THE CHAMPIONSHIPS, WIMBLEDON
Women’s Semifinal: [CR1] Serena Williams (USA) vs. [CR4] Maria Sharapova (RUS)
It has been over ten years since Sharapova last defeated Williams and it was at the 2004 Tour Championships. Thus, this was a highly anticipated match. Unfortunately it was a total disappointment as Sharapova never got her game going. The spectre of sixteen consecutive losses seemed to cast a bigger shadow and created a greater psychological obstacle for her than I expected. Still, I am surprised that Sharapova did not put up more resistance. Williams is a little tense at the moment with all the pressure that she is feeling. I did not expect Sharapova to win; however, I expected more of a challenge, a tiebreak at least. Yet, I know that Williams has an extra reservoir of determination that she taps into whenever she competes against Sharapova.
Williams could have won 6-2, 6-2; however, a few anxious errors prevented that. I give credit to Sharapova for forcing Williams to serve it out. Unfortunately Williams was not hampered by the magnitude of the occasion, she kept her focus, controlled the nerves and served aces to close out the match. It was a comprehensive dismal of Sharapova 6-2, 6-4. Nevertheless, she should not get too comfortable because her next opponent, Garbine Muguruza, is playing fearless tennis. That match will certainly be a battle and Williams needs to remember the 2004 Wimbledon Final. She was expected to win and an up and coming youngster, named Sharapova, spoiled her celebration. Will Williams get her 21st and keep the Grand Slam dream alive?
