Cincy Finals Preview – Sharapova, Jankovic, Murray, Djokovic

Written by: Staff on 21st August 2011

Cincy Finals Preview - Sharapova, Jankovic, Murray, Djokovic

Maria Sharapova of Russia hits a return against Daniela Hantuchova of Slovakia during the Bank of the West tennis at Stanford University in Stanford, California, USA 27 July 2011. EPA/JOHN G. MABANGLO |

What a great day it was today at the Western and Southern Financial Group tennis event in Mason, OH. The crowds were treated to four amazing semi-final match ups. The day began with Mardy Fish taking on Andy Murry. Fish is having an excellent summer so far, and Andy Murray has had a few early exits. Going into the match I would of given the upper had to Fish, but Murry won in straight sets 6-3,7-6.

The ESPN commenting crew sure made a big deal out of the next match on court, Djokovic vs. Berdych. Although Berdych easily defeated Federer in the previous round, did anyone actually believe Djokovic was going to lose this match? Djokovic won the first set 7-5 before Berdych retired. This sets up another final between Djokovic and Murray here in Cincy. All my money is Djokovic. I’d say he takes the title in straight sets tomorrow afternoon.

What a great match between Maria Sharapova and Vera Zvonareva. After a quick first set going to Zvonareva 6-2, Sharapova quickly found her form and won the match 2-6, 6-3, 6-3. Her serve is her biggest battle right now. When it’s working she’s unstoppable. This match was followed by Jelena Jankovic and Andrea Petkovic. Petkovic’s ability to play was in serious doubt due to a torn minicus she suffered in the previous round but still, she was able to keep the first set close but lost to Jankovic 7-6, 6-1.

The women’s final is now set. Maria Sharapova will take on Jelena Jankovic in what has the potential to be one of the best matches on the women’s side this week. I think Sharapova controls how this match will be played. She has the game and serve to over power Jankovic, but it all has to be working for her. Jankovic is a tough fighter that does a lot of things well. She has won this event before so that does give her a slight edge, but still I think Sharapova will be this year’s champ.