In stark contrast to the 1st day, the 2nd day saw some epic struggles in the round robin matches. Still, all 3 top seeds pulled through as I predicted.
(Rank/Seed)
1/1 Azarenka survived a brilliant tussle with (5/5) Kerber 67(11) 76(2) 64! In what was probably the best match of the season, the pair battled for over 3 hours in a match of sustained high quality and long rallies! Kerber's forehand was her saving grace in the 1st set tiebreak, as she battled from 2-6 down and a further set point later to edge the opener. Then, having led 4-2 in the 2nd, Azarenka was broken and after an epic 9 deuce 9th game, served to stay in the match. Here, she faced 2 match points, but saved both of them with forceful play before going on to secure the tiebreak. Azarenka then continued her fabulous 3 set winning record in securing the match, giving her a good chance of progressing into the semis.
2/2 Sharapova fought through an equalling gruelling contest against (4/4) Radwanska 57 75 75! At times Sharapova was driven into outbursts of madness and sarcasm as Radwanska retrieved almost any would be winner and forced her into error. However, Sharapova somehow pulled through in front of an ecstatic home crowd who loyally stayed until 2am and practically secured her place in the semi finals!
3/3 S. Williams puled through a scrappy match against (8/8) Li 76(2) 63. Both players were way below par, Li blowing a 4-1 lead and Williams failing to serve out at 5-4 and 6-5. Throughout Williams was anxious and Li lacked intensity. Still, Serena has now secured her place in the semis!
Sadly, the defending champion Petra Kvitova was forced to withdraw after just one match with a viral illness, which would account for her woeful performance the other day. This gives Sam Stosur the opportunity to play 2 matches, still giving her a mathematical shot at reaching the semi finals!
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