By: Aasim Shaffi
The American has stormed through the doubles and singles field in Hong Kong. Among her victims are Russia’s ruthless Maria Sharapova and Elena Dementieva. Despite nudges towards Venus Williams’ hamstring, it’s pretty obvious that the American comes into the first Grandslam of the year as a heavy favourite. No mercy in Hong Kong: Although she graduated and launched her own clothing line late last year, her Madrid absence seems to have starved a very determined Venus. As she dominated both singles and doubles draws. She tamed tennis’ resilience, Elena Dementieva in straight sets to make the final. The critical test for the American was Maria Sharapova, the Russian recently beat an inform Anna Chakvetadze twice. No one really knew which Venus would show up. But it was Wimbledon all over again, as Venus sent Maria packing. The win itself was impressive but the real substance was the way she did it. Her serve kept firing with immense power which clearly overwhelmed Maria. Exceptional depth, outstanding court coverage and dazzling conviction all played apart in a 6-4, 6-3 thrashing. The win looks promising for a great Australian Open run, as Venus said, "So it is very exciting, especially going into the Australian, playing so well against someone of her calibre". Venus acknowledged how important the warm up tournament was, "I knew I was playing well in practice, but a match is different ... to have that competition makes a huge difference". Venus also teamed up with Caroline Waziacki to claim the doubles title. The win is more then it seems, as Venus has said she wants to dominate the doubles circuit throughout 2008. This includes the Olympics and the Grandslams. So the American is broadcasting warnings for a third doubles title come the Australian Open. Of course Venus has tough competiton in this vital warm up stage for the players. But the past has shown us that Serena Williams and Justine Henin seem to be the most likely competitors to match her form. Serena may have won the Hopman cup but her progress there isn’t as big as her older sister’s title run. Even if Justine storms to another win in Sydney, Venus comes into the first Grandslam of the year as a big favourite if not the favourite.
The American has stormed through the doubles and singles field in Hong Kong. Among her victims are Russia’s ruthless Maria Sharapova and Elena Dementieva. Despite nudges towards Venus Williams’ hamstring, it’s pretty obvious that the American comes into the first Grandslam of the year as a heavy favourite. No mercy in Hong Kong: Although she graduated and launched her own clothing line late last year, her Madrid absence seems to have starved a very determined Venus. As she dominated both singles and doubles draws. She tamed tennis’ resilience, Elena Dementieva in straight sets to make the final. The critical test for the American was Maria Sharapova, the Russian recently beat an inform Anna Chakvetadze twice. No one really knew which Venus would show up. But it was Wimbledon all over again, as Venus sent Maria packing. The win itself was impressive but the real substance was the way she did it. Her serve kept firing with immense power which clearly overwhelmed Maria. Exceptional depth, outstanding court coverage and dazzling conviction all played apart in a 6-4, 6-3 thrashing. The win looks promising for a great Australian Open run, as Venus said, "So it is very exciting, especially going into the Australian, playing so well against someone of her calibre". Venus acknowledged how important the warm up tournament was, "I knew I was playing well in practice, but a match is different ... to have that competition makes a huge difference". Venus also teamed up with Caroline Waziacki to claim the doubles title. The win is more then it seems, as Venus has said she wants to dominate the doubles circuit throughout 2008. This includes the Olympics and the Grandslams. So the American is broadcasting warnings for a third doubles title come the Australian Open. Of course Venus has tough competiton in this vital warm up stage for the players. But the past has shown us that Serena Williams and Justine Henin seem to be the most likely competitors to match her form. Serena may have won the Hopman cup but her progress there isn’t as big as her older sister’s title run. Even if Justine storms to another win in Sydney, Venus comes into the first Grandslam of the year as a big favourite if not the favourite.
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