Hantuchova shocks Williams
Slovakian 17th seed Daniela Hantuchova bounced defending Australian Open
champion Serena Williams out in the third round on Friday. Hantuchova, who
showed glimpses of her 2002 form when she took the Tour by storm, dominated
an uncharacteristically inept Serena to win 6-1 7-6.
The loss again raises the questions of the former world number one's busy
off-court schedule. The 24-year-old maintains that she can combine modelling,
a reality TV show and film work with a competitive career in the top flight of
women's tennis.
There, the younger Williams sister may well be living in a fantasy world. But
on the court she is nothing but a fighter, saving three match points at 5/6 in
the second set and a further two in the tie break.
After her victory, 22-year-old Hantuchova praised the 15,000 strong crowd in
the Rod Laver Arena for their backing. "I'd like to thank everybody for coming
out here to support me," she said to roars of approval.
Loyalties are likely to be more divided as she is up against the fourth seed
Maria Sharapova who is starting to show more destructive brio in the tournament.
"The way to get through is to keep fighting for every point in every match. I
have nothing to lose against Maria Sharapova so I hope it's going to be a great
match."
But in truth, Hantuchova, who has been as high as world number 8, won't be
able to take out much from her first victory against either Williams sister
other than that she can beat a clearly depleted Serena.
Where Hantuchova was solid, Williams was inept, racking up countless errors
on the forehand. It would have been an alarming comment on the state of women's
tennis if Williams had won with such a miserable display.
A Serena of old would have powered on from her break advantage in the second
set to tighten her grip, the 2006 model merely showed glimpses of what had m
ade her a compelling champion as she fizzled out as equality beckoned.
The Australian Open saw its queen depart in the third round but the defending
champion lost it well before Melbourne.
"It means a lot. Finally I can say that I'm able to play and beat anyone, and
it just gives me so much confidence," Hantuchova said afterwards.
"I had so many matches like this where I was really close to beating the top
players and finally I did it today.I'm just really extremely happy about that."
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