Can Maria Sharapova Finally End Losing Streak To Serena Williams? Wimbledon Semifinals Preview

“Can Maria Sharapova Finally End Losing Streak To Serena Williams?”

Nein.

July 9th, 2015 at 4:05 am

I can’t see Serena not winning this tournament. Her biggest threat was probably Azarenka, so now I’m sure she’ll roll through.

July 9th, 2015 at 7:17 am

If muguruza can handle her nerves then i give her a chance. Radwanska as a pusher has zero chance

July 9th, 2015 at 7:26 am

I give Muguruza a chance too. She has the power, she has the touch. she is going to be top 10 soon. Tho first semi, first final, if it happens, might be too much.
Radwanska is no “pusher,” whatever that rudism means. No, it’s a power issue with her.

July 9th, 2015 at 8:05 am

radwanska has no power in her shots whatsoever.kudos to her for bringing it so far

3-1 mugu and now 3 triple BPs for double break

July 9th, 2015 at 8:30 am

we have seen many real deals the last years or so.

but mugu hast to be future GS winner. attacking tennis, lovely touch and personality and no grunts

double break and 4-1

July 9th, 2015 at 8:32 am

correction. not annyoing grunts

July 9th, 2015 at 8:35 am

6-2 mugu

July 9th, 2015 at 8:44 am

triple Bps for mugu at the start of the 2nd set

aga ha to buy some powerful weapons

July 9th, 2015 at 8:47 am

Well, Garbine has been ready for this, it appears. She beat Aga a couple times this year and looks like she has no fear whatsoever about this being her 1st Wimbledon semifinal.

She’s pummeling the heck out of one of my favorites. Poor Aga. But Garbine will give Serena more trouble than Aga ever would.

Force to be reckoned with in the coming years – Garbine Muguruza!

July 9th, 2015 at 8:53 am

Aga is 5’8″ and 123 lbs! She has a small frame/bones. Her biggest weapon is her mind. She makes the most of what she has. All she can do against Garbine is hope she starts making some errors. So far Garbine has neutralized Aga’s back of tricks. Maybe if this was contested over 5 sets…

Aga is super fit and is speedy enough. I do think women’s tennis at the grand slam level should be over 5 sets like the men’s. At least from the quarterfinals on.

July 9th, 2015 at 9:02 am

Muguruza is shanking too often in the last two games.

July 9th, 2015 at 9:05 am

Garbine beat Serena at the FO last year,then lost to Maria,so the irony is she would probably rather face Serena than Maria,all assuming she gets through Aga,whichever one wins i hope one of these two wins the final,and we have a new Wimbledon champion….

July 9th, 2015 at 9:06 am

I can smell momentum change.

July 9th, 2015 at 9:10 am

:D Aga shows infinite patience and a steely mind :D

gets herself into the 2nd set.

Actually hoping Garbine wins though…just cuz…

July 9th, 2015 at 9:13 am

wtf are u doing mugu

aga serving for the set

shiitt

July 9th, 2015 at 9:14 am

mugu lost from 3-1 up 5 games in a row. wow

July 9th, 2015 at 9:18 am

Yes Hippy Chick. Garbine was extremely brave beating Serena but she was flying a bit under the radar last year. This year Serena would be ready for her. Not sure Garbine would be able to beat either Serena or Maria but the contest would be better, I think.

Aga gets a set! Aga!!

July 9th, 2015 at 9:18 am

I think Muguruza saw the finish line far to early after the first break in the second set and now her game fell appart, Aga is too smart for her, I can see her winning the match now.

July 9th, 2015 at 9:23 am

MUGU IMPLODING

6 games in a row. all mental i guess

July 9th, 2015 at 9:24 am

Longer rallies are now favoring Aga. Bag of tricks is open hehehe

Muguraza can still win, if she stays calm and uses her brain as well as her power. All she lacks really is experience in these situations.

Break back chances…

July 9th, 2015 at 9:28 am

That extra ball is killing Muguruza.

July 9th, 2015 at 9:31 am

I think Garbine is well-coached and is a smart girl. Really like her. This is just a great experience for her. She outweighs Aga by probably 35+ lbs of muscle. and at least 4 inches taller – a pretty big athletic/physical advantage.

oh…and Garbine is going for too much…shoot.

and Aga is such a clever and beautiful tennis player.

July 9th, 2015 at 9:38 am

Huge serve Garbine has. Needs it to be more consistent, though.

July 9th, 2015 at 9:43 am

Very important hold of serve, if she can only break Aga now.

July 9th, 2015 at 9:45 am

2 Bps for mugu

July 9th, 2015 at 9:47 am

And she breaks, just hold it now Muguruza.

July 9th, 2015 at 9:48 am

Garbine got it…the break.

She should have it now.

Serve for it, Garbine!

July 9th, 2015 at 9:48 am

That girl has mental toughness. Some players could learn one or two tricks from her

July 9th, 2015 at 9:49 am

Just one more game Muguruza.

July 9th, 2015 at 9:53 am

So she’s going to pass the Aga test. Aga still showing a few mad tennis skills.

July 9th, 2015 at 9:58 am

She should stay away from Aga’s FH, BP for Aga.

July 9th, 2015 at 10:02 am

hahahaha… love Aga

July 9th, 2015 at 10:02 am

Can’t do anything when Garbine serves well though.

July 9th, 2015 at 10:03 am

argh…double fault. The unlucky net cord saves break

July 9th, 2015 at 10:04 am

Aga fought hard.

Congrats Garbine!

now get the earplugs ready…..Serena v Maria

July 9th, 2015 at 10:06 am

Glad for this girl Muguruza. Aga made huge mistake when challenged that point, Muguraza has already lost the point.

July 9th, 2015 at 10:07 am

Jalep, I’ll leave you alone for that match I am fan of neither.

July 9th, 2015 at 10:09 am

Oh what awful challenge advice for Agie at the very end. Fascinating match with Agie showing off her magic and Garbine showing what a fine athlete she is and how fearless.
But a better chance of beating Serena for sure.

July 9th, 2015 at 10:11 am

Mugu u beauty. Now win the whole thing. She is the real deal. After losing 6 games in a row she showed tremendous character.

July 9th, 2015 at 10:11 am

Thanks for your presence, Wog Boy. Completely understand. I must be time for bed in Aussieland.

I’m hoping to be entertained beyond the pain of the noise. A fan of neither either but hope to see a fight.

July 9th, 2015 at 10:12 am

Before I go to bed, I just saw betting odds here, Serena $1.20 and Maria $4,50.

July 9th, 2015 at 10:13 am

Nobody beats Maria 120 times in a row….;)
BTW Jalep saw an article that implied it was Maria who had issues with Racheed, and vice versa.

July 9th, 2015 at 10:19 am

Tempting odds Wog Boy? Have a good nights’ sleep!

Very interesting, Margot.

Pretty sure I’d have problems with Rasheed, too. Can understand Maria’s pov, if that’s the case. RR does seem like a jerk.

July 9th, 2015 at 10:24 am

jimi hendrix umpiring

and masha having problems to hold serve

July 9th, 2015 at 10:50 am

hahhaahhahaa

broken with a DF

July 9th, 2015 at 10:51 am

just retire masha

July 9th, 2015 at 10:57 am

Worst possible start from Maria. 3 double faults in THE FIRST GAME. :o

July 9th, 2015 at 10:58 am

Masha had game point first game but got broken eventually. Lost cause for her.

Congrats Serena 21!

July 9th, 2015 at 10:59 am

SW servebooting like there is no tomorrow

July 9th, 2015 at 11:07 am

4-1 double break

unworthy for a 5 time gs winner to lose to a nearly 34 old woman for 11 years

July 9th, 2015 at 11:10 am

afro american umpire nearly rubbed off a point from masha by wrongly overruling

a bit suspect

July 9th, 2015 at 11:16 am

WHY IS RACIST FEDEX STILL ALLOWED ON THIS BOARD?

July 9th, 2015 at 11:19 am

as soons as she gets in the lead and control SW doesnt grunt anymore

@TV

get a life. that was an observation and i didnt insult any1.

July 9th, 2015 at 11:21 am

Looking forward to both Sistas retiring and women’s tennis becoming a sport again. No more tedious dominance. A competition again.
The last 15 years of the WTA may be looked back on in 30 years as “the lost years”. Where the quality of the once good enough to stand on it’s own merits WTA had lowered quality vis a vis the men’s Tour and it’s prosperity became more to do with how it became an obligatory appendage to TV revenue sharing from the common sex tournaments, and ticket holders having to buy access to woman’s events to get access to the men’s events. A status if not for that – more like ill-attended woman’s soccer or the ill attended and justly ill paid WNBA-appendage to the NBA.
It’s pay derived more from demands for equal pay than by demonstrating equal levels of tennis and from glam girl revenues from a handful of attractive star’s product endorsements the WTA shares in.

July 9th, 2015 at 11:24 am

if women possesed a serve like SW it would have been a more competitve womens tour

July 9th, 2015 at 11:30 am

look for a new hobby masha. tennis is not urs anymore.

DF to gift the break

July 9th, 2015 at 11:40 am

Would love to see Garbine win the title,and hopefully it will be a competitive final against most likely Serena,if not i hope she wins a GS at some point,cute girl with alot of heart and a big game,sorry for Aggie as i like her too….

July 9th, 2015 at 11:41 am

Williams brother beating up on Maria

July 9th, 2015 at 11:45 am

“Can Maria Sharapova Finally End Losing Streak To Serena Williams?”
Uh…..no.

Maria starts with a double fault to give Serena the first game and first break of the match. Then in the 2nd, double faults yet again to give Serena another break. Serena’s return is so intimidating that not only has she a physical advantage but now a total mental one as well. Game over.

July 9th, 2015 at 11:45 am

Pitchaboy thats rather uncalled for….

July 9th, 2015 at 11:49 am

I feel asleep.

Not nearly as good as Vika vs Serena.

Yes, me too, Hippy Chick about Garbine, in the final. I’ll be happy if Garbine can give Serena a fight and make it interesting like Vika did.

Hey, Maria held serve

Still not an interesting match-up, this one.

July 9th, 2015 at 11:50 am

Heather Watson pushed Serena more than Maria has here….

July 9th, 2015 at 11:51 am

Jalep lol no comparison,actually wish that match had been the final….

July 9th, 2015 at 11:54 am

Serena is the only worthy player in the WTA, and still gets a rude comment from Pitchaboy. Comments like that won’t tarnish Serena’s brilliance, or Venus. It reflects back on you for your bigotry.

July 9th, 2015 at 11:56 am

Hippy Chick, I don’t get home until 8 am or thereabouts, so will miss Nole v Gasquet. Murr
ay v Federer will probably still be on but I won’t turn on the TV until I sleep some hours. Will catch the match later.

Serena blows a matchpoint ….Maria isn’t the best mover but she seems a lot more flat-footed when playing Serena.

Vika is a better mover than Maria, imo. Garbine is too, I think. Simona Halep beat Serena – actually blew her away last fall in a first round match at the WTA final. Serena of course, turned the tables in the Final.

July 9th, 2015 at 12:03 pm

Congrats to Serena. She makes beating Maria look easy.

July 9th, 2015 at 12:06 pm

Congrats Serena NID,and on the cusp of been the greatest female tennis player ever,even if she doesnt win here i think its only a matter of time before she surpasses Steffis 22 and then Margret Courts 24,Maria is so mentally tough against any other player,against Serena shes a sitting duck,i wonder what she did so differently in 2004 that she cant seem to do now?….

July 9th, 2015 at 12:13 pm

Congrats Serena, 27 straight match wins in Slams. Amazing performance.
I get that some don’t like Serena, but what I don’t get is the lack of respect for one of the greatest female players ever. She shant worry, in the end her records will speak for her as one of the most outstanding tennis players ever.

July 9th, 2015 at 12:15 pm

@hippy chick

that Ao 05 match changed all things

July 9th, 2015 at 12:37 pm

I have never pulled for Serena in a match and I’m not going to start now. Hope that Muguruzza ushers in a new generation of women ready to win a bunch of slams.

Muguruzza has some definite upside in terms of her match with Serena. She is a big hitter and an good athlete. Can she make Serena pay for those losses of concentration that inevitably seem to happen in every major final? I hope so. Serena is a tough nut to crack on grass though.

I think Serena wins but I sure hope I’m wrong.

July 9th, 2015 at 12:45 pm

Congrats to Serena! She was never my favorite, but the more she plays, the more I find myself a fan. Considering how much racist and sexist crap is continually said about her, I’m glad she continues to win big time.

July 9th, 2015 at 12:46 pm

Does Serena feel the pressure of the calendar slam? There’s also the pressure of holding all 4 majors at the same time. Some good reasons to gag a little on Saturday.

July 9th, 2015 at 12:47 pm

On to the mens semis. Picking a Murray-Djokovic Final. Murray in 4 sets and Djokovic in 4 sets as well.

I think Djokovic is slam dunk for the finals. The only way Federer gets through is if he brings his ‘A’ game. He hasn’t been able to find this late in slams in recent years.

July 9th, 2015 at 12:53 pm

Skeezer, there’s no mystery: the bigotry REEKS off the computer screen.

Well, we could have a whole post dedicated to Serena’s personality. To put it simply, from my point of view, she’s flawed and has some serious issues. Like most of us. But at least she’s BIG and entertaining, self-assured and actually clever and original, unlike so many athletes.

To the more relevant issue of Serena’s dominance: her previous best season was 2002 (3 Slams, leading into the Serena Slam in 2003).

For those who think Serena’s dominance is SOLELY due to a lack of quality in the field (which IS true right now, but is not exactly her fault), here is the top ten from 2002, the last year of TOTAL SERENA DOMINANCE:

Serena
Venus
Capriatti
Cijsters
Henin
Mauresmo
Seles
Hantuchova
Dokic
Hingis

I count EIGHT titans, if not legends, on that list, and Serena rolled them.

Now, THIRTEEN years later she is dominating players who were literally children, even toddlers back then.

I’m really impressed with the way she’s been winning at Roland Garros and here, by pure willpower (not today against Sharapova of course). She has had match after match of sub-par tennis, playing with the flu, falling behind sets and breaks… and she guts her way to the win.

Bravo Serena. Congrats on another Slam final.

July 9th, 2015 at 12:53 pm

RZ, you make a great point. Years ago I disliked Venus and Serena for Venus’ haughtiness and Serena’s anger. Seemed like they both had a chip on their shoulder from Day One. Like many white people, I kind of scoffed at their claims of the racism they experienced and thought it was a smoke screen.

But I’ve come to realize that my world experience has never been the same as theirs. When you look at the bigotry just on this comment board, its easy to imagine the horrors they must have experienced as little girls, dominating junior tournaments against rich white kids. Can you imagine? So, now I kind of get it. If I grew up with that, if I had to read or hear comments calling me a monkey, or a “brother” I’d have a chip on my shoulder too.

July 9th, 2015 at 12:59 pm

@TV – thanks. It’s a similar reason why I’m desperately hoping for Andy Murray to win at Wimbledon too. I would have rooted for him anyway, but the sexist comments thrown around after he picked Mauresmo as his coach makes me want him to win even more.

July 9th, 2015 at 1:08 pm

Lol RZ. If Andy should win another slam in the next two years, why it will be all down to Jonas of course….;)
Serena, as well as having the best serve ever in the women’s game, is an amazing athlete.

July 9th, 2015 at 1:13 pm

You know how they shorten players’ names to fit them on the scoreboard?

Well this has a comical result during the match I’m watching involving Jamie Murray and the Aussie John Peers – the scoreboard shows the team as
“Murray/Pee”.

July 9th, 2015 at 1:28 pm

SW:

“I’m really excited. I got a little nervous out there today – it’s been a long time since I’ve been this far. I think she played really well but when she stepped up her game I was able to step up mine as well. It’s the semi-finals of Wimbledon, you never want to lose, you want to do the best you can. It’s been a long time since I’ve been in the final here so I just feel really good. It’s really cool.”

when did she play well?!?!?! delusional

July 9th, 2015 at 1:36 pm

TV, I appreciate your point, but I’d have a great deal more respect for Serena Williams if she could control the chip on her shoulder. I still say it’s her father’s fault. If Nole’s father had raised him to hate all Croats, it might be understandable, but would it be a good thing?

Did Yvonne Goolagong have a chip on her shoulder. I don’t think so.

July 9th, 2015 at 1:40 pm

Congtats to a couple of teenagers into the boys semifinal

Mikael Ymer (swe) (younger brother of Elias)
Taylor Fritz (usa)
Reilly Opalka (usa)
Patrik Niklas-Salminen (fin) successor to Jarkko Niemenen, maybe.

Was keeping track of a couple girls quarterfinals too. Tornado Black (usa) and Katie Swan (gbr) both lost. 2 Russians, a Slovakian and a Belarusian won.

July 9th, 2015 at 1:53 pm

‘I’d have a chip on my shoulder too.’:

LOL, a chill guy like TV with a attitude would be something interesting to read on here for sure!

As for Serena: Preface:

I don’t care for WTA, hardly ever watch it nor know what’s going on in that world, or who is winning what. Ask me who won last years AO or titles in 2013 and i’d be clueless. No disrespect to it or those who enjoy, it’s just not my cup of tea at all. The preface therefore is to forewarn you the following opinion is of a fleeting viewer.

It’s clear to me that Serena is clearly a level above the rest. Actually many levels. One just cannot fault her for that. It’s like Rafa and Novak said pre-event when questioned, she has a level of physicality that the other ladies-and probably those of the past- cannot live with at all.

Nature has favoured her and again: you cannot fault her for that.

Gamewise it’s just not all power:

Serena probably rivals Pete Sampras for having the best serve of a elite player ever. Pressure point: an ace is delivered, first or second serve. Time after time and again.

Her return of serve is unbelievably aggressive and intimidating. It’s like Novak’s but with a guarantee: aggression is certain on all returns. That’s unnerving and more than likely unsettling for opponents to know.

Add to that the fact she actually has excellent athleticism on all surfaces, and a Nadal like mentality to win no matter what and all you can say is:

She’s a beast (i say that in the fond manner akin to Rafa being called as such), a brilliant player who has been blessed with gifts that seem superior than the rest.

You cannot diss or hate on her for that. It’s idiocy to do so.

Akin to those hating on Federer for 2003-2007: like how is Federer responsible for the opposition he had then? What was he supposed to do: retire, take a extended vacation, invest in a time machine that has him the same age as Rafa, Novak et el? Come on now: let’s not get ridiculous.

How some chumps badmouth Nadal’s record on Clay: saying he faced weak opposition. Like WTF: whenever ANY player dominates in any era or a surface you could level that charge against them. It’s just bitterness at the superior level of a player.

Same deal here with Serena: She’s a cut above the rest and it leaves a fair few people sour. Like Fed, Rafa: she don’t give a f–k when she looks at the trophies on her mantlepiece. So some are bitter: f–k em, I made history and they just made noise no one cares for.

July 9th, 2015 at 2:12 pm

Tv,
Thanks for that post, and feel the same. They were brought up in Compton, not some Spanish vacation spot. There Dad has always had a chip on his shoulder, and wouldn’t be surprised if some of that got passed on. Regardless, it should not be an excuse for some of her past actions.
Serena has her faults, but she has matured and in the end, she’ll be judged not by her personality, but by her accomplishments. And she stands out in this era as the very best womens performer in the game.
Who has the best return in the Tennis game today?
Not Djoker.

July 9th, 2015 at 2:22 pm

Skeeze, agree, well said. Brando, that was an amazing post.

I’m not such a chill guy though- about tennis, maybe; I don’t understand the fighting and venom among fans. About racism…

July 9th, 2015 at 2:33 pm

@TV:

Thanks Tv, coming from you I certainly appreciate it.

July 9th, 2015 at 3:08 pm

Not bigotry but a joke in very poor taste by me. I apologize to this forum. Promise to keep it clean.

July 9th, 2015 at 4:18 pm

I agree with TV @ post 12:59. We, John Q Public, do not have a clue what the sisters as youngsters went through. I can see the chip on the shoulder thing happening. Children are very impressionable at a young age. If Dad has a chip, his children probably would too. He said once that people had no idea what his girls had been subjected to during their careers and I believe him. Children can be so cruel and guess what, they learn that behavior from adults…..I’m so sad to say……adults know better!! I was teased as a youngster because of a wide space between my two front teeth……Bucky beaver comments….I bet you could put a fifty cent piece between your teeth, I’ll bet you can spit far…..I was so self conscious I would never smile for pictures. So when I became an adult and had a job and money I had my front teeth pulled and bridge work! That was a bit extreme I know but it as something I had to do. Teased about being pleasingly plump as a child too! I know what I went through is nothing compared to what racism entails but mentioned this because children take things to heart. I know I did……Sorry this was long and I’m confident nobody on here could less whether I looked like a fat Bucky Beaver or not!! Lol. My point is this, I’m taking a stand for the sisters!! They are both great athletes and like TV……I would probably have a chip on my shoulder too!!

July 9th, 2015 at 6:32 pm

Congrats to Maria, who even when losing the game wins the respect of all who value integrity,and hard work, and overcoming surgery. You are a real winner.
Garbine could easily defeat Williams. Her 13 year advantage only add fuel to her natural talent and skill. There is no reason for her not to win if the playing field were on the up and up. I don’t belive in “magic” anymore than I believe that some players use self-enhancing drugs to make them”champions” and millionaires.

July 9th, 2015 at 7:40 pm

“wins the respect of all who value integrity,and hard work”
And Serena doesn’t? She just woke up one day and was better than everyone? Geez…
Btw Maria is one of the great woman competitors no doubt.

July 9th, 2015 at 8:49 pm

Its incredible the hate for one of the top 4 if not best ever women tennis players ever. And everyone has different reasons! (but most of them are secretly the same reason)

Mla, what reason would you give for claiming Serena uses steroids? She has had the same physique since she was a teenager. She dominated as a teenager. She dominated U18, U16… You figure she has been on steroids, non-stop, for 20, 25 years?
“There is no reason for her not to win”. Really? Against a 20 time Slam winner? Hmmm. OK. Let me know how your bets work out!

Okiegal, I think you’re beautiful. (well, you know, for a rafa/murray fan)

Pitchaboy, respect.

July 9th, 2015 at 10:09 pm

@TV……Awww, thanks!! I didn’t mean to make the issue about me…..but that stuck with me all my life until my teeth were fixed. I try to fix the “fat” problem with a new year’s resolution. Still working on that one!! Lol….About Rafa and Andy, Rafa is letting me down so Andy’s got to do it!!
It would be a dull world if everyone liked the same thing. Glad you don’t hold it against me!! Nice chat, thanks!

July 9th, 2015 at 10:44 pm

@MIa0007: Maybe, whatever your idol Maria does to earn respect even after she loses matches (according to you), should be emulated by YOU so you can earn some respect too? Would that be a good idea? You ‘don’t believe in magic’? I think you do because from what you wrote, Serena woke up one day, without any hard work, and started winning matches. Wouldn’t that be ‘magic’? Stop confusing yourself. If you let go off some of the hatred, that should help. Both women are great players. We have had, and are continuing to have an era of great tennis players on both the women’s and the men’s tour. Let’s enjoy it. They are not going to be playing forever. My two cents…

July 9th, 2015 at 10:51 pm

@Skeezer……You are right, no excuses for her former actions on court. Wanted to make it clear that I don’t condone some of her OTT behavior. But she is imo, the best in her era! I do love to watch her play. She reeled off those three aces like it was a piece of cake!! FOCUS…she got it!!

July 9th, 2015 at 10:58 pm

@Brando(2.12pm)- Enjoyed reading this especially the latter part. I could not stop laughing. I guess people need to read stuff like this to stop posting some of the crazy comments.

July 9th, 2015 at 11:07 pm

I dont dislike Serena,nor am i racist,i just wouldnt mind seeing another champion here at SW19,as i think it would be fantastic to see some other women getting in the mix,as a matter of fact im actually pulling for Serena to surpass Graff somewhere along the line,as it would be another interesting talking point,the way it was when Roger won number 15 to surpass Pete,would like Rafa also to get to 15 for the same reason,then we are talking about Rafa surpassing Roger,doubt it will happen,but its all plausible….

July 10th, 2015 at 6:17 am