January 26th, 2008
Melbourne, Australia
Two weeks ago, the tennis world made its move to Melbourne, with every WTA Tour player trying to compete for that coveted prize of winning a Grand Slam tournament. During the course of the event, there were some surprises and some upsets, which only added to the appeal of what the Grand Slams have to offer. However at the end of the day, only one would be raising up the trophy.
The women's final was contested between Maria Sharapova and Ana Ivanovic. For Sharapova, she was trying to win her 3rd Major and 1st Australian Open crown. Ivanovic had reached the Finals at Roland Garros last year, and was looking to get her 1st Grand Slam. After a back and forth first set, Sharapova took charge and continued her perfect form, taking the opening set 7-5.
The second set was less dramatic as Sharapova took and early break and lead, and ran away with it, never looking back and claiming the Australian Open Championship. For Sharapova, it is a 3rd Grand Slam, she had previously won the 2004 Wimbledon Championships and the 2006 US Open Championships. The only Grand Slam now missing from her cabinet is the elusive Roland Garros title, where she has never made the Finals.
For Ivanovic, she gets the satisfaction of being the Number 2 player in the world, and reaching her 2nd Grand Slam Final in less than a year. However, its also her second Grand Slam Final loss in less than a year. She lost a dismal match to Justine Henin at last year's Roland Garros. For her fans, they can only hope she continues to learn and grow, and maybe one day holding up her own Grand Slam trophy.
Next week the WTA Tour has Fed Cup, and the week after that, events in Paris and Pattaya City will make their rounds. Its a long way till the next Grand Slam, which isn't until the end of May, until then, there is plenty of tennis to be played!
Rod Laver Arena Results:
Maria Sharapova d. Ana Ivanovic - 7-5, 6-3
Top 10 Seeds:
1. Justine Henin - Lost Quarter-Finals (Sharapova)
2. Svetlana Kuznetsova - Lost 3rd Round (Radwanska)
3. Jelena Jankovic - Lost Semi-Finals (Sharapova)
4. Ana Ivanovic - Lost Finals (Sharapova)
5. Maria Sharapova - CHAMPION
6. Anna Chakvetadze - Lost 3rd Round (Kirilenko)
7. Serena Williams - Lost Quarter-Finals (Jankovic)
8. Venus Williams - Lost Quarter-Finals (Ivanovic)
9. Daniela Hantuchova - Lost Semi-Finals (Ivanovic)
19. Marion Bartoli - Lost 1st Round (Arvidsson)
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