Australian Open showdown: Martina vs Jennifer - Page 3© Michael Cecilio
Page 3
Jan 26, 2001
Martina Hingis’s Edge
Martina has the complete package and she is going to be very confident going into this final. She is on an 18 match-winning streak from last year (including Hopman Cup) and she always plays well in Australia. She would have to figure that she has beaten American power players like Seles, Davenport and both Williams sisters within the past month, and why not add another one like Capriati to that list. Martina has the ability to play aggressive tennis by taking the ball very early, hitting the ball with angle and pinpoint accuracy and manoeuvring her opponent around the court, and this is what Martina is probably going to try to do to keep Jennifer from hitting her big groundstrokes and to keep her on the defence for most of the match. She has incredible hands and a tantamount of versatility and if something is not working in her game today, she has the ability to change her strategy and mix up her play. She is going to have to be on her toes so she will have to maintain her footwork, keep the ball deep, keep her opponent moving, maintain a relatively high first service percentage and keep mixing up her game to keep the power player off her rhythm and to keep her guessing. Her mental strength and her experience should also aid her during the crucial moments of a match so it will be interesting to see what she throws at Jennifer during those important stages.
In comparison
THE SERVE: When it’s working, Jennifer has the ability to hit her serves in the high 170 km/h range and has even gone as high as 180 km/h. If her previous form is anything to go by, I’m going to guess that it is going to be working for her.
EDGE TO JENNIFER THE RETURN: Both have very good return games and I was impressed with both of their return games during their respective quarter and semi final matches against quality servers. Martina is probably better able to read her opponent’s serve, take the ball earlier and is probably more consistent on the return.
EDGE TO MARTINA THE FOREHAND: Martina has a great forehand but it is not her big weapon. For Jennifer, it is her money shot and the shot we will see Martina avoiding for most of the match.
EDGE TO JENNIFER THE BACKHAND: Martina’s probably got the best backhand in the game, with her accuracy and her ability to drive it aggressively. Her down-the-line backhand is a thing of beauty.
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