WTA 1000 Montréal 8/7 - 8/13 2023

[ponchi101]

Interesting how this week, the roles were reversed. The WTA? 1, 3, 4 and 18 seed. ATP? 7, 12, unseeded, unseeded.
Parity ruled in Toronto.

[jazzyg]

Tier 2 is through to a 1000 final.

[nelslus]

....Beat me to the Tier 2 comment.

[ti-amie]

Pegula wins the last four games of the third set to take the match 6-2, 6-7(4), 6-4.

[nelslus]

'Twas a bit surprising to watch Iga's game turn to crap those last few games. But, solid win for Jessica. Excellent defense, really good offense, and she finally was serving better at the end.

[ti-amie]

I found this on that WTA fansite. Interesting that Iga hasn't won a 1000 event since she won Doha, IW, Miami and Rome last year.

2022 Toronto - R3 (lost to Haddad Maia)
2022 Cincinnati - R3 (lost to Keys)
2022 Guadalajara - DNP
2023 Dubai - F (lost to Krejcikova)
2023 Indian Wells - SF (lost to Rybakina)
2023 Miami - DNP
2023 Madrid - F (lost to Sabalenka)
2023 Rome - QF (lost to Rybakina)

[nelslus]

I found this on that WTA fansite. Interesting that Iga hasn't won a 1000 event since she won Doha, IW, Miami and Rome last year.

2022 Toronto - R3 (lost to Haddad Maia)
2022 Cincinnati - R3 (lost to Keys)
2022 Guadalajara - DNP
2023 Dubai - F (lost to Krejcikova)
2023 Indian Wells - SF (lost to Rybakina)
2023 Miami - DNP
2023 Madrid - F (lost to Sabalenka)
2023 Rome - QF (lost to Rybakina)

LOL, maybe I shouldn't have been surprised. Keep it goin', Iga.

[ponchi101]

Big 3? Nah. Big 1? Uhm... gotta think about it.
(And I am of course rooting for Elena to make me eat my words, but that would still not make the point).

[jazzyg]

I started watching the second set of Pegula vs Swiatek and I'm still at a loss of words to understand how Pegula managed to lose the set. If anyone wonders why so many of us question Pegula's ability to win a Slam watch the second set of this match if you can. She literally seemed to forget how to play tennis.

This is totally legitimate. Without question, Pegula has struggled to close big matches in the past. She sort of had the same issue in the Wimbledon quarterfinal loss against Vondrousova, although having watched it, I would argue that one was more about Vondrousova raising her game and simply not missing down the stretch against a player (Pegula) who is not that comfortable yet on grass.

My issue is with people who question Pegula's talent level. Sure, she was an unheralded late bloomer, but to my eyes she absolutely, positively has an elite game. Although she cannot blast opponents off the court and is only a good (not great) mover, she hits hard and incredibly deep--maybe deeper on average than any other player--and has no significant weakness. I don't know whether she will break through at a slam, but she sure as heck has the ability.

[ti-amie]

Christopher Clarey
@christophclarey@sportsbots.xyz
Best to see her live to appreciate it. Can handle & generate serious pace & her flat power is based on great ball striking & contact points. Underrated mover & precision server. Deep understanding of geometry & good tactician. Fine volleys from all her doubles work. Not a fluke.

[nelslus]

Big 3? Nah. Big 1? Uhm... gotta think about it.
(And I am of course rooting for Elena to make me eat my words, but that would still not make the point).

After her 50 hour crap-fest last night/this morning- it ian't likely that Elena can crawl her way to victory with her next two matches. IN any case, winning Montréal ain't exactly the stuff of Big 3 legends. No words to be eaten.

[nelslus]

The thing about Jessica is- she may not be a great mover. But, she is superb at anticipating her opponent's shots, and being at the right place at the right time. Superb hands and eye-hand coordination. With all of these strengths, she doesn't need to be a great mover. Playing so much doubles has done her a world of good.

ESPECIALLY at this moment in the "Big 3" era- now's clearly the time to win a Slam. Jessica is going to have to be bolder in big moments to, first, get to a Slam SF.

[meganfernandez]

Tier 2 is through to a 1000 final.

Over the World No. 1 and by. winning four games in a row in the third set. Great performance after failing to serve out the match in the 2nd. She stayed positive and stuck to her game plan. Now she has beaten Iga twice this year. Going to be interesting if they meet in NY.

Iga's 2nd serve was attackable. And she showed some mental cracks at the end.

[meganfernandez]

I started watching the second set of Pegula vs Swiatek and I'm still at a loss of words to understand how Pegula managed to lose the set. If anyone wonders why so many of us question Pegula's ability to win a Slam watch the second set of this match if you can. She literally seemed to forget how to play tennis.

Loss of concentration? Plus nerves? So glad she made good in the third.

[ti-amie]

Magenta Rocks
@MagentaRocks@mastodon.coffee
Uh oh. Rain in Montreal. Gonna be another late #tennis night.