We’ve been treated to some riveting tennis so far at the WTA’s year ending championships in Doha.
Was today’s meeting between Vera Zvonareva and Caroline Wozniacki a tennis match or medieval torture porn? The blood poured (literally) in the second set, when Vera Zvonareva took a 5 minute medical timeout to treat a bloody nose. The Russian, who is subbing for her injured countrywoman Dinara Safina, continued the match with a wad of gauze stuffed in one nostril.
AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth via Daylife
Wozniacki seemed firmly in control. At 6-0, 5-2, she was in the reverse situation from her come-from-behind win against Victoria Azarenka yesterday. But today it was Vera who found a second (first?) wind, fighting past two match points and winning the second set tiebreak. In the third set, it was Wozniacki calling for the trainer (twice) to work on her cramping legs.
The drama hit a fever pitch in the last game of the match. Serving at 30-15, Wozniacki collapsed onto the court sobbing and writhing in pain. With shades of Shuzo Matsuoka, Wozniacki wasn’t able to call the trainer (having used the maximum time-outs allowed in a set for one medical condition) and the chair umpire warned her for taking too much time. Rather than default, Wozniacki hobbled to her feet and asked the ball kids for the balls.
A couple rallies later, the tears of pain were mixed with tears of relief. Wozniacki won the match: 6-0, 6-7 (3), 6-4.
“I have absolutely no idea how I pulled it through, but I’m very happy about it.” Caroline said afterwards. (via Metro News.)
If you missed it, here’s some video of Wozniacki’s collapse:
And match point:
In other Doha Day 3 action, Serena Williams beat Elena Dementieva 6-2, 6-4. Today’s win cements Serena’s spot in the semifinals and gives her sister a chance to advance if she beats Kuznetsova in today’s last match (they’re tied at a set each, currently.)
Tomorrow’s line up in Doha:
1. Caroline Wozniacki vs. Jelena Jankovic
2. Svetlana Kuznetsova vs. Elena Dementieva
3. Vera Zvonareva vs. Victoria Azarenka
Click here for the Doha TV Schedule.
Tags: Dementieva, Kuznetsova, Serena, Sony Ericsson Championships, tennis, Wozniacki, WTA, WTA Year End Championships, Zvonareva
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When Caro fell over, I did not think she would finish the match! I’m really proud of her, she has fought through 2 really tough matches.
I love Caro. I started to like her last year, and my love has exponentially grown! She’s turning into quite the fighter.
SUNSHINE!
The Woz has become one of my faves of the up and comers. I had to leave this morning during the match but when I came back and she was standing there in tears, I thought “oh dear, she lost.” Imagine my surprise when they showed the replay of the awful writhing at 30-15 and then the gutting it out for the win. That was awesome. I hope she gets the day off to rest and hydrate.
And in happier/sad news–Venus won a three setter!!! Yay! Just so sad that it had to be against Sveta, whom I also love. But now, since Sveta’s got no chance of moving on to the semi’s I want her to demolish Dementieva so that Venus has a chance to redeem herself. Wishful thinking, I know, but a girl can dream.
Hi all – this match and yesterday’s against Azarenka have made me into a Wozniacki fan. I was on the fence before – she wasn’t gritty enough for me. Well gee, she’s proven me wrong, hasn’t she? Her play has not only been impressive in Doha, despite injury, her determination and dedication has been downright inspirational. No doubt she deserves a spot in the semis!
The Times U.K. has joined me on the Wozniacki bandwagon. Today’s headline: “Glamour girl Caroline Wozniacki set to join elite – the Dane has grit and glamour of a potential icon”
What do you think of that? I think “icon” may be overdoing it a little.
that was unbelievable with vera”drama”rova, who i like, and apparently so does chaos. i was in tears at the end of the match along with caroline. it was painful to watch and thankfully it had a happy ending.
i missed this match on tv, so i loved seeing the recap. i like caroline, she impressed me at the uso. she’s tougher than she looks sometimes. i totally call vera, vera dramareva! i’ve seen her do it all… blow 6 match pts, crying, collapsing on court, hitting the knees, towel over her head, angrily removing support tape, but i’ve never seen her actually get bloody on court. the drama never ends with her. when she’s on and calm though, her game is fantastic.
There were six participants from Eastern Europe – Russians Safina, Kuznetsova, Dementieva, Zvonareva; Belarusian Azarenka and Polish Radwanska (before this tournament started, world’s numbers 1, 3, 5, 6, 9, 10) – not a single one of them made the Final Four! Is there something in Doha air or water that does not agree with Eastern European females? This is very odd.
The semifinalists are – one South-European, one North-European, and of course two American sisters. It looks like Serena is the only one of them who is healthy and can play decent tennis at this point.