2014 US Open 1/4 Finals: Williams vs. Pennetta

[Correspondent Kiu]

H2H is 5-0 in favor of Serena

It's the #1 seed versus the #11 seed

versus

Who wins?

Should I even ask?

 

[colleen66]

Yes the question should be asked. Serena has to do better converting break points and her second serve percentage must increase. Penetta will give her a match and is not afraid of her. In Serena's last two matches, she did just enough to win; against more experienced players that might not be enough.

 

[GameSetAndMath]

Serena is getting broken more often than people realize. She is winning becuase she breaks
more often than getting broken.

With good servers, she may not get that opportunities a lot, once she gets broken.

But, Flavia cannot even dream of beating Serena, but will take a set.

Serena in three.

 

[Sundaymorningguy]

I think Serena will do this in straights, but she is going to have to improve that forehand before the semis. It was very average today.

 

[tennisville]

I expect a double bagel here actually

 

[tented]

Serena in straights.

 

[Correspondent Kiu]

Serena has been just a tad beneath her greatness, so I pick her in 3

 

[Sundaymorningguy]

I don't know that I would say Serena is getting broken more often than we realize. I think she has weird patches with her serve. I think rather than focusing on the match that she is focusing on the circumstances like making it to the second week of a slam. Winning and tying Evert and Naratilova. There are moments when she is 40-0 and then patches where she is 40-40. Her weird flop at closing out the match on her serve against Kanepi was more nerves I think than bad play. However, I think the main problem for Serena is her return of serve is not as consistent as it was in 2012-2013. I wouldn't say it is off by much, but it is costing her on converting on all these break opportunities. Her forehand has been very average this entire tournament. She needs to flatten out that shot a bit more than she has. It is way too loopy.

 

[kskate2]

Serena in straights. Something like 6-4 6-2

 

[tossip]

Serena will be too strong for Pennetta...

 

[MargaretMcAleer]

Serena in straight sets ( 1st set might be tight)

 

[Moxie]

I've got Serena in 2. I like Flavia, but if she even gets a set, that would seem to indicate lack of focus by Serena.

 

[rubydo]

I guess I will go with the flow, Flavia has been playing doubles too, Serena is out of dubs now, but Flavia still competing with Martina. She may have a better shot at getting further in dubs than in the singles so I think she may consider this. Nevertheless, she may give Serena a bit of a tussle, so give one set to Flavia, but I don't feel she will overexert herself.

 

[Fiero425]

I guess I will go with the flow, Flavia has been playing doubles too, Serena is out of dubs now, but Flavia still competing with Martina. She may have a better shot at getting further in dubs than in the singles so I think she may consider this. Nevertheless, she may give Serena a bit of a tussle, so give one set to Flavia, but I don't feel she will overexert herself.

No one seems to even mention the doubles with Hingis! Is this some kind of homage to the Williams' not to even mention her name? She's been doing well even though the news doesn't bring it up much at all! Martina and Flavia haven't lost a set so they must be playing well! Serena drops a set! :angel:

 

[the AntiPusher]

I would expect Serena to drop the hammer on her but this is the time of the grandslams that she has losses her focus.. it would be a shame if Serena lets this one slip away.

 

[Kenneth]

Serena looks stronger, but there are many other factors that can influence the game. Like whether the player has had enough rest and so... So regarding Pennetta, never say never!

 

[Calvy]

I would expect Serena to drop the hammer on her but this is the time of the grandslams that she has losses her focus.. it would be a shame if Serena lets this one slip away.

Actually, this is the time where she steps up in slams. She only lost her other two recent quarterfinals due mostly to injury.

What I am wondering about is, whether she'll take Pennetta too lightly and play to conserve.

 

[Sundaymorningguy]

Anyone notice that Serena's issues kind of came and went as Azarenka and her injuries came and went? Very interesting to notice that Serena kind of "fell off a touch" when Azarenka's injuries came about, and she has somewhat found form again as Azarenka is getting back into her groove. It kind of makes me think that Serena really does like to have a driving force and competitor in which she has a healthy respect.

 

[JesuslookslikeBorg]

footfault on 2nd pt of match lol.

 

[kskate2]

Flavia breaks on first game.