Get the latest tennis news and sign up for our daily Australian Open newsletter at www.TennisNow.com
(January 21, 2011) Defending Australian Open champion Roger Federer took on Belgium's Xavier Malisse in a third round match up that ended 6-3, 6-3, 6-1.
Lasting only one hour and 45 minutes, Federer's Thursday match was a strong contrast to his earlier meeting with French player Gilles Simon that went to a challenging five sets before he was able to secure a 6-3, 6-3, 6-1 victory.
The Swiss player didn't beat around the bush, opening up with a 5-0 lead in double-quick time. During this time, Malisse was able to gain a break of his own, but it was Federer who kept the match strictly at his own advantage. By the start of the second, it seemed as if Malisse was planning a come back after breaking to establish a 3-1 lead, however, Federer had something else in mind, quickly moving through five consecutive games to extend his lead.
In the third set, the Belgian managed to gain one set, however, it was the 16-time grand slam champion that came out victorious at the matches end. Taking a humorous stance towards his loss, Malisse gave a bow to the crowd as Federer accepted his win. Federer will now face either Tommy Robredo or Sergiy Stakhovsky.
Two players who are currently engaged in playing their third round match with Robredo holding a two sets to one lead. Meanwhile, there was trouble at the Hinsense Arena during the Maria Sharapova vs. Julia Goerges match. Due to the extreme heat currently being felt during the Australian summer, roughly 90 degrees, chair umpires were faced with an unusual problem while the ladies began their pre-game warmups.
Delayed by 20 minutes, officials dealt with a ball falling dead flat when it hit a patch in the service box, close to the net. As for the reason to this strange occurrence, a flat bubble patch came up on the plexicushion surface. However, the problem was rectified with the help of a portable hand drill and two holes placed into the court to deflate the issue.
Goerges claimed the first set, 6-4, though it didn't come easily to her. It was the more experienced Russian, however, that was able to progress 6-4, 6-4, in the second and third sets and visibly appearing to be on top of her game once more. Sharapova will face Andrea Petkovic, who advances after Venus Williams withdrew from their match with a groin injury.
Get the latest tennis news and sign up for our daily Australian Open newsletter at www.TennisNow.com
Mischa Barton Jamie Lynn Sigler Stacy Keibler Rihanna America Ferrera
No comments:
Post a Comment