Australian Open Finals

Wozniaki wins

Caroline Wozniaki took a 3-setter from Simona Halep to win the AO.  This was a match of two similar players, as was the case for the Halep/Kerber semi.  Wozniaki did some things a bit better than Kerber, who nearly won her match.  She served better than Kerber, and broke up cross court exchanges with down-the-line shots more frequently.  She also held her nerve very well when things got tight.  To appreciate Wozniaki’s amazing court coverage, watch the 30-30 point in the third set, with Halep serving at 4-5.

Many have said the Wozniaki could not win a major because she stays too far behind the baseline etc.  First of all, anyone who reaches the final of a major can win a major.  If nothing else the player is one sprained ankle, pulled muscle or blister away from a title.  So I’m not surprised that Caroline broke through, and I won’t be a bit surprised if Halep does so in near future.  I also disagree that Caroline’s problem before was court positioning.  Rather, I believe, she hit a very predictable cross court shot every time she played a forehand.  Over the past few months she has started to flatten her forehand out and go down the line, and these changes have helped her break rallies open more frequently.

One final note:  I had previously criticized Chris Evert for never using an adverb, but in this match she actually said that Wozniaki played “aggressively” rather than “aggressive.”  I don’t know if this blog helped effect that change, but regardless, kudos to Chrissie!