With the first three rounds of this year’s Australian Open nearly completed, the women’s side of the coin is dominated by one question; can anyone touch Serena Williams? The early answer seems to be “no”.
Since her first round loss at the French Open last year, Serena has lost only once to crafty left-handed German Angelique Kerber in Cincinnati. Her 2012 run included winning Wimbledon, the US Open, the Tour Championship and the Olympic Gold Medal. She began 2012 by winning Brisbane and is showing no sign of slowing down. The first round saw Serena post the infamous “double bagel” against Edina Gallovits-Hall, not the most difficult opponent, but winning both sets 6-0 is a feat that is much rarer in today’s game than the time of Martina Navratilova and Chris Evert. Serena’s second round victory was over Spaniard Garbine Muguruza 6-2, 6-0 in another very easy match.
Most considered Serena in the twilight of her career, to the point where after winning Wimbledon last year she was asked about the possibility of retirement. Of course, she stated that she was nowhere close to putting the racquet down and not only has she played up to the standard which tennis fans are used to, but she has even improved her game, most especially her return of serve. Serena has always been known for her power, but it seems now that she is getting to balls faster and utilizing a strong counter-punch to go with her massive serve. It almost seems unfair that at this stage of her career one of the best women to grace the court is still getting better. So who if anyone can pose a challenge in the first slam of 2013?
How about number 1 overall, Victoria Azarenka. Well, in their last five matches (2 on hard court) Serena has lost one set so last year’s Aussie Open Champ will need to bring everything she has and it still will likely not be enough. They are slated to match up in the semi-final if all goes to plan. Maria Sharapova is always a major player, however she was 0 for 3 against Serena last year and if they do meet in the final I simply don’t see Sharapova out-muscling or out-moving Williams. Agnieska Radwanska could be the wild card in this mix. She is a great mover with excellent defense and has been known to frustrate more powerful opponents in the past. Radwanksa is the likely alternative to Sharapova to face Serena in the final. If Aga manages to get through her half to possibly face Serena, it will be a rematch of their 3-set Wimbledon final last year, and this I believe would be the most challenging finals match for Serena. With Petra Kvitova and home favorite Sam Stosur already out, the aforementioned Kerber seems to be the remaining possibility only because she has the latest win against Williams, however Radwanska should handle her in the quarters, in what could be a very fun match.
Not only is the smart money on Serena winning the Australian Open this year, she is a favorite to win three slams in 2013 provided she stays healthy. The clay might be too much for her but with her improved movement and the French Open being a roulette wheel in the last few years on the women’s side, we may see Serena hit all four slams in 2013. I certainly wouldn’t be surprised.
Don’t forget to follow us on Twitter – @LastWordOnSport
