Well Clijster's has done it again she has beaten Hingis for the 4th time since Hingis came out of retirement at the beginning of 2006. Just as last year at the Aussie Open it was another 3-setter. But unlike last year the first set was won by Hingis.
The first set strated out in Clijsters favour, although she did open with a double fault. She won the first game and broke Hingis early for a 2 love lead. Hingis then broke back and held serve for 2-all.
She won the next point as well thanks to some unforced errors from Clijsters. Actually Clijsters had an overwhelming amount of unforced errors throughout the match (62 in total) very uncharacteristic of her.
Hingis then held serve and broke Clijsters again for a 4-2 lead. Clijsters was very streaky throughout the whole 1st set.
After 5 deuces Clijsters won the next point on her serve for 3-4, but Hingis again held serve for 5-4 and Clijsters 4th double give Hingis the first set 6-4.
In the second set Hingis won the first game holding serve for 1-0, Clijsters broke right back for 1-all. Then Hingis saved a double break point and went up 2-1. But again Clijsters broke back for 2-all and broke Hingis to go up 2-3.
Clijsters then held for 2-4 and broke Hingis again to go up 2-5. Next Hingis saved 3 set points on Clijsters serve, won the point for 5-3 and held serve for 5-4. Hingis managed to save 4 set points with some brilliant shots, before Clijsters finally closed the set out on her 5th try at 4-6 taking the match to a decisive 3rd.
The 3rd set started out really great for Hingis she held serve and broke Clijsters to go up 2-0. But lost her serve on a double fault putting Clijsters back on the board at 1-2. Clijsters then held for 2-all. Hingis held again for 3-2, Clijsters broke right back for 3-all.
Then Clijster broke Hingis on her 4th break point for 3-4 and held serve for a 3-5 lead. Hingis double faulted on her serve giving Clijsters a double match point which she won 3-6.
This was once again a disappointing loss especially since just as many times before Martina had plenty of chances to win. Perhaps more then previously since Kim wasn't playing at her best and made so many unforced errors including 9 double faults.
I also have to add that even though she lost it was a very close match, and not a bad loss. She didn't allow Kim to sweep her off the court and was right in the thick of it competing to the best of her ability the whole match.
Even dictating play at one point, which she had never been able to do with Kim before. So those were some great improvements. I think towards the end of the 3rd set nerves played a big part in her loss.
But again I think it was a great match for her and she can definitely be proud of her performance. She give it her all and showed everything she had in her repertoire. So I say good going Martina!, there's always next year especially since Clijsters will be retired.
And to be honest I never really expected Martina to win the match, I was hoping for it but wasn't expecting it. And as I've mentioned before she give a great performance she actually exceeded my expectations in that respect so I'm happy with that, now she can move on to Tokyo.
As for Kim I hope she kicks Sharapova's butt tomorrow, moves to the final and wins it. She was my second pick next to Hingis so I want her to go all the way. It'll be interesting to see who she will face Serena *shudder* or Vaidesova.
Good luck Kim:).
