Running Commentary – S. Stosur vs. S. Williams

5:15 

Serena seems to be showing some bad body language.  As if to say, I should not be playing this poorly.  Fact is for 5 games her power has been matched.  No need to feign shock just dig in (if I was Serena’s coach).

5:18

Mac saying she is not moving well and looks low on energy.  Enberg talking about injuries.  More bad body language at falling behind 2-4, 0-40.  Now 5-2 Stosur 8 straight points.  I know a set is never won or lost until it is over, but the first set should be in Storsur’s column.

5:22

10 straight points  for Stosur 5-2, 30-0.  Make it 11 and 3 set points for Stosur.  Serena bounces her racket.  Forehand winner 12 straight points 6-2 Stosur!  I never saw this coming.

5:29

Serena breaks the string of points.  Can the new set bring a new reality for both players?  15-30 Stosur is in a good place.  Sam is using power and topspin to lower risks of errors.  15-40 Forehand winner from Stosur to earn two break points.  (15 out of 16 points!)  Ace from Serena to stem the momentum.  Deuce and Serena seems animated.  Stsour still breaks serve.  Momentum is with the Aussie for now.

5:33

Serena quickly to 3 break points.  Amazing point to get to 15-40, now 30-40.   Serena digs deep to level the 2nd set 1-1.   Fans are jumping on to Serena’s bandwagon.

5:35

Serena is on a mini-roll 1-1, 40-0.   Forehand winner from Stosur, but Serena holds easily and seems dialed into the match.  6-2, 1-2 Stosur leads.

5:44

This game seems huge.  If Stosur holds, maybe Serena’s momentum and anger subside.  If Serena jumps to a 3-1, this could be a quick set.  15-30 Serena seems to have the momentum.  15-40 off of a weak slice.  Ace for 30-40.  Deuce.  A hold here would change the tone of the match yet again.  Slices and a big forehand, is Stosur channeling Steffi?   Ad Stosur.  Deuce. Stosur’s forehand appears to have more placement options than Serena’s.  Williams needs to address every ball she can to Stosur’s backhand.  Ad Stosur. Ace for 2-2.

5:51

Williams with a quick hold.  Stosur leads 6-2, 2-3.  30-15.  Stosur maybe plays an out ball rather than challenge.  30-30.  40-30.  Stosur is not rolling as she was to end the first set, but if she keeps holding the pressure will swing back to Serena.  3-3 after a drop shot and forehand winning pass.  Serena’s “Don’t get in my way” quote after the 2009 mess seems like a bad idea.   6-2, 3-3.

5:54

6-2, 3-3 30-30 huge point right here.  Defense and use of slices and top spin save Stosur.  30-40 (break point).   The Steffi slice draws an error.  6-2, 4-3.  Shock.

5:58

Routine hold – 6-2, 5-3????

6:05

Forehand error from Serena.  15-30.  Backhand error 15-40 double match point.  30-40 both players played it safe.  Big serve and forehand – deuce.  Huge forehand return and huge forehand winner from Stosur for match point #3.  Second serve, Stosur steps around and cracks a forehand for a return winner.  6-2, 6-3 … wow!  To end the match on two winners after Serena saved two match points is impressive as well.

I am not calling this NC State over Houston, but who saw this coming?