US Open Gallery: women’s draw, day 7
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Kim Clijsters came through her fourth round match against Venus Williams 60 06 64. The scoreline reflects a fascinating match. The first two sets lasted 27 and 23 minutes respectively and then the third set lasted 52 minutes.
The Belgian won 68% of points on her first serve, compared to 56% for Venus and her serving was contained, no aces but only three double faults.
“It was unbelievable,” said Clijsters. “I don’t know what to say. It was such a weird match, especially those first two sets. But after I lost the second at 6-0, I said, let’s start over and start a new match.”
Clijsters will now meet China’s Li Na who defeated Francesca Schiavone 62 63.
Serena William had an emphatic win against Slovakian Daniela Hantuchova 62 60. Although the players were 2-2 in the first set, Hantuchova never really got into the match and Serena cruised through winning the next consecutive 10 games. As it was the first match on Arthur Ashe Stadium it must have come as a welcome relief to tournament organizers who on Saturday had to move Dinara Safina’s match against Kvitova to Louis Armstrong because the day schedule had lasted so long. Serena was back in the locker room in just over an hour.
“I traditionally play well in fourth round matches. I want to keep this level, stay focused and play well my next match,” Williams said. “I enjoy every moment. I enjoy walking out there and I like to battle. I’m blessed to be in this position, to travel the world, play tennis and do something I love every day.”
In the night match, Flavia Pennetta continued her run of form defeating the seventh seed Vera Zvonareva in three sets 36 76 (8) 60. The Italian faces Serena in the quarterfinals. They have only played once before in 2008 in Miami. On that occasion Serena won 67 (6) 63 62.
