Roger Federer’s Australian Open 2018 winning moment after he had to wait on Cilic’s challenge, and Federer’s ball was in!
Roger Federer has defended and won his 6th Australian Open Title and 20th Grand Slam Title! The G.O.A.T beat Marin Cilic 6-2, 6-7, 6-3, 3-6, 6-1.
1st set
The 1st set was all about Roger Federer, who took the 1st set 6-2.
2nd set
Cilic fought back to win the 2nd set by tiebreak, 7-6.
3rd set
In the 3rd set Cilic was distracted and angered by the fact that it took over an hour and a half for him to get back racquets that he sent to be restrung. He got them back in the middle of the 3rd set, but it didn’t seem to make much of a difference. Federer’s serve was on point and Federer cruised to win the 3rd set 6-3.
4th set
Federer went up quickly to 2-0 in the 4th set and looked like he was on cruise control to win the title, then Sparta came out. Sparta meaning the ‘warface’ of Marin Cilic. He has one of the meanest ‘warfaces’ in Men’s Tennis.
Federer’s serve fell apart to as low as 36% for his 1st serve percentage. Federer also started to lose rallies to Cilic’s strong forehand and showed his age with slow movement.
5th set
Federer had a shaky start to the 1st set to fight off break point, but held serve. The crowd really started to get into it and showed clear support for veteran, Roger Federer.
Cilic was moving better and Roger then knew he had to fight if he was going to win this title.
Federer then broke Cilic shortly after a bad call by the Umpire on Cilic’s serve to make it a double-fault, giving Federer the advantage that he converted. He went on to hold serve to go up 3-0 and Cilic served to get on the board to make it 1-3. Federer got back his 1st serve rhythm in the nick of time to go up 4-1 with an easy game and fought hard to break Cilic to get to 5-1. Federer then broke Cilic and it was all over.
Great Final! Well played Cilic and Congrats to Roger Federer! He has now joined the Ladies in the 20+ Major Grand Slam Titles Club. They finally got a Gentleman in there.
By: Gabrielle Burgess
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The Australian Open Grand Slam Tennis Tournament 2018
WOMEN
The ladies have been battling it out in some neck to neck matches. The focus has been on World #1, Simona Halep, former World #1, Angelique Kerber (21) and current World #2, Caroline Wozniacki.
Simona Halep from Romania a.k.a Jalapeño Pepper (Photo: GotCeleb)
Simona Halep has been struggling with a chronic ankle injury, but showed she was not backing out easily in the Quarterfinals after being down 3-0 in the 1st set to KarolÃÂna PlÃÂsková (6) and fighting back to win 6-3, 6-2.
Angelique Kerber (Photo: The Sun)
She then faced Angelique Kerber (21) in the Semifinals last night. Kerber has had a good run this Australian Open so far despite her inconsistencies in winning majors. She defeated huge contenders such as Maria Sharapova and Madison Keys (17).
On the other side of the draw, young Belgian, Elise Mertens had an impressive straight set win (6-4, 6-0) over Elina Svitolina (4). She has been a part of former Belgian Tennis Player and World #1, Kim Clijsters’ Tennis Camp. Kim has been texting her with encouragement for every match.
Elise Mertens (Photo: indianexpress.com)
Elise played one of the favourites, Caroline Wozniacki (2) last night in the Semifinals.
Caroline Wozniacki (Photo: www.usatoday.com)
So who’s meeting in the Women’s Final?!
It will be Caroline Wozniacki (2) versus Simona Halep (1)! Whoever wins will win their 1st Grand Slam title and will be World #1.
Wozniacki’s Semifinal vs Mertens
Wozniacki tightened up towards the end of the match versus Mertens, up 6-3, 5-4 (30-0), then was brought to a tiebreak. She managed to dominate and win the tiebreak, thus the match, 6-3, 7-6 and is heading to her 3rd Grand Slam Final. Will the 3rd time be a charm?
Halep’s Semifinal vs Kerber
The Halep-Kerber Semifinal was epic!
Halep was quite solid versus Kerber until she was up 5-0 to serve out the first set and probably couldn’t believe she got there so fast. It looked like she started to think about it and handed Kerber 2 free points from double faults. Kerber picked up her game after that until Halep broke her to win the first set 6-3.
The 2nd set was a ding-dong battle even though Kerber was still plagued with unforced errors. With Halep looking slightly fresher and up 8-7, both had lost 2 match points until Halep lost a 3rd match point on Kerber’s serve and she kept pressing until she took full advantage of the 4th match point in the same game and won.
Date and Time of the Women’s Final
Saturday (Friday night) at 3:30am
Suga’s Prediction
Simona Halep has the reputation of choking in major matches, always coming close and losing it mentally and physically. However, she has stated there is a new Simona now and I believe her after the courage she showed versus the stubborn, Angelique Kerber.
I do not think Halep is giving up on this opportunity. I also doubt it will be a close or epic final. Suga calls Halep for the win.
MEN
Marin Čilić (6) reached to the Semifinals after World #1, Rafael Nadal retired in the 5th set agonized by a hip injury.
Marin Čilić (Photo: The Sun)
I like to refer to Čilić as Sparta. Whether he reached to the Semifinals by default or not, he is quite a fighter.
He played Kyle Edmund in the Semis.
Kyle Edmund (Photo: www.express.co.uk)
On the other side of the draw lies the young, South Korean, Hyeon Chung. He is the first Korean to reach the Quarterfinals and the Semifinals.
Hyeon Chung (Photo: hindustantimes.com)
Chung sent former World #1, Novak Djokovic packing in the 4th round in straight sets. Djokovic expressed frustration with his chronic elbow injury.
Chung then went on to defeat Tennys Sandgren in the Quarterfinals who previously took out Dominic Thiem (5) in 5 sets.
Who does he meet next?
Roger Federer (Photo: The Indian Express)
He will meet the G.O.A.T and current World #2, Roger Federer tonight at 3:30am. Roger previously defeated Tomáš Berdych (19) in straight sets.
Were there any Upsets and Who’s Already in the Men’s Final?!
Marin Čilić has booked his spot in the Final and will wait on the winner of the Chung-Federer Semifinal! No surprises there. Čilić beat beat Edmund 6-2, 7-6, 6-2.
Stay tuned!
By: Gabrielle Burgess
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Anastasija Sevastova sent Maria Sharapova packing early in 4th round. Beating World no. 2, Simona Halep in the early rounds was probably just too much for Sharapova. Sevastova moves well but I don’t expect her to reach far with her poor service game.
Photo: metro.co.uk
Two-time Wimbledon Champ, Petra Kvitova upset Wimbledon 2017 Champ and US Open favourite, Garbine Muguruza in hard-fought straight sets including a first set tie break last night. Muguruza rolled through her opponents in the opening rounds but Kvitova was just the better player last night. Her powerful shots were too much for Muguruza. Maybe the hard courts just aren’t Muguruza’s specialty either.
Kvitova recently made her comeback after a traumatic injury from a robbery, having to do surgery on her hand with lingering damage to the nerves and more. Kudos to her for making it to the Quarterfinals. She will meet Venus Williams, where she has the advantage of a 4-1 head to head. It is believed the winner of that Quarterfinal in the toughest half of the draw, may ultimately win the US Open.
Photo: dailymail.co.uk
Venus Williams at 37 years old, beat Carla Suárez Navarro to reach the Quarterfinals. It took 3 sets but she showed the true Champion she was, totally dominating in the 3rd set. She has some work to do on her serve that eventually came together. But her movement was phenomenal, as if she was set back in a time machine.
Sloane Stephens is back from an injury as well. She is not back to her full potential yet, but is still playing well. She is through to the Quarterfinals.
What’s happening on the other side of the draw?
Current World no. 1, Karolina Pliskova will play in the round of 16 today. USA’s Coco Vandeweghe will also be in action along with no. 4, Elina Svitolina who will play the other American still standing, Madison Keys.ÂÂ
Today’s Schedule (Women):
Men’s Singles
Today’s Schedule (Men):
Sam Querrey, who upset Andy Murray at Wimbledon has been playing extremely well with more confidence, powerful shots and angles. He is one to watch.
Photo: eurosport.com
Marin Cilic, past US Open Champ and who reached the Finals of Wimbledon this year, had an early exit.
Juan del Potro (24) is healthy and has been playing well. He will meet World no. 6, Dominic Thiem today.
Photo: dailymail.co.uk
Roger Federer, who has been suffering from a back injury recently, was struggling in the earlier rounds with 5-set matches. However, he looked like himself again on Saturday, moving much better and destroyed Feliciano Lopez in straight sets.
World no. 1, Rafael Nadal had a shaky round on Saturday but is still through to play in the Round of 16 today. He has never met Roger Federer in the US Open in all their years of rivalry, but if both of them stay on course, they are 2 wins away from a Semifinal match up!
Stay tuned!
By: Gabrielle Burgess
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Congratulations to the Wimbledon Champs, Garbiñe Muguruza and Roger Federer!
Muguruza won her 2nd Grand Slam title and 1st Wimbledon Title. After Venus Williams missed a few set point opportunities in the 1st set, she took full advantage of hers, then took full charge in the 2nd set to win 7-5, 6-0.
For the Gentlemen, Marin Cilic, who already has a US Open title, had a good run but didn’t meet any of the big four until the Final with Roger Federer. He called for the trainers when down a set and down 3-0 in the second, visually breaking down in tears. But the trainers didn’t do anything for him until they were called after the second set. They unwrapped his foot and gave him some pills before the 3rd set. He still wasn’t moving as well but didn’t make the Final a complete blowout, as he was able to hold serve towards the end of the set before being broken. He was beaten by Federer, 6-3, 6-1, 6-4. In an interview with the Press, he stated that he developed a blister under his foot during the Semi Final that got worse. Regardless of the blister, I think Federer would have still won. It would have probably at least gone to 4 sets but Federer is at the top of his game and I think only Nadal can challenge him at this time.
Roger Federer’s win cemented his name into history as the greatest of all time yesterday by being the Gentleman to win the most Wimbledon titles ever, finally passing the great, Pete Sampras who had 7. He has also stretched his lead for the most Grand Slam titles to 19 over Rafael Nadal’s 15 titles.
Federer also has the chance to end the year as World #1 but is happy with enjoying his victory at Wimbledon at the moment.
By: Gabrielle Burgess
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Garbine Muguruza (14), who reached the Final in 2015, upset World no. 1 Angelique Kerber today in quite a showdown, 4-6, 6-4, 6-4. Kerber hasn’t been playing well all year and even had a scare after losing the 1st set and going to a tiebreak in the 2nd set with American, Shelby Rogers in the round before.
Kerber will lose the no. 1 ranking as a result of losing in the 4th round to Muguruza.
Venus moves on to the round of 8!  Photo: theguardian.com
Venus Williams (10) is also moving on to the Quarter Finals. She had a few early, hard fought matches but cruised pass Ana Konjuh (27) in the 4th round, 6-3, 6-2.
Photo: www.firstpost.com
French Open finalist, Simona Halep (2), who has never won a major, put a halt to Victoria Azarenka’s post-baby return.
The young American, Coco Vandeweghe (24) has been playing well under the guidance of her new Coach and upset Caroline Wozniacko (5) in straight sets. Wozniacki usually has difficulties on the grass.
Jelena Ostapenko through to the Round of 8! Photo: www.eurosport.com
Jelena Ostapenko (13) has not lost a match since her 1st career win at the French Open this year! She beat Elena Svitolina (4), who has been suffering from a foot injury in straight sets, 6-3, 7(8)-6(6).
Svetlana Kuznetsova took out Agnieszka Radwanska in straight sets to get to the Quarterfinals. Radwanska had the task of beating Timea Bacsinsky in the 3rd round before meeting Kuznetsova.
Home favourite, Johanna Konta (6) is also through to the Quarters.
Quarterfinal Schedule and Match ups for Tomorrow morning:
Gentlemen moving on to the Quarterfinals!
Photo: www.express.co.uk
Gilles Müller (16) upset Rafael Nadal (4) in an epic 5-set thriller today, 6-3, 6-4, 3-6, 4-6, 15-13! They went really deep into that 5th set.
Home fave and World no. 1, Andy Murray is safely through to the Quarterfinals.
Roger Federer (3), who decided to forego the Clay court season at his age, is doing well on his road to claiming a historic title. He beat Grigor Dimitrov (13) in straight sets to advance to the Quarterfinals.
Here is the Schedule for the Men’s Quarterfinals and Match ups for Wednesday morning:
Tomás Berdych (11) upset Dominic Thiem (8) in 5 sets. Berdych now awaits the winner of the Novak Djokovic (2) and Adrian Mannarino match tomorrow morning at 6am. Mannatino just defeated Gaël Monfils (15).
Stay tuned!
By: Gabrielle Burgess
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How could we forget about KarolÃÂna PlÃÂÅ¡ková?! The rankings of players differ on the various websites, but according to the WTA Rankings, PlÃÂÅ¡ková is ranked closely behind Serena Williams at No. 3.
Photo: ESPN
The experts have favored Simona Halep (4) to win her first ever Grand Slam title at Roland Garros. Elina Svitolina (6) is also a popular pick. It turns out that Halep and Svitolina will meet in the Quarterfinals and the winner could play PlÃÂÅ¡ková in the Semis.
Caroline Wozniacki (12) is still in it. She has come close to winning a Grand Slam a few times. Her Quarterfinal was suspended due to rain at a set a piece between her and Ostapenko.ÂÂ
Timea Bacsinszky (30) who eliminated Venus Williams is also playing in the Quarterfinals today but her match was suspended as well versus Miladenovic. Bacsinszky was up a set.
Wozniacki and Bacsinszky could meet in the Semifinals.
Men’s Singles
Photo: SB Nation
Although Rafael Nadal (4) is not in his prime, the ‘King of Clay’ is still in it and has been playing well. Of course we know that he could meet Novak Djokovic (2) in the Semis. But Djokovic has the challenge of defeating Dominic Thiem (6) in the Quarterfinals first.
Marin Cilic (7) defeated Gaël Monfils and will play Stan Wawrinka (3) in the Quarterfinals.
World no. 1 Andy Murray will play Kei Nishikori (8) in the Quarterfinals.
Suga thinks we may have a Murray-Wawrinka Semifinal.
Stay tuned!
By: Gabrielle Burgess
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Serena Williams (2) is on maternity leave and watching from the stands this French Open. So who is still in it for the Ladies?!
Photo of Venus Williams: ESPN
Her sister, Venus of course! Can Venus Williams (10) win another Grand Slam before she retires? It is very possible. She has been on top of her game and already through to the 4th round.
Who will stand in her way?
The Women’s side of the draw is usually a toss up, especially without Maria Sharapova and Serena Williams.
Photo of Angelique Kerber: ESPN
World #1, Angelique Kerber has been inconsistent and was defeated in the 1st round in straight sets by Tsurenko Makarova. Makarova was defeated in the 2nd round.
Suga thinks Venus’ biggest threat is Defending Champ, Garbine Muguruza(4), who is also moving on to Round 4.
Photo of Simona Halep: ESPN
Simona Halep (3) was questionable to enter the French Open because she injured her ankle in a tournament before this, but she is already through to Round 3. I don’t think she is in it for the long run though.
Agnieszka Radwanska (9) and Elina Svitolina (5) are through to Round 3.
Rounding off the top 10 ladies, Svetlana Kiznetsova (8) is through to the 4th round.
If Venus doesn’t win the French, my money is on her to win Wimbledon.
Men’s Singles
Photo of Rafael Nadal (L) and Novak Djokovic (R): ESPN
Novak Djokovic (2) seems to be back in Championship shape and he is now being coached by one of the greats, Andre Agassi. He is already through to Round 4 but may be destined to clash with the clay court specialist and veteran, Rafael Nadal (4) who is also through to Round 4.
Photo of Andy Murray: ESPN
Andy Murray (1) says he is feeling good again but he is still not at his best just yet. He will play Juan del Potro (29) in Round 3.
Milos Raonic (5) and the Austrian, Dominic Thiem (6) are through to Round 4.
Kei Nishikori (8), Stan Wawrinka (3) and Marin Cilic (7) who round off the top 10 Men are in Round 3.
Gaël Monfils (15), who is usually very competitive is in Round 3 as well.
Suga thinks either Djoko or Rafa will take the French Open for the Men.
Remember the veteran, Roger Federer is sitting this one out to save his energy for the grass and hard courts. If he stays in top shape, I believe he will win Wimbledon. Do we have another vintage Finals coming up at Wimbledon for the Ladies and Men? Possible.
Stay tuned everyone!
By: Gabrielle Burgess
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Huge upset on the Women’s side of the draw yesterday at the US Open. Last year it was on the Men’s side with Marin Cilic and Kei Nishikori knocking out Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer in the Semi Finals. Now, Novak Djokovic defeated the Defending Champion who has been plagued with an ankle injury during the tournament, Marin Cilic easily in 3 sets with a 6-0, 6-1, 6-2 victory. Federer defeated Stan Wawrinka easily with a  6-4, 6-3, 6-1. Wawrinka has not shown his usual fighting spirit this Open. So it will be a Djokovic-Federer final tomorrow at 4pm ET. It has been a few years that Roger has made it to the US Open final, but he surely looks better than how he was at Wimbledon this year. He has started to run more and looks fitter, but still 80% of the Roger Federer we know aka Fed Express so Suga has Djokovic for the win in an entertaining match.
Now for the ladies! It was expected to be a Williams-Halep final. First of all, Flavia Pennetta (26) upset young, world #2, ‘ jalepeño’ Simona Halep in 2 sets! 6-1, 6-3.  Suga did not see that match but one would think that after that marathon of a Quarterfinal with Victoria Azarenka, Halep would have been exhausted.
Then Serena’s quest for Grand slam history ended dramatically yesterday to an UNSEEDED 32-year-old that looks like 60, Roberta Vinci whose odds were 300 to 1! Wow. What an anti-climax! What happened?! Drake? No, just kidding. But you never know. Serena played relatively well, but was not consistent. With a 6-2 start in the 1st set she probably thought she was safe. She was crushed in the second and looked like she recovered in the 3rd, breaking Vince early, going up 2-0. But it all went downhill from there. She had a lot of unforced errors and just could not maintain focus and settle her emotions. Vinci capitalized on every opportunity she got. She played the match of her life and was pumped! After winning a long rally at a pivotal moment in the 3rd set, she put her hand to her ear to the crowd, then raised both hands saying something like yessss! Look at me! Applaud me! Check that moment out here.
I thought Serena would steam roll her for that but Serena just could not answer. Vinci had a flurry of powerful forehands setting up Serena for an open court and frequently went to the net with effective drop shots. Then the inevitable happened, Vince finishing Serena in a LOVE GAME, 2-6, 6-4, 6-4. Steffi Graf can prepare to hand over the Championship trophy to Serena another time. All preparations can go back into storage. It will be an all Italian final at 3pm ET today with the oldest players in a women’s major final combined, as Pennetta is 33.
Well done Roberta Vince for pulling off one of the BIGGEST upsets in history and showing that even towards the end of the road or your career, anything is possible if you keep fighting. She said it was the best moment of her life.
See Vinci’s hilarious post match interview here:
Pennetta with a lot of experience, has already won the Australian Open Doubles title in 2011 and is well rested after just a 2 set match vs Halep. After Vince used all the gas her tank, it is likely that Pennetta may win, but Suga supports Vince for the win. Afterall it’s sports. As we witnessed yesterday, anything can happen. Good luck to her in the final. With an upset victory like that, it would be even sweeter to go all the way.
Sam Querrey, who upset Andy Murray at Wimbledon has been playing extremely well with more confidence, powerful shots and angles. He is one to watch.
