was the original "older" Italian making a push. I think she reached around 10 in the world around that time? Then Schiavone stormed in, then Errani, this year has been Vinci's turn, now it seems it is all coming full circle. These older Italian girls really have something special about them. I think in another time in tennis history they would dominate more.

I don't think we've seen Vika's best tennis here. She, as champions must, has the ability to raise her level when it matters. She won't be going down.

 

[Correspondent Kiu]

I'm done voting with my heart, there's no one left!

Vika in straights.

 

[kskate2]

Vika will have to serve much better. Flavia will take advantage of weak 2nd serves that Daniela could not. I'll give Flavia a set (maybe the first one) until Aza figures her out. Vika in 3 to reach her 2nd consecutive USO final.

 

[MargaretMcAleer]

I am not impressed with Vika's serve at all
She will have to serve better against Flavia
I will go with Vika in 3 sets
I am just delighted that Flavia has had a great USO thus far

 

[tossip]

I will not underestimate that Italian Fedcup captain,Flavia beat pova in 2011 and Vera in 09 can stun Zenka.Pennetta is consistent from the baseline and her serve,foot speed and return is just as good as Azarenka s.
Flavia has good hardcourts results..

 

[HawkEye]

I will go with Vika in 3. She is more experienced.

 

[Correspondent Kiu]

You know, at the beginning, it looked like Vika had a tougher draw than Serena, but now here we are at the semis, Vika is to meet Flavia but Serena gets Li.

I just don't see how Vika can lose to Flavia.

 

[Sundaymorningguy]

On paper, Vika's draw looked easier, but if you can't serve well, life will be difficult.

 

[rugged]

Something tells me that Vika's less than best play is going to catch up with her tomorrow. Flavia has been around long enough to know how to get this win. Something tells me she hasn't come this far to go home to Italy just yet.

 

[Correspondent Kiu]

Vika is only 2 votes better than Flavia?

I tell you, lots of people don't like Vika, this was evident in her 1/4 final match against Ana. Ana was by far the more popular.

 

[kskate2]

I don't think it's they don't like Vika as much as she has not played well since the first round. They probably aren't impressed w/ her form.

 

[Sundaymorningguy]

Well I like Ana period and was pissed she blew that opportunity.

 

[Star1054]

Something tells me that Vika's less than best play is going to catch up with her tomorrow. Flavia has been around long enough to know how to get this win. Something tells me she hasn't come this far to go home to Italy just yet.

Really?

This is her first slam semifinals ever.

Yes, it makes the better Cinderella story if pennetta could somehow pull of the upset here. And I would be in fact rooting for her.

Unfortunately, you've seen what Serena has done to the other Italian players. Flavia would not make a good finals opponent for Serena. You might see a double bagel in the finals.

 

[britbox]

I'll go for Vika. I think she's the only one who will add some interest into a potential final with Serena.

 

[tented]

I think the situation will affect both players: Flavia will be too nervous to execute her game efficiently, and Vika will wake up and realize she's in the USO SF and needs to get her act together.

Vika in 2.

 

[tented]

FYI:

We're going to have the chatroom open during both women's semifinals today.

For those unfamiliar, when it's turned on you will see a green plus sign in the bottom left corner of your browser. Click it, and the chat window will pop up.

 

[special700]

Didn't Pennetta mother get something like 2yrs in jail...or something like that.