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Williams to face defending champion in final

Williams to face defending champion in final

AAP Thursday 14 January 2010 29 Comments »

World No.1 Serena Williams has battled her way into the final of the Sydney International after edging out Aravane Rezai of France 3-6 7-5 6-4 in a thrilling encounter on Thursday.

Williams looked to be crashing out of the tournament after losing the opening set to an inspired Rezai and then trailing the world No.23 5-2 in the second.

However, the reigning Australian Open champion showed all of her fighting qualities to win five straight games and level the match.

The deciding set was a topsy-turvy battle with both players relinquishing their serves before Williams broke Rezai once again in the ninth game and saw out the match.

The 28-year-old will now face defending champion Elena Dementieva in the final after she defeated Belarusian world No.7 Victoria Azarenka 6-3, 6-1 in the day’s other semi-final.

Earlier on Thursday, former world No.7 Richard Gasquet booked a semifinal spot for a second successive year after beating Italy’s Potito Starace 6-3 7-6 (9-7).

Gasquet looked in fine touch, showing the class that made him a top 10 player before his two-and-a-half month ban after testing positive to cocaine last year.

The Frenchman has slipped to 53 in the world rankings, but feels he is getting back to his best form and believes he can win the tournament.

“Last year I had to play Nalbandian in the semi-final. It was very hard, so this year maybe my opponent will be not stronger than Nalbandian,” he said.

“But I will try to win. You never know. There are good players, but I will try and get to the final.”

Gasquet will next meet compatriot Julien Benneteau after the world No.45 beat Argentina’s Leonardo Mayer 6-4 6-7 (5-7) 6-0.

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  • Oliver

    AMAZING match! I was really nervous for Serena. But as always she came through! I love the radio commentators by the way!

  • Chloe

    I’m also keeping it real and know that Serena got to where she is now through sheer hard work, determination and talent – which is what I admire about her. And yes, she will lose some matches and “crack” every now and then. It’s called being human. Aravane Rezai played an awesome match today, and it will be interesting to see how she goes at the Aus Open. Also loved her super hot outfit!

  • serefan

    Serena………….Great job!!!

  • Donald Harris

    John Wortheim was correct. Ms. Serena Williams has real mettle. Even when she isn’t playing her best, she fights like a Champion. How many times have we seen this remarkable ability on display. Too bad she got the terrible foot fault at the U. S Open last year. It is never over until it is over with Ms. Williams. You are a true Champion. Kudos! Another marvelous comeback win. You go girl!!!!

  • Ali

    Aravan,

    You did great today. I was jumping to buy the final tickets when you held 5-3 second set. But don’t be disappointed of yourself. You will beat her next time. See you in Australian Open finals. We all love you.

  • cirra

    whoo hoo go Dementieva!!!!!!

  • ANGEL

    Elena eres la mejor y vas a ganarle a Serena, defenderas un titulo por primera vez en tu carrera y serás la nueva campeona del Australin Open 2010

    Let’s Go ELENAAAA!!!!

  • hotserve80

    Serena can power her way through anything when she puts her mind to it. Elena is playing very well at the moment. Hard one to pick. Go Serena! Silence all the critics and show them why you are # 1

  • Ai

    Serena Williams is no stranger to the high quality of fighting spirit. She made it looked easy…!

  • Uday Shankar Dakshina Murthy

    The Sydney Intl’ and the slams of this year default to being Serena’s. Not only will this be a Serena Slam, but also Elena will be routed in the final of this tourney. Her service sucks like it has always been and she doesn’t have a history of winning a battle of nerves. Serena is the best tennis player we’ve had in almost a century!!! Go Serena Go!!!

  • Riza

    Yes, Serena you make my day! Go for it , No turning back. AO is for the WILIAMs. I have confidence in you. Do not side track. Keep your focus right. God is with you. I pray for you and Venus success.

  • sandra jones

    Serena is tha latest in a long line of great and beautiful tennis champions. Long may she reign.

  • alamin

    they will take singles and doubles too. we pray for them. forget about the russians.

  • Shawn

    You never know what yo expect from serena! Yesterday she might play really bad and come out on top and then today she just blow you away. Serean all the way!!!! She is number one and she is the best, serena and dementieva always have great matches I am sure this one wony disappoint but serena is in THA ZONE!!!!! And we all know what that zone produces! I wont be surprised if I see a serena slam this year! Toodles!

  • shawn

    get real! The champion is already here, Serena!!!!!!!!!!!!

  • shawn

    Serena Is a fighter and she belives in GOD too and she is praying to win! I am praying for her too! I love tennis!!!!

  • leonmkelly

    Serena, though 10,000 (or more) may be against you, God is for you. Keep fighting, because you weren't born to lose or to crack. I am your biggest fan and hope that you continue to triumph over all your enemies, and believe me you have many. I'm just keeping it real; no need to sugar-coat anything. I love you and Venus, and I am praying that you ladies have a superb year and an even greater decade. Fly high, my heroines.

  • bone_needle06

    I strongly agree with you, Leonmkelly. Just keep your positive thinking strong serena, and you'll be blessed. God bless you. Go for another AO trophy.

  • Rita

    Rezai said she was not impressed by Serena’s performance. Was she serious? A set and 5-2 down and rallying to win the match? That’s what champions are made of! Serena is a true champ whether you like her or hate her!

  • roevanmcabahug

    elena u can win over serena… just believe in urself.. keep fighting… just pray to GOD….. good luck

  • dannylang

    Elena Dementieva will champion Sydney and first Grand Slam of the year – Australian Open 2010. Welcome new champions!

  • dannyquang

    H'pe so…wait and see who is AO champion!

  • dannyquang

    Surely, Vee & Serena will be double champion of this year's AO.. They are born to win!

  • bone_needle06

    Relatively true! You made it abudantly clear! Vee and Serena will surely take home the AO Doubles title.

  • Luke

    Go Rena! Got that right: best with double X chromosomes to play this game of tennis!

  • sone

    Strong, Sexy, Sassy :- Wowza… Serena's got this. Serena has been called everything under the sun by the Australian media, but I love it that she always proves them wrong. You are an inspiration to think big, be big, and achieve big, mwah :)
    Stamp an ace on little Dementieva's forehead and send her crying to Melbourne. Greatest Female Tennis Player EVA!!!!!!!!

  • Friar

    Has Elena Dimeniava got an outfit other than thee Green andd White model she has worn in all the games I have seen her play.

  • IgorL

    Vpered Lena .Go Lena you can beat her again….

  • anavan

    eyeyeyeyeyeyeyeyeyeyey
    she is boistorous .. insulting others …..sexy…..she is !!!!! hahahahahah

    go elena…..

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