US OPEN 07 - Born To Be Alive - 網球

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US OPEN 07 - Born To Be Alive
08/09/2007:

Justine rocked Arthur Ashe stadium and defeated Venus Williams 7-6 (7-2) 6-4
in the battle of the creme de le creme in the US OPEN. It was one of the most
brilliant performances seen in a semi-final at Flushing Meadows since
Justine's 2003 match against Jennifer Capriati. It was two hours of
astonishing shot making, athletism, deft hands, and exhilrating speed from
two champions. Justine plays Svetlana Kuznetsova in the finals on Saturday
night for the ultimate prize.


The last time Justine played Venus Williams was January 23, 2003, roughly
four and 1/2 years ago. To put things in tennis season perspective Roger
wasn't a name anyone associated with tennis, the top ten weren't
multi-national yet, America ruled at majors, and Justine was known as that
Belgian player not named Kim.

There was a slight breeze on Arthur Ashe stadium this late Saturday
afternoon, but temperatures were in the mid 80's Fahrenheit. Proceedings took
a while to start with Williams walking off court. Justine paced like a caged
tiger on the baseline waiting to pounce, and she ran off in a 3-0 lead
breaking the legendary Williams serve in the opening game. The Belgian tennis
queen continued to hit outstanding shots, but let Williams back into the
match at 5-3. The quality of each game rose to the climax tiebreaker with the
one of highlights being a 27 stroke rally point that covered all corners of
the court which Williams won. A highly animated Super Henin claimed each
point as if match point to take the tiebreak 7-2.

Both players seemed to lose a bit of steam after the first 4 games of the
second. Both players had problems with unforced errors on serve, but the
level of play rose as the tension dropped. Justine kept her lead and closed
in for the finish as Williams seem to wilt under pressure and looked defect
with fatigue. Justine took match point with rock star strut on the wilting
Williams service games.



Final score 7-6 (7-2) 6-4 in 1 hr 59 min.


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