Should I watch any more Australian Open Matches?

To be honest perhaps not! Today a minute Belgium woman 1.68 meters ( 5 ft. 6 in. ) showed both men and women tennis players that she is a giant!

If she had lost her match I would be saying the same words because:

- Kept a very high level of intensity (so did Dementieva) and concentration throughout the match.

- Fought and ran for every ball that was thrown at her (so did Dementieva)

- Got inside the court and pressured 2 serves (so did Dementieva and even better, I must say this was the only department Dementieva was stronger)

- Got Dementieva on the run and frequently hit excellent down the line shots/approach-shots and the ensuing high floating balls were consistently attacked and put them away with volleys! (this is something that only a hand full of the man can do or do)

- When leading and sometimes on break points down Justine served and volleyd on second serves (exception Radek Stepanek no men player does that against of their level or higher, Justine Henin did it without flinching.)

- After loosing her serve at 6/5 in the second set and had a begining of cramps or a possible pull on her quadriceps, she felt she had her back against the wall and fought back by taking the iniciative at every point and ending up controling the tie-breaker.

- To cap it all and to put all men to shame (exception Radek Stepanek,)she served and volleyed at match point to close out the match with a firm backhand volley winner down the line!

In a way I feel for Dementieva, she put up a brave fight, did many things very well and deserved a set to say the least.

On the other hand Elena has big weakness that his often exposed by her better opponents. Her tennis is far too mechanical, she plays tennis like an automaton, running down balls and hiting them left and right almost without thinking. Players with accute tactical sense easly catch onto that and break Elena down with delicate ruses she often realizes too late! Pitty for Dementieva for she is good sport and a fair competitor, may be she should dedicate more of a training time with creative thinking/playing. As it is Justine Hennin wears the pants at the Australian Open!

The Grand Slam Tournaments:

Australian Open

Roland Garros French Open

Wimbledon

US Open Tennis

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