The two semi final matches of women’s singles of Australian Open 2008 will be held today. Maria Sharapova and Jelena Jankovic will take on each other in the first semi final followed by Ana Ivanovic vs Daniela Hantuchova second semi final match of the day. Ana Ivanovic has been superb with her impressive performance so far in the tournament, while Hantuchova has reached her first ever grand slam semi final in her career.
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Fourth seed Ana Ivanovic defeated Venus Williams in straight sets in the quarter final to make her way to the semi final. Daniela Hantuchova had Agnieszka Radwanska, of
Image Source: Wikipedia
Now, Ana Ivanovic and Daniela Hantuchova must be gearing up to reach their first ever Australian Open final. For Hantuchova, it would be first final in a grand slam tournament. In fact, Hantuchova is going to play her first ever grand slam semi final today. So, you can easily assume that Hantuchova has nothing to lose in the tournament as she must be happy with what she has already achieved so far in Australian Open 2008. However, she is now in her great form and it would be very logical for the Slovakian to eye on the final of the tournament.
Ana Ivanovic, on the other hand, must see it is a great chance to claim her first grand slam title given the fact that Henin and Williams sisters have already been out. It does not mean that Ivanovic is not capable of winning a title in the presence of Henin and Williams sisters. Actually, what I want to say is that they were top favorites in the tournament and Ivanovic has been in an imperious form in the tournament. So, it has become much easier for the world no. 4 to win her first ever grand slam title.
Ivanovic had a successful 2007. However, she looks much more confident this year with her imperious form. Actually, the Serbian might have worked hard during the off season. She has improved both physically and mentally- which made her better player. Ivanovic has not dropped any set so far in the tournament.
Turned professional in 1999, Hantuchova had little success in grand slam arena so far. Considering the fact that this is the first time she cold reach the semi final of a grand slam tournament, I think, you can understand that she revived her career in Australian Open 2008. So, it is almost certain that Ivanovic will find some strong challenges in the semi final of Australian Open 2008.
Now, I know that there are many who would see Ivanovic favorite in the match. However, to me, this is something really very hard to predict when two young, in form players face each other, because they are all full of spirit. Rather, I think, Hantuchova’s eight year in professional will help her to face Ivanovic. Ivanovic and So, I think, both of them have equal chance to win the match and reach the final of the tournament. Ivanovic has two victories over Hantuchova in their three meetings so far. Now, let us see if Ivanovic can continue her form over Hantuchova today in the semi final of Australian Open 2008 tournament.
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