BANK OF THE WEST CLASSIC > STANFORD CA > HARD > TIER II > QF
A straight sets victory over Stanford titleholder Anna Chakvetadze, sent Marion into Saturday's semi final. This superbe victory over the world No.8 also marks the first time this year that Marion has won three matches in succession.
The first set mirrored the trajectory of the match Marion played the previous day. Marion taking commanding leads of 3-0 and 4-1.
However, the games themselves where keenly contested. For the most part, Marion had the upper hand, earning and taking break points at will.
At 5-2 on the Chakvetadze serve, Marion earned three set points, but Chaky sneaked the game back, perhaps she felt lucky?
On her 5th set point Marion stepped up to the counter and made her boss-lady statement. So you think Marion is a big girl do you? You better believe it.... 6-3.
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(Photos AP)
2ND SET
The normal tennis match pattern of serve and hold, was turned inside-out like a shirt in a washing machine for the next eight games. Neither player was able to hold serve or keep the initiative.
However, one telling sign about this match was the way that Marion would frequently get up 40-0 on her serve, or when recieving serve. As the match progressed, it was clear that the player knocking down the door with a sawn off shotgun was Marion.
With the 2nd set level at 4-4, Marion broke to 15 for a 5-4 lead.
Serving for the match, Marion started the game a little nervily. However a 4th double fault was the last point that Chakvetadze gained on Friday evening. Marion closed out the game to 15, and thus match on her first matchpoint.
With a customary glance to dad, Marion approached the net to shake her opponents hand and it was au revior Anna Chakvetadze.
After a hard fought three set match on Thursday, Marion deserves credit for the way she made a top ten player look flacid for significant sections of the match. Even on the rare spells where Marion's serving came up a little short, she was still able to rely on her strong returning game to keep her in touch until she steadied the ship again.
Ai Sugiyama is Marion's semi final opponent. The match is scheduled for 19:00 PDT (04:00 CEST Sun)
The other semi is between Serena Williams and Sam Stosur.
Well done Marion. The golden gate to the final is open.
it was a good match. I like watching marion when she plays like this.
now it's Ai! GOOD LUCK MARION!!!