[HL] Svetlana Kuznetsova v. Serena Williams 2009 Roland Garros [QF]

[TheBrioni777]

super match

[DunklenHerzen]

Too me, 2009 Serena-on-Clay was the closest she's been on form to the 2002 Serena-on-Clay....and she still lost. I think physically if she gets herself fit for the 2012 year, she's physically ready but I think what stops her from winning is a mental block. I feel mentally she's not as tough as 2002 Serena because 2002-2003 Serena was fearless but in 2009-20XX, I can see her doubt herself through her body expressions and uncertainty of her shot selection whether they're out or not etc.

[DunklenHerzen]

I'll never get over her and her French Open quarterfinals....grrrr

[chrisak49]

The draw is so unforgiving to Serena at RG...I feel like if she won both quarterfinal matches vs Kuzzy and Stosur she would've won RG both times.

[davetennisx2]

@chrisak49 I don't know about 2010, but I agree about 2009. Surprise semifinalist Stosur wasn't the threat on clay yet and then Safina in the final was a guaranteed win. 2010 would have been a lot tougher.

[chrisak49]

@davetennisx2 2010 wouldn't have been that hard. After Stosur, only Dementieva, Jankovic and Schivone were left. Dementieva was injured and Jankovic wasn't at Serena/Stosur level. That leaves Schivone.

[davetennisx2]

@chrisak49 Jankovic played like crap against Stosur, but she almost always plays very well against Serena and would have had an advantage on clay. Schiavone played crazy tennis in the final and could have driven Serena crazy with her variety. Still, Serena in the late rounds of a major hits a higher gear, so she could have won those matches too. We'll never know. Bottomline, 2009 would have been easier than 2010. Agreed? =)

[Leomerya12]

@davetennisx2 You're absolutely correct. Or, I agree with you at the very least. Haha.

[StewNWT]

@davetennisx2 def agreed - and in 2011 there were a lot of women playing at a very high level - Hantuchova, Kuzzie, Bartoli, Schiavone, Pavlyuchenkova, Azarenka, Kvitova, Li Na - even Kim was hitting the ball well she just had a complete mental meltdown after losing that match point

[Leomerya12]

@davetennisx2 2009, DEFINITELY EASIER.

[eizyaws]

Conisder it a privilege to beat Serena these days in a Grand Slam. Check the Scoreline. Her words as a teenager, "Just face it, it's hard to beat me."

[donlyjeronimo]

Serena doesn't like the spin some of these women get on the red clay. She can't hit through the balls when the contact point is at her shoulders.

[DunklenHerzen]

@donlyjeronimo

That's the difference between 2002 Serena and the Serena now(2009-2011). If you look at her older matches in the early 2000's on clay, she always hit through the ball regardless of how much spin the other girls put on the ball. She also played a lot of spin and hit through the shots more. I think it's because of her fitness which allowed her to get into position and have good timing. These days, she's more defensive on clay and doesn't hit through the ball as much.

[Ceedsmith]

@DunklenHerzen Well she's super fit this year, so I'm looking for a 10th anniversary win. :)

[DunklenHerzen]

@Ceedsmith

I hope so too! She needs to work on that serve though. It was all over the place at the AO.

[milot1masha]

This is a perfect reflection of their Aussie Open match months before this. Kuznetsova leading by a set and a break, here two breaks and ends up being beaten in Australia and winning here. Great match nontheless :)

[TheKingofDreds]

there both good friends

[oneilljus]

i like the way they both clap at one another when either win a good point.. nice to see some good sportsmanship

[viktorserenawilliams]

it just hurts when i look at this match and the one vs Stosur...

[nelle069214]

@viktorserenawilliams i know how you feel! i was losing my mind watching both of those matches. If Serena can get out of the quarters at the french, i think she could win it again.

[SMSProductions1]

I feel like....Serena's going to be so over Roland Garros after these losses to Kuznetsova and Stosur in a row. QuarterRena at Roland Garros is so common now. 2001: Capriati; 2004: Capriati; 2007: Henin; 2009: Kuznetsova; 2010: Stosur;

[susceotible]

from this match I think serena's could not handle svetlana when she use drop shot or lob. Mainly I think because she was not able to move freely on clay. Hope she improve her movement on clay.

[Iadyjaja]

I love to see these two congratulating each other, it just shows the respect that they have for each other as professionals.

[MetroGoddess20]

Thanks for re-uploading this match! I love watching it from time to time even though Serena lost. Just great tennis from both. And very clever with the symbol at the top. ;-)

[davetennisx2]

@MetroGoddess20 Yeah, the youtube feds are forcing some creativity out of me. lol

[kevin12061989]

extraordinary match between the two

[jproxursoxoff]

Dave..why do you hate the Williams' sisters...?

[davetennisx2]

@jproxursoxoff Why do you say that? I'm a die hard Serena fan. Venus I don't care about anymore.