Agnieszka Radwanska Shows Class to Send Halep Crashing out in Miami

Radwanska shows that Class Lasts

The former world #2, put the current world #1 to the sword. The signature Halep comeback that was seen in her last match against Océane Dodin, didn’t materialise. The Romanian flags were proudly fluttering in the Miami air. Everyone thought it was another customary tight, three set win for the world #1. Then the Radwanska of old returned.

Radwanska Finds her Range

75% second serve points won for Radwanska was the story of the set and set the tone for the rest of the match. The Pole was happy to build points and play on Halep’s injury niggles. The range of Radwanska, at times, had you wondering is it really too late for her to finally bag a Slam?

It was midway through the initially tight third set that the true class and abandon of Radwanska shone through. Line finding forehands, Wimbledon standard drops and potent backhands, left Halep perplexed as to how to cope with the barrage.

Cahill watches on Powerless

One interesting feature in the match – was the stand staying approach of Halep’s coach: Darren Cahill.

It would be a poor excuse to say that this is why Halep did not prevail in this match. However, that said – Halep needed some guidance especially in the third set. The decision not to indulge in on-court coaching looked like a strategy to help Halep figure things out for herself. On this occasion it did not work. Maybe, a wily fox of an opponent like Radwanska was not the best player to try this approach against.