Elena and Serena Poised for Battle

The long-awaited and highly anticipated showdown between pretty Russian and number four seed Elena Dementieva and the undeniable number two seed Serena Williams will take place in the semi-finals at the 2009 Australian Open. Elena emerged from her quarterfinal match unscathed, while Serena stared adversity in the eye one more time before rallying for her victory.

Serena joins three Russian players in the semis. The American was hard-pressed by another of the seemingly endless Russian talents. Eighth seeded Svetiana Kuznetsova gave the younger Williams sister everything she had. In battling the blonde bomber and the intense Australian heat, Serena again appeared destined to succumb on both fronts. But, the tennis gods kicked in and as temperatures elevated, a twenty-five minute delay was enforced so that the roof of the Rod Laver Arena could be closed.

Aided by the air-conditioning, courtside temperatures dropped from 125 to 85. Williams immediately picked up her play. Her serve became authoritative, her ground strokes deepened and her will to win returned. Serena has stared defeat head on in this Grand Slam, but players seem unable to put her away.

Kuznetsova will be haunted by this match. Aided by 5 aces in the first two sets, she had several opportunities to end Serena’s run. Midway through the first set, Svetiana took charge as Williams uncharacteristically struggled with her conditioning. The two seed continually faulted, hit tired ground strokes and missed easy volleys. Her revered first serve was totally ineffective as Kuznetsova stole the first set 7-5.

The Arena roof was closed between sets one and two and Williams began to show a higher energy level. Trailing 5-4 in the second set and facing Kuznetsova’s serve, Serena took charge with thunderous returns. The Australian crowd sensed a surge and braced for a stormy third set.

Disheartened by her missed chances, Svetiana watched Serena blast returns and aces as she cruised through the third set 6-1. Serena triumphed but she may well have the movable roof to thank for her good fortune.

In a match filled with irony, Kuznetsova actually hit ten more outright winners than Serena, 32-22. However her unforced errors skyrocketed in the third set leaving her with 15 more than Serena, 42-27. Kuznetsova had some success getting to the net in the first two sets but was kept at bay in the third.

Williams will face the colorful 4th seed, Elena Dementieva, in the lower bracket’s semi-final. Since opening the tournament on shaky footing, Dementieva has been unstoppable in advancing to the semis. Her quarter final match was fairly quick and easy as she overwhelmed unseeded Carla Suarez Navarro of Spain 6-2, 6-2.

This early match was played under the open roof and the heat poured in. Courtside temperatures exceeded 125 degrees Fahrenheit. The only cause for concern may have been Elena’s ten double faults but the match was never close.

Elena jumped to a quick 4-0 start and only lost two points in those first four games. In her previous matches, Suarez Navarro found ways to gain control of the tempo, but the savvy Dementieva would have none of it. She arrived with intensity and looks ready for Serena in the semis.

Ever since her first round match, Elena has continued to improve. Her heavy footwork has been replaced by brilliant movements. She always seems positioned for each powerful salvo. And, Elena’s arsenal of shots is well stocked. She has not been challenged since the opening round.

The pretty 5’11” resident of Monaco appears anxious to take over the world’s top ranking. With two more wins, she will accomplish that feat and will capture her first Grand Slam event along the way. A two time U.S. Open runner-up with over $10 million in career earnings, Elena is no stranger to success.

Experts have noticed a new approach and commitment to the blue-eyed blonde’s strategy. Her footwork may well be the key to her success against the slower Williams. Elena looks poised for a break through and Melbourne just may be her platform. Elena acknowledges that getting past Williams is no easy feat. This match up has the feel of a battle of heavyweight contenders.