Miami Musings – Wednesday April 1

 

Originally published on: 26/02/10 15:51

It was a much quieter day today at Crandon Park. This always happens as a tournament motors towards its climax. Its great for the hard working members of the press as it makes following the day and night sessions much less grueling!

Check out Wednesday’s gallery

Hutchins and Kerr go down fighting
After a great run to the quarter-finals of this ATP World Tour Masters 1000, Briton Ross Hutchins and his Aussie partner Jordan Kerr were beaten by the Austrian duo Julian Knowle and Jurgen Melzer 6-3, 6-1. In the first round theyd beaten Brazilian eighth seeds Marcelo Melo and Andre Sa. Today though out on an almost deserted Grandstand court Melzer proved what a great player and athlete he is taking overheads, intercepting at the net and, in tennisheads humble opinion, leading his team to victory. The boy Rosscoe has had another good tourney though and wil continue his march up the world doubles rankings from his current position of No.36. Jamie who?

Williams sisters book semi date
Serena and Venus both played today and while it was Serena who had the shakier of starts against the talented Chinese player Li Na, neither sister looked totally in control. Serena eventually won 4-6, 7-6, 6-2 and Venuss scoreline against new (and rather beautifully formed) kid on the block Iveta Benesova was 6-1, 6-4.

Wise words Serena…
When asked to grade her quarter-final performance Serena said: I would give myself like 8 out of 100 which is failing. She went on: The whole match is still an F. Nothing like giving credit to your opponent, eh Serena? Against Venus in the semis she said she would have to automatically be on a different level because shes already playing on a different level Her balls are harder and her serve is way bigger. Its like I have to be there. In truth, shes had her work cut out to make it to the last four, having been pushed hard by three Chinese players, Peng Shuai, Zheng Jie and Li Na. Her report card would probably read

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