It has been an interesting week in Toronto, one where stars have pulled out and the winner is just as up in the air as the weather.
The Rogers Cup Tournament is winding down and after entertaining matches all week, the semi-finals drew to a close on Saturday.
A four-hour rain delay on Friday did not dampen spirits as Saturday’s matches were played without missing a beat.
Kim Clijsters played Anastasia Myskina in the afternoon match, and while the match was certainly the strongest showing for both in the tournament, Myskina was clearly overmatched and outperformed. Clijsters easily moved on, winning in straight sets (6-4, 6-1).
“I feel like I’m hitting the ball well. Physically, I feel healthy,” Clijsters said.
She also admitted that she doesn’t have to hate an opponent to play a better match.
“…We don’t hate our opponents when we play them. We hate the ball and we hit against the ball.”
In the marquee match-up of the tournament so far, Justine Henin-Hardenne battled defending champion Amelie Maurismo in a three-set spectacular that highlighted the fact that luck is just as important as skill in the game of tennis.
After admitting that she played cards during the rain break on Friday where she broke even, luck clearly was not on Maurismo’s side on Saturday night. Henin-Hardenne won 7-5, 3-6, 6-1 in a match that thrilled a the Rexall Centre audience.
“I started very well,” said Henin-Hardenne.
Maurismo said that she still has some kinks to work out before the next Grand Slam.
“Before coming to U.S. Open, I still have a few things to work on.”
Clijsters and Henin-Hardenne will meet on Sunday at 2 p.m. to decide the ultimate victor.
