AO LADIES SINGLES 2013, 14-27 Jan. Main thread - Draw, information

[Sallydaisy]

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Cgu1cdJD5ng/TUZJBg3xEyI/AAAAAAAAAlI/ntBZExJZekQ/s1600/Aussie+open.jpg
Melbourne Park, Batman Avenue, Melbourne, Victoria 3000, Australia
WEB SITE: www.AustralianOpen.com (http://www.australianopen.com/)

SHOW COURT WITH RETRACTABLE ROOF
SURFACE: Plexicushion
BALL: Wilson Australian Open Ball

Monday 14th - Sunday 27th January 2013
Qualifying draw: Tuesday, January 8, TBA
Main draw: Friday, January 11, 10.00 local (23.00 UK Thursday 10/1/13)
Men's doubles draw: TBA
Mixed doubles draw: Wednesday, January 16, 4:00 p.m.

LADIES SINGLES DRAW

Victoria Azarenka (BLR) [1] vs. Monica Niculescu (ROU)
Eleni Daniilidou (GRE) vs. Karolina Pliskova (CZE)
Q-Luksika Kumkhum (THA) vs. Sofia Arvidsson (SWE)
Jamie Hampton (USA) vs. Urszula Radwanska (POL) [31]

Varvara Lepchenko (USA) [21] vs. Polona Hercog (SLO)
Caroline Garcia (FRA) vs. Elena Vesnina (RUS)
Mathilde Johansson (FRA) vs. Q-Akgul Amanmuradova (UZB)
Silvia Soler-Espinosa (ESP) vs. Roberta Vinci (ITA) [16]
-----------------------------------------------------

Caroline Wozniacki (DEN) [10] vs. Sabine Lisicki (GER)
Andrea Hlavackova (CZE) vs. Donna Vekic (CRO)
Q-Daria Gavrilova (RUS) vs. Lauren Davis (USA)
Q-Lesia Tsurenko (UKR) vs. Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova (RUS) [24]

Su-Wei Hsieh (TPE) [26] vs. Lara Arruabarrena-Vecino (ESP)
Svetlana Kuznetsova (RUS) vs.Lourdes Dominguez Lino (ESP)
Yulia Putintseva (KAZ) vs. Christina McHale (USA)
Carla Suarez Navarro (ESP) vs. Sara Errani (ITA) [7]
-----------------------------------------------------
Serena Williams (USA) [3] vs. Edina Gallovits-Hall (ROU)
Magdalena Rybarikova (SVK) vs. Garbine Muguruza (ESP)
Ayumi Morita (JPN) vs. Anna Tatishvili (GEO)
Annika Beck (GER) vs. Yaroslava Shvedova (KAZ) [28]

Yanina Wickmayer (BEL) [20] vs. Jarmila Gajdosova (AUS)
Q-Greta Arn (HUN) vs. Jana Cepelova (SVK)
Rebecca Marino (CAN) vs. Shuai Peng (CHN)
Vania King (USA) vs. Maria Kirilenko (RUS) [14]
-----------------------------------------------------
Nadia Petrova (RUS) [12] vs. Kimiko Date-Krumm (JPN)
Shahar Peer (ISR) vs. Alexandra Panova (RUS)
Maria-Teresa Torro-Flor (ESP) vs. Bojana Jovanovski (SRB)
Mirjana Lucic-Baroni (CRO) vs. Lucie Safarova (CZE) [17]

Sloane Stephens (USA) [29] vs. Simona Halep (ROU)
Kristina Mladenovic (FRA) vs. Timea Babos (HUN)
Melanie Oudin (USA) vs. Laura Robson (GBR)
Francesca Schiavone (ITA) vs. Petra Kvitova (CZE) [8]
-----------------------------------------------------
Na Li (CHN) [6] vs. Sesil Karatantcheva (KAZ)
Pauline Parmentier (FRA) vs. Olga Govortsova (BLR)
Kristyna Pliskova (CZE) vs. Sacha Jones (AUS)
Coco Vandeweghe (USA) vs. Sorana Cirstea (ROU) [27]

Julia Goerges (GER) [18] vs. Q-Vera Dushevina (RUS)
Romina Oprandi (SUI) vs. Tsvetana Pironkova (BUL)
Yuxuan Zhang (CHN) vs. Jie Zheng (CHN)
Kai-Chen Chang (TPE) vs. Samantha Stosur (AUS) [9]
-----------------------------------------------------
Ana Ivanovic (SRB) [13] vs. Melinda Czink (HUN)
Q-Yung-Jan Chan (TPE) vs. Daniela Hantuchova (SVK)
Q-Maria Joao Koehler (POR) vs. Q-Karin Knapp (ITA)
Johanna Larsson (SWE) vs. Jelena Jankovic (SRB) [22]

Mona Barthel (GER) [32] vs. Ksenia Pervak (KAZ)
Heather Watson (GBR) vs. Alexandra Cadantu (ROU)
Irina-Camelia Begu (ROU) vs. Arantxa Rus (NED)
Bojana Bobusic (AUS) vs. Agnieszka Radwanska (POL) [4]
-----------------------------------------------------
Angelique Kerber (GER) [5] vs. Elina Svitolina (UKR)
Lucie Hradecka (CZE) vs. Kiki Bertens (NED)
Casey Dellacqua (AUS) vs. Madison Keys (USA)
Stefanie Voegele (SUI) vs. Tamira Paszek (AUT) [30]

Ekaterina Makarova (RUS) [19] vs. Q-Michelle Lacher de Brito (POR)
Camila Giorgi (ITA) vs. Stephanie Foretz Gacon (FRA)
Q-Vesna Dolonc (SRB) vs. Olivia Rogowska (AUS)
Anabel Medina Garrigues (ESP) vs. Marion Bartoli (FRA) [11]
-----------------------------------------------------
Dominika Cibulkova (SVK) [15] vs. Ashleigh Barty (AUS)
Mandy Minella (LUX) vs. Q-Valeria Savinykh (RUS)
Kirsten Flipkens (BEL) vs. Nina Bratchikova (RUS)
Chanelle Scheepers (RSA) vs. Klara Zakopalova (CZE) [23]

Venus Williams (USA) [25] vs. Galina Voskoboeva (KAZ)
Alize Cornet (FRA) vs. Marina Erakovic (NZL)
Petra Martic (CRO) vs. Misaki Doi (JPN)
Olga Puchkova (RUS) vs. Maria Sharapova (RUS) [2]

W F SF QF R4 R3 R2 R1

[Maza1987]

Heather gets cadantu and laura gets oudin.

Should win round 1 at least, and that's already an improvement for both in terms points.
Barthel is playing really well (and so is pervak), Aga will only be beaten by any of the 3 above her in the rankings.

Kvitova is really out of sorts but could get hot. Schiavone would be a good draw on this surface.

[Sallydaisy]

LADIES SINGLES FULL DRAW

Victoria Azarenka (BLR) [1] vs. Monica Niculescu (ROU)
Eleni Daniilidou (GRE) vs. Karolina Pliskova (CZE)
Q-Luksika Kumkhum (THA) vs. Sofia Arvidsson (SWE)
Jamie Hampton (USA) vs. Urszula Radwanska (POL) [31]

Varvara Lepchenko (USA) [21] vs. Polona Hercog (SLO)
Caroline Garcia (FRA) vs. Elena Vesnina (RUS)
Mathilde Johansson (FRA) vs. Q-Akgul Amanmuradova (UZB)
Silvia Soler-Espinosa (ESP) vs. Roberta Vinci (ITA) [16]
-----------------------------------------------------

Caroline Wozniacki (DEN) [10] vs. Sabine Lisicki (GER)
Andrea Hlavackova (CZE) vs. Donna Vekic (CRO)
Q-Daria Gavrilova (RUS) vs. Lauren Davis (USA)
Q-Lesia Tsurenko (UKR) vs. Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova (RUS) [24]

Su-Wei Hsieh (TPE) [26] vs. Lara Arruabarrena-Vecino (ESP)
Svetlana Kuznetsova (RUS) vs.Lourdes Dominguez Lino (ESP)
Yulia Putintseva (KAZ) vs. Christina McHale (USA)
Carla Suarez Navarro (ESP) vs. Sara Errani (ITA) [7]
-----------------------------------------------------
Serena Williams (USA) [3] vs. Edina Gallovits-Hall (ROU)
Magdalena Rybarikova (SVK) vs. Garbine Muguruza (ESP)
Ayumi Morita (JPN) vs. Anna Tatishvili (GEO)
Annika Beck (GER) vs. Yaroslava Shvedova (KAZ) [28]

Yanina Wickmayer (BEL) [20] vs. Jarmila Gajdosova (AUS)
Q-Greta Arn (HUN) vs. Jana Cepelova (SVK)
Rebecca Marino (CAN) vs. Shuai Peng (CHN)
Vania King (USA) vs. Maria Kirilenko (RUS) [14]
-----------------------------------------------------
Nadia Petrova (RUS) [12] vs. Kimiko Date-Krumm (JPN)
Shahar Peer (ISR) vs. Alexandra Panova (RUS)
Maria-Teresa Torro-Flor (ESP) vs. Bojana Jovanovski (SRB)
Mirjana Lucic-Baroni (CRO) vs. Lucie Safarova (CZE) [17]

Sloane Stephens (USA) [29] vs. Simona Halep (ROU)
Kristina Mladenovic (FRA) vs. Timea Babos (HUN)
Melanie Oudin (USA) vs. Laura Robson (GBR)
Francesca Schiavone (ITA) vs. Petra Kvitova (CZE) [8]
-----------------------------------------------------
Na Li (CHN) [6] vs. Sesil Karatantcheva (KAZ)
Pauline Parmentier (FRA) vs. Olga Govortsova (BLR)
Kristyna Pliskova (CZE) vs. Sacha Jones (AUS)
Coco Vandeweghe (USA) vs. Sorana Cirstea (ROU) [27]

Julia Goerges (GER) [18] vs. Q-Vera Dushevina (RUS)
Romina Oprandi (SUI) vs. Tsvetana Pironkova (BUL)
Yuxuan Zhang (CHN) vs. Jie Zheng (CHN)
Kai-Chen Chang (TPE) vs. Samantha Stosur (AUS) [9]
-----------------------------------------------------
Ana Ivanovic (SRB) [13] vs. Melinda Czink (HUN)
Q-Yung-Jan Chan (TPE) vs. Daniela Hantuchova (SVK)
Q-Maria Joao Koehler (POR) vs. Q-Karin Knapp (ITA)
Johanna Larsson (SWE) vs. Jelena Jankovic (SRB) [22]

Mona Barthel (GER) [32] vs. Ksenia Pervak (KAZ)
Heather Watson (GBR) vs. Alexandra Cadantu (ROU)
Irina-Camelia Begu (ROU) vs. Arantxa Rus (NED)
Bojana Bobusic (AUS) vs. Agnieszka Radwanska (POL) [4]
-----------------------------------------------------
Angelique Kerber (GER) [5] vs. Elina Svitolina (UKR)
Lucie Hradecka (CZE) vs. Kiki Bertens (NED)
Casey Dellacqua (AUS) vs. Madison Keys (USA)
Stefanie Voegele (SUI) vs. Tamira Paszek (AUT) [30]

Ekaterina Makarova (RUS) [19] vs. Q-Michelle Lacher de Brito (POR)
Camila Giorgi (ITA) vs. Stephanie Foretz Gacon (FRA)
Q-Vesna Dolonc (SRB) vs. Olivia Rogowska (AUS)
Anabel Medina Garrigues (ESP) vs. Marion Bartoli (FRA) [11]
-----------------------------------------------------
Dominika Cibulkova (SVK) [15] vs. Ashleigh Barty (AUS)
Mandy Minella (LUX) vs. Q-Valeria Savinykh (RUS)
Kirsten Flipkens (BEL) vs. Nina Bratchikova (RUS)
Chanelle Scheepers (RSA) vs. Klara Zakopalova (CZE) [23]

Venus Williams (USA) [25] vs. Galina Voskoboeva (KAZ)
Alize Cornet (FRA) vs. Marina Erakovic (NZL)
Petra Martic (CRO) vs. Misaki Doi (JPN)
Olga Puchkova (RUS) vs. Maria Sharapova (RUS) [2]

W F SF QF R4 R3 R2 R1

[Jan]

good luck to Hev for her first round match in the early hours!

[JAMES4578]

Hope Heather and Laura get off to a good start!

[Alis]

Wozniacki v Lisicki is some first round match!

[Sallydaisy]

Heather Watson is through to the 2nd round after beating Cadantu (2'6, 6'3, 6'2).
She'll play the winner of Pervak v Barthel, currently in progress 7'5, 2'4 ...
Barthel has just got a break in the 2nd set and serving.

[Sallydaisy]

Well done Laura Robson! That's 2 of our British girls into R2 at the AO.
Tough matches ahead though ...

ROBSON, Laura (GBR, 53) v [8] KVITOVA, Petra (CZE, 8)
WATSON, Heather (GBR, 50) v PERVAK, Ksenia (KAZ, 82)

There's a poster on tennisforum.com who is updating rankings through the AO.
This indicates (http://www.tennisforum.com/showpost.php?p=20688789&postcount=2)that after their R1 wins Heather could be #41 and Laura #46.
Sloane Stephens is ahead of them both on #24.

[Sallydaisy]

Serena Williams just tweeted this ...

Serena Williams ‏@serenawilliams (https://twitter.com/serenawilliams) Fight through the pain. #winfromwithin (https://twitter.com/search?q=%23winfromwithin&src=hash)


... because apparently ...

Christopher Clarey ‏@christophclarey (https://twitter.com/christophclarey) Would be interesting to have a transcript of Serena's internal monologue as she lay on court after rolling her ankle. Lots of precedents

RT @TennisPublisher (https://twitter.com/TennisPublisher)"I need to go to the doctor," is what ESPN2 just reported Serena said to handler when declining the post-match interview
Serena on whether rolled ankle will keep her out: "Unless something fatal happens to me, there's no way I'm not going to be competing". Serena, who won 6-0, 6-0 today, says there is pain and swelling in her ankle and that next few hours are important. Serena, who has rolled the same ankle in Australia before: "I was very, very close to panicking" #AusOpen (https://twitter.com/search?q=%23AusOpen&src=hash).

[david1610]

Well done Laura Robson! That's 2 of our British girls into R2 at the AO.
Tough matches ahead though ...

ROBSON, Laura (GBR, 53) v [8] KVITOVA, Petra (CZE, 8)
WATSON, Heather (GBR, 50) v PERVAK, Ksenia (KAZ, 82)

There's a poster on tennisforum.com who is updating rankings through the AO.
This indicates (http://www.tennisforum.com/showpost.php?p=20688789&postcount=2)that after their R1 wins Heather could be #41 and Laura #46.
Sloane Stephens is ahead of them both on #24.
I watched Laura's match and have put a short report on Laura's thread - I could not get into the fórum after about 3:00 a.m. for some reason so just did it now. Very comprehensive victory.

[patmoren]

Well done Heather and Laura 2 brits still standing in the ladies singles.

[RoastLamb]

Missed Laura's match completely. Bummer. Fell asleep. But what a great result!!!

[Sallydaisy]

OOP for Thursday.
Heather Watson first match on Hisense tomorrow v Radwanska. 11am local time, midnight UK

[Sallydaisy]

Laura breaks again and will serve for the set at *5-1.

PLEASE HOLD ROBBO!
:swingin:

[scrapaddict]

Fantastic performance by Laura to hold her nerve - despite the double faults.

Excellent win for her over Kvitova

[pabbers]

Amazing - went off for lunch and she was 3-0 down in the third. Came back and there was a blip on the forum and didn't get round to checking elsewhere on the web. Only just found out from a colleague - wonder if the forum blip was a sign! Well done Laura!!!:dance:

[Alis]

Fantastic result for Laura. Our two young girls are really spurring one another on!

[RoastLamb]

Yes, our American commies were very impressed with Laura's behaviour on court, her demeanour and attitude. She really does compose herself very well. So much potential.

[Linda]

The success of Laura and Hev is getting me to watch women's tennis again - these must be the best days for British women's tennis since the days of Wade & Barker.

[david1610]

Having had the pleasure of meeting Sloane Stephens alongside Heather at Estoril, she is also a very nice person and very talented. Madison Keys looked like an absolute top give certainty in the future .... I think there may be a big change in the next two or three years in women's tennis, more so than the men's game has changed at the top, methinks.

[pabbers]

The success of Laura and Hev is getting me to watch women's tennis again - these must be the best days for British women's tennis since the days of Wade & Barker.

Me too!

[cazza99]

Snap

[cazza99]

Bleacher (http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1489624-serena-williams-smashes-lip-with-racket-during-2nd-round-win-at-australian-open?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=newsletter&utm_campaign=tennis)- Serena Williams Smashes Lip with Racket During 2nd Round Win at Australian Open

[banskogirl]

The success of Laura and Hev is getting me to watch women's tennis again - these must be the best days for British women's tennis since the days of Wade & Barker.

I agree, not always my favourite! Even the men in the house usually are only happy if I am watching Ana! It is really good to be able to cheer our own girls!

[Sallydaisy]

Here's the Last 16 Ladies, it includes players from 9 different countries:
RUS 5, SRB 2, USA 2, GER 2, BLR, DEN, CHN, POL, BEL 1 each

Azarenka [1] vs Vesnina
Wozniacki [10]vs Kuznetsova
Serena[3] vs Kirilenko [14]
Stephens [29] vs Jovanovski
Li Na [6] vs Goerges [18]
Radwanska[4] vs Ivanovic [13]
Kerber [5] vs Makarova [19]
Sharapova[2] vs Flipkens

[RoastLamb]

So glad Kuzy beat Caro. Love her!!!

And very happy Sloane beat that Serbian girl who was making such a racket. Horrid stuff. Sloane is a breath of fresh air - so pleasant and nice in her interviews. And she doesn't seem full of herself either. Hope that never changes. Apparently Serena told her that she doesn't make enough noise on court. I hope that's one bit of advice she doesn't take.

[Genbrit]

The success of Laura and Hev is getting me to watch women's tennis again - these must be the best days for British women's tennis since the days of Wade & Barker.

I agree Linda. :thumbup:

[JAMES4578]

So glad Kuzy beat Caro. Love her!!!

And very happy Sloane beat that Serbian girl who was making such a racket. Horrid stuff. Sloane is a breath of fresh air - so pleasant and nice in her interviews. And she doesn't seem full of herself either. Hope that never changes. Apparently Serena told her that she doesn't make enough noise on court. I hope that's one bit of advice she doesn't take.

Cetainly a good win for Svet after problems last year and she possibly doesn't get the recognition for being a double slam winner,whereas Caro still struggling in the majors somewhat! A tight battle for Sloane but she toughed it out to go through. By contrast both Serena and Maria have cruised through all their matches thus far.

[RoastLamb]

And Azarenka too. I still think Serena will win. She owns Maria.

[JAMES4578]

And Azarenka too. I still think Serena will win. She owns Maria.

Azarena did drop a set against Jamie Hampton in the 3rd round,I wouldn't bet against Serena.

[RoastLamb]

It just all seems so predictable, though, doesn't it? I so wish someone would come along and really shake up the top group. I feel the same way about the men too.

[Sallydaisy]

The last 8 ... all 4 seeds have reached the QF's

Azarenka [1] vs Kuznetsova
Serena[3] vs Stephens [29]
Li Na [6] vs Radwanska[4]
Sharapova[2] vs Makarova [19]

[ljs]

Azarena did drop a set against Jamie Hampton in the 3rd round,I wouldn't bet against Serena.

if you did , you'd lose your money
Agree that its so predictable on the womens side , makes it rather boring to watch , for me anyway

[traveller7]

Li Na played a blinder to win in 2 sets.

[Alis]

Nothing against Li Na but I'm sorry that Aga has gone.

[RoastLamb]

Me too. I love her game and style.

[JAMES4578]

Shame Aga out as she has an attractive game, a good scalp for Li Na though!

[lynne]

Nice to see Katy Dunne got through to round three in the Girls Junior Singles, but sad that she lost in the girls doubles, but.....Well Done Katy!!!:thumbup:

[cazza99]

Eurosport (http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/video/definitely-worst-serve-time-081812027.html) - Definitely the worst serve of all time
video - Li Na inexplicably sends a serve skywards in her Australian Open match against Agnieszka Radwanska.

[pabbers]

It just all seems so predictable, though, doesn't it? I so wish someone would come along and really shake up the top group. I feel the same way about the men too.

The cavalry are on their way......aka.........Laura and Hev!!!

[RoastLamb]

Let's hope so. I think Sloane is ahead of them though.

[Sallydaisy]

Brad sez ...

Brad Gilbert ‏@bgtennisnation (https://twitter.com/bgtennisnation) Should be a very interesting day will SW have any trouble with the right ankle she tweaked in the Dubs ? Who you got and and scorelines

Kuzy vs Aza is going to be a tight match

[RoastLamb]

Yes, I think Kuzy will be fighting tooth and nail with Aza and I so hope she prevails.

[Alis]

Well done Katy. Is she the only UK Junior playing?

[lynne]

Well done Katy. Is she the only UK Junior playing?


I have just checked, and if my eyes are correct yes I think Katy is the only junior playing, can't seem to find anybody else! :)

[traveller7]

The girls have started

[ljs]

Kuzy beating Azarenka 4-1 1st set :jitterbug:

Aza being warned about time violation

[traveller7]

1st match done 7-5 6-1

[tom]

The girls have started

Azarenka has just won 7-5, 6-1.

Kuznetsova made a bright start (leading 4-1 in the first set) but evidently
couldn't sustain it.

But she's had a good tournament. I thought she's retired!

[traveller7]

Onto the next hope Serena gets two bagels and off the court in a quick time!

[traveller7]

Hurry up Serena.

[david1610]

Hurry up Serena.
Three games in 7 minutes. She has heard you!

[ljs]

could this match be any worse :rolleyes:

[traveller7]

im just following livescore whats occurring?

[ljs]

both making alot of errors , Sloane looks scared lol

[david1610]

That is the first set. Sloane matching Serena until 3-3 then 4-3 a break and hold later..... 28 minutes! Likey likey!

[ljs]

only 3 winners from Serena in that 1st set , and only 5 winners hit by Sloane

[david1610]

Match before Andy - quick points, quick games, quick sets, player who got the first set has a break in the second... what is there not to like about this match? :)
Trust me to say that.... Sloane Stephens just broke back....

[Linda]

Serena was doing so well until I started watching it :rolleyes:

[Alis]

I'm just going by the livescores but Sloane seems to be holding her own out there. Or could it be that Serena is going to let her have a set as encouragement for her protege?

[ljs]

Serena's injured , prob be a timeout coming

yep , Serena's called the trainer . Its her back

[Linda]

Oh no :sad:

[david1610]

Serena having a medical timeout. Looked as if she has tweaked something pulling up sharply on a point so as not to touch the net. Commies saying back spasm.
If she cannot serve, then Sloane has a chance but with nerves it could put another 45 minutes - hour on this match. Nothing against them, but at this time of the night I just want Andy on court asap :(

[david1610]

Serana lobbed four first serves in and Sloana whacked some of them out! Serena in pain and Sloane showing her inexperience, not keeping the ball in play.
Serena 30-40 but Sloane makes it deuce. 6-5 Sloane.

[jaysee]

Morning all! Looks like Igot the alarm about right. Sloane too nervous to beat Serena.

[Linda]

Poor Serena can hardly move :sad:

[david1610]

Morning all! Looks like Igot the alarm about right. Sloane too nervous to beat Serena.
Wait until you see how Serena is having to serve.....

Drat..... a third set...
(Sorry to sound inconsiderate. Please Serena either do it or if you are not 100%, let Sloane do it. Do not half do it and have 5-4 nerves, 6-5 etc. and keep us for another hour.....)

[david1610]

BTW has everybody noticed how windy the court is today!

[sid]

Woke up @ 3.45am this morning & i hope this match with S/W does not go on to long,as i've got to be @ the hospital this morning.

[traveller7]

im never staying awake for andys now zzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

[david1610]

Well congratulations to Sloane though I suspect one sudden pull up before the net could have cost Serena the calendar slam....

Andy in a few minutes folks! Why didn't I go to bed.....

Sloane is going to be a real star. What a great interview!

[traveller7]

and serenas out

[ljs]

yayy for Sloane , held her nerve there to finish it off

[RoastLamb]

Oh too bad for Kuzy because she played really well in that first set. Darn it!!!

But wow for Sloane Stephens. I know Serena was injured but the painkillers kicked in during the third set and I really thought Serena would pull it off. Kudos to the teen!

[Alis]

Good for Sloan - just the break she needed. Now what can she do against Aza?

[Sallydaisy]

Didn't realise the AO winner could end up changing who is at number 1 next Monday.

Ben Rothenberg ‏@BenRothenberg (https://twitter.com/BenRothenberg) No1 ranking watch: If Azarenka wins title, it's hers. If not, it's Sharapova's if she makes the final.
If neither, it's Serena's. #ausopen (https://twitter.com/search?q=%23ausopen&src=hash)

[Jan]

well done to Sloane!!

[pabbers]

Got up to watch Andy and caught the end of Serena/Sloane. Well done Sloane - great stuff. But, oh, it's only 'cos Serena was injured..........yeah, sure.

[cazza99]

USAToday (http://www.usatoday.com/story/gameon/2013/01/23/jo-wilfried-tsonga-women-unstable-emotionally/1858055/) - Jo-Wilfried Tsonga says women's tennis players are 'more unstable emotionally'

[RoastLamb]

What is wrong with those French players. First Simon then him and wasn't it Llodra who said something gross to an onlooker last year. Sexist oinks.

[Maza1987]

very pleased for sloane

[Hawkeye]

So, the final will be between Li Na and Victoria Azarenka after 2 fairly one-sided semi finals. Li Na beat Sharapova 6-2 6-2 and Azarenka won 6-1 6-4.

[Sallydaisy]

Wow, Li really put Shazza to the sword, I'm very surprised at that.
Not so surprised at the win for Vika though.

[lynne]

Surprising scoreline for Maria, was hoping for a win from her...oh!well!!......thanks Hawkeye for info!!:thumbup:

[Jennan]

Well I'm pleased Shriekypova is out. Never taken to her.

[Sallydaisy]

The Women's Semi-Final matches provided considerable drama today in Melbourne.

Li Na pulled off an unexpected defeat over Maria Sharapova, who had looked invincible coming into the match today, with a 6'2, 6'2 win. Sharapova's serve was right off form and the Chinese player's court wiles broke down the Russian's defence.

In the other Semi it was Vika Azarenka's 'off-court' adventure (to the locker room) that caused surprise and dismay after it appeared she'd taken the Rules to the limit and used a medical time-out to possibly disadvantage her opponent. Sloane Stephens sat it out for 10minutes whilst Vika was attended by trainer and doctor before leaving for 7minutes. On return she broke Stephens serve to take the 2nd set 6'4 and the match having won the first by 6'1.

It was the oncourt interview afterwards that shocked watchers and set the twitterverse alight with accusations of cheating and mis-use of the MTO Rules. The controversy looks set to provoke a rethink and it could rumble on for quite a long time.

The BBC has reports as follows:-
As it happened: (http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/tennis/21092758)Na v Sharapova and Azarenka v Stephens
Azarenka v Stephens (http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/tennis/21175595)
Azarenka's press quotes. (http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/tennis/21178255)

[JAMES4578]

Certainly surprised Sharapova was beaten so easily but she was off form even if Li Na is having a good tournament. Expected Azarenka to go through fairly comfortably really but certainly some drama in the closing stages of that match and that lengthy medical timeout seems questionable to say the least.

[RoastLamb]

Very impressed with Li Na. I really think she owes her new coach a lot - she does play like Justine Henin so it's no surprise. Didn't think she'd beat Shrieky so easily but very happy that she did. One less Shriek at the final.

Disappointed for Sloane but I don't think she'd have beaten Serena had she not been injured. But a great tournament for her and I hope she continues to do well. She's really nice, doesn't make noise and is self-deprecating and funny.

[Sallydaisy]

Ladies Final

Li opened the match ...
*0-1
1-1* Vika's turn. Always good to start with no-one holding serve ...
*2-1 Well done Madame Li
3-1*
*3-2 Back on serve after they've traded breaks again.
4-2* And again ...

Azarenka celebrated breaking her opponent with a manic roar, but her efforts were all for nothing it seems. Nadda. Zilch. Li has three break points, and a dipping backhand grazes the paint to secure the break. That was in by 0.00001mm. More chance of fish learning to climb trees than Azarenka holding serve.

Li to serve at 4-2 up in the first set.

I'm not currently watching this - might put it on for half an hour to see what is going on.
In the meantime I'm following it on BBC livetext whilst doing other stuff at the computer.
I did wonder though what the BBC bods had been on when I saw their first posts this morning ...

08.10: Happy Australia Day! You'll be glad to hear there is a better way to celebrate our antipodean cousins' national day than listening to Craig McLachlan's Mona so cancel the download or turn the volume down on your ghetto blaster - throw that Now 1990 cassette out of the window. Do whatever is necessary to stop the overpowering temptation of McLachlan because there is no need for any of that. None at all.

08.14: Hello and thank you for joining our live text coverage of the Australian Open women's final where good meets bad; where the toothpick eating, steely eyed, villainous defending champion takes on the sanguine people's darling in an Grand Slam rodeo. It's Melbourne versus Victoria. (https://twitter.com/AmandaJDavies/status/295011929674633217/photo/1)

Greg Rusedski on Twitter: (https://twitter.com/GregRusedski1)"Li Na v Azarenka is going to be very interesting. Not sure who is going to win but think Li might just pip it in 3."

Alastair Eykyn, BBC Radio 5 live sports extra"Azarenka has a similar style to Maria Sharapova, but she will have to more accurate. Li Na is more of a counter puncher and will hope to soak up the pressure. The head to head shows a slight lead over Azarenka, but Li Na is ahead when you look at Grand Slam meetings."

You can find the livetext commentary here (http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/tennis/21092834) and the radio link via the BBC website.
I'll just post up some scores from time to time.

All comments in quote tags are from the BBC 'as it happens' live text commentary which includes quotes from various watching commentators and tweeters.

[Sallydaisy]

Li to serve for the first set *5-3 after both ladies finally held their serve in succession.

5-4 Vika broke again as Li was serving for the set

Australian Open ‏@AustralianOpen (https://twitter.com/AustralianOpen) #LiNa (https://twitter.com/search?q=%23LiNa&src=hash) pushes too hard and the errors flow. Broken for the 3rd time in match, games back on serve in #AusOpen (https://twitter.com/search?q=%23AusOpen&src=hash) final 4-5 #Azarenka (https://twitter.com/search?q=%23Azarenka&src=hash) serving.

6-4 Li Na breaks to take the first set.

Times tennis correspondent Neil Harman on Twitter: (https://twitter.com/NeilHarmanTimes/status/295096921306050562)"The Rodriguez magic working on Li Na. She is such a confident ball striker. Crowd totally on her side as well. Might as well be in Beijing."

.
Australian Open ‏@AustralianOpen (https://twitter.com/AustralianOpen) When #LiNa (https://twitter.com/search?q=%23LiNa&src=hash) has won 1st set in a Slam match she's won the match 58 times/7 losses. When #Azarenka (https://twitter.com/search?q=%23Azarenka&src=hash) has lost first set she's 6 wins/21 losses.



Australian Open ‏@AustralianOpen (https://twitter.com/AustralianOpen) If #LiNa (https://twitter.com/search?q=%23LiNa&src=hash) wins this #AusOpen (https://twitter.com/search?q=%23AusOpen&src=hash) final #Azarenka (https://twitter.com/search?q=%23Azarenka&src=hash) will lose the world No.1 ranking to #Serena (https://twitter.com/search?q=%23Serena&src=hash) #Williams (https://twitter.com/search?q=%23Williams&src=hash) on Monday.


Tom Spencer on Twitter: (https://twitter.com/Spence_Official/status/295098956596256768) "So if the world number 1 loses she drops to 2nd in the world behind someone who was knocked out in the quarters?! #crazy"

[JAMES4578]

Whilst in the context of this tournament it might seem a bit strange for Serena to claim the top ranking back it was only her 2nd loss in 7 months and she has won most of the big titles over the past year. Anyway Azarenka up 3-1 in the 2nd (though she's lost one of the breaks)so she could still turn this around and remain on top. A few nerves from both in the opening set but it was Li Na who was setting the pace.

[Sallydaisy]

Li opened the 2nd set ...
*0-1 Break in the opening game - again ...
0-2* Vika's turn. And she holds!
*0-3 Double break to Azarenka
1-3* But Li breaks back ...

Li has taken a bad fall and is hopping at the end of the court. She's limped back to her chair, the trainer is on and it seems she's yanked her ankle. There's now a 2 minute time-out which will be followed by a 10minute break for the Australia Day Firework bonanza!

[Sallydaisy]

No sign of the fireworks but the Chinese firecracker returns to court and holds serve.

*2-3 Well done Na Li
2-4* Vika holds ... could be going to 3.

Australian Open ‏@AustralianOpen (https://twitter.com/AustralianOpen) 3 horrific errors from #Azarenka (https://twitter.com/search?q=%23Azarenka&src=hash) give #LiNa (https://twitter.com/search?q=%23LiNa&src=hash) break back points. #Azarenka (https://twitter.com/search?q=%23Azarenka&src=hash) reels off five points in row incl 3 blazing winners for 4-2 2nd set

[JAMES4578]

That fall looked worrying but Li Na took her chance, breaking back for 4 all. Unfortunately though she drops serve again, so Azarenka will now try and hold to take this to a decider.

[Sallydaisy]

They're holding off the fireworks until the end of the 2nd set ...
Azarenka will serve for it after just breaking Li Na again.

*3-4 Well done Na Li for holding
4-4* Vika broken
*4-5 Vika breaks again ... will serve for the 2nd set.



Australian Open ‏@AustralianOpen (https://twitter.com/AustralianOpen) #Amazing (https://twitter.com/search?q=%23Amazing&src=hash) hold for #LiNa (https://twitter.com/search?q=%23LiNa&src=hash) who faced more break points. Not getting much elevation on her serve since ankle incident but 6--4 3-4 v #Azarenka (https://twitter.com/search?q=%23Azarenka&src=hash)

[Sallydaisy]

Azarenka takes the 2nd set. Will Li Na benefit from the 10minute firework break.

When the ladies match resumes the Chinese will open the serving in the 3rd set at 6'4, 4'6.

[JAMES4578]

Easy hold so it's a 3rd set which I did want to see really. Hopefully they can both produce something like their best form in the decider.

[Sallydaisy]

Oh goodness me!

Li went for a shot, her ankle gave over again and she fell and walloped her head on the court.
Doctors on court; 3 minute time-out as they check there's nothing to stop her continue.

Azarenka meanwhile has been given permission to keep limbered up by having some serve practice.
However, she's taking forehands and backhands too whilst Li receives treatment.
And whilst she approached the net after the official fall she's not gone round to see how Li is.

Following on from the incident in the Semi-Final this is poor from Vika.


Jonathan Overend, BBC Radio 5 live sports extra"Victoria Azarenka does not help herself sometimes. When Li Na went down at the opposite end, the umpire and the trainer were down looking after her while Azarenka was still at the net. Then when Li was getting treatment, Azarenka got permission to practice a few forehands and backhands. She is very personable but I just think she puts her foot in too many times."

[JAMES4578]

It's all happening in this match even the quality hasn't been the best. Li seems to be play ok, though she failed to convert a bp and 2 all.

[Sallydaisy]

Li opened the 3rd set ...
*0-1 Break in the opening game - again ...
1-1* Vika's turn. And she breaks back
*2-1 Li holds but then she falls just after the resumption of play following the fireworks.
2-2* Vika holds

*2-3 as Vika breaks.

Li struggling - she seems to be seeing the ball but isn't playing as solidly as in the first set.

[JAMES4578]

A pity as it may be slipping away from Li Na now, Vika easily holds for 4-2 but there have been a few twists and turns in this match.

[Sallydaisy]

Both ladies have just held serve so Azarenka is next on 4-3 up.
No knowing what could happen though 'cos there's been so many breaks already!

[Sallydaisy]

Li has gone 30-0* up on Vika's serve. 30-15*, 30-30, great tactics to get to 40-30*
Then an error for deuce, Ad Azarenka.

She holds for 5-3. Li serving to stay in the match....

I really want Na Li to win this - she is playing with so much guts out there.
But the match itself has been dire to watch with so many unforced errors (more from Vika) and breaks of serve.

[Sallydaisy]

Azarenka has won the Ladies Australian Open title and remains the World #1 player as a result.
4'6, 6'4, 6'3

Such a shame for Na Li to take those 2 falls because without that the 3rd set could have been more competitive. I don't think I want to watch the ceremony or listen to the speeches.
It was a poor quality final.

[JAMES4578]

Azarenka takes it 6-3 in the 3rd and produced the better tennis in the end, though it wasn't her top form. Pity for Li Na, she have to think the falls were a factor.

[Sallydaisy]

Honestly the entertainment from this ladies match is better without the tennis!!!
:laugh:



Ben Rothenberg ‏@BenRothenberg (https://twitter.com/BenRothenberg) Ceremony starts: "Ladies and gentlemen, I don't think we could have scripted it any better." I burst out laughing, I must say. #ausopen (https://twitter.com/search?q=%23ausopen&src=hash)




Australian Open ‏@AustralianOpen (https://twitter.com/AustralianOpen) .@TennisAustralia (https://twitter.com/TennisAustralia) President Stephen Healey: "To LiNa you have won may friends with your brave effort tonight." #AusOpen (https://twitter.com/search?q=%23AusOpen&src=hash)




Neil Harman ‏@NeilHarmanTimes (https://twitter.com/NeilHarmanTimes) Battered, bruised and quite possibly.....what did he say!!! #lina (https://twitter.com/search?q=%23lina&src=hash)


Oh, he did.......

Barry Flatman ‏@Barry_FlatmanST (https://twitter.com/Barry_FlatmanST) Sandy Roberts does it again. Re Li Na: "She's battered, she's bruised and quite possibly she's ******ed." Don't get ideas Sue Barker



Simon Briggs ‏@simonrbriggs (https://twitter.com/simonrbriggs) Only in Australia could an MC introduce Li Na, the AO runnerup, like that




Australian Open ‏@AustralianOpen (https://twitter.com/AustralianOpen) #LiNa (https://twitter.com/search?q=%23LiNa&src=hash): "Two weeks ago I have to say I hate my team, they push me a lot. But I think it's not bad so I should shut up and continue." #AusOpen (https://twitter.com/search?q=%23AusOpen&src=hash)

[patmoren]

Very up and down match but the ladies finals generally are. Finshed eventually. Waiting until Heather and Laura get there, hopefully be in my lifetime.

[Sallydaisy]

Oh dear, Azarenka is now Belgian according to the Aussie engraver.
:facepalm:

Courtney Nguyen ‏@FortyDeuceTwits (https://twitter.com/FortyDeuceTwits) That's. Not. Good. RT @maxav (https://twitter.com/maxav):
They engraved Azarenka’s name on the trophy with BEL nationality instead of BLR.
(Just spotted on Channel 7)

[supergran]

Thought Sandy Roberts was hugely entertaining with his intro of Li Na.:lol::skippy: