The date – 20 January 2013. Men’s singles fourth round match between Novak Djokovic (1) and Stanislas Wawrinka (30). This 5 hr 2 mins epic five set match ended with Djokovic as the victor.
Fast forward to today. Men’s singles fourth round match between Novak Djokovic (2) and Stanislas Wawrinka (8). The big question was whether the Stanimal would be able to beat the Djoker, whom he had last beaten in 2006.
Djokovic was first out the blocks and sitting pretty after winning the first set. Wawrinka fought back and took the next two sets. Djokovic being the champion that he is fought back from behind in the fourth set to take it, pumping his fist with that steely look in his eyes and his coach, Boris Becker standing up to applaud his player.
It was all down to the fifth set. Djokovic broke first in the third game but Wawrinka broke right back. Djokovic held his service games relatively easy whereas Wawrinka had to dig deep to hold his. At 5 games a piece and 40-15 on Wawrinka’s serve, the rain came down and the players were sidelined for a few minutes. On returning, Wawrinka managed to hold his serve. It was only in the 16th game that Wawrinka managed to break Djokovic’s serve and in doing so won the match 26 64 62 36 97.
Another gripping and epic match and the best of the tournament this year so far. In Wawrinka’s words, “I’m very, very, very, very happy” and so he should be!
Wawrinka will now play Tomas Berdych for a place in the final. Berdych needed four sets to oust David Ferrer 61 64 26 64 and in doing so, join an elite club of tennis players who have reached the semifinals of all four Grand Slam events.
No genie in Ana’s bottle
Ana Ivanovic’s Australian Open dream came to an end when she lost to Eugenie Bouchard 75 57 26. Ivanovic who was the favourite going into this match especially after ousting Serena Williams in the last round, was battling with a leg injury, but add to that a 19 year old opponent who showed such composure, far beyond her years. Bouchard was just too strong on the day.
Her next opponent will be Li Na who ended Flavia Pennetta’s run 62 62.
Image courtesy of the Australian Open Tennis Tournament.