Janet CollinsStand and Deliver: The ULTIMATE Rivalry
January 11th 2007 07:05
I have Roger Federer to thank for my love of tennis. I remember seeing the Swiss magician pre-heat his game on 240 degrees, before cranking up the pressure cooker for a five-set victory. This was the magic of individuality - of coming into ones own and showcasing one's god-given talents. Only now, I have another interest.
I have known of Nicole Vaidisova throughout her $1.24 million career. But I never took notice. The world #10 is sure to turn heads now, though. Her beauty is far beyond Anna Kornikova's - her combination of talent and on-court personality is albsolutely electric, you can't help screaming "GO NICOLE !"
Simply put, the German-born beauty is a power-generator, driving shots so wide and deep, many of them tallied under "Unforced Errors", which totalled 45 in all. Then again, we mustn't judge her too harshly - she's only been around since 2003 - at the end of which she had two WTA titles and a win/loss record of 31-8. Not bad at the age of 14.
But if you want to talk character, consider Jelena Jankovic. The Serbian Superstar is a complete rarity, but can be easy to overlook. She took out Amelie Mauresmo, who has the strength of the ATP top five combined. She can appear ordinary at times, but scrubs up very well, and her resilience and focus is not to be underestimated.
This girl is utterly amazing. She is a fully-fledged tennis player at 23 with astounding range and incredible pace and flexibility. Her serve and shot accuracy is pleasing and she seems to constantly better her opponent. Something I've really only seen in the likes of Federer.
Comparing the two:
Nicole's is decidedly slow than Jelena, and her racquet control does not compare. Nicole, however, is deceptively strong and her soft, delicate appearance is a stark contrast to her on-court ferocity. Nicole's blistering forehand should win matches, but Jelena is relentless and her greater range of motion seems to give her the upper hand. Today, however, Nicole broke that range time and time again. She totalled 11 aces and a 77% strike rate for first-serves in. It was absolutely breathtaking to watch.
Today, Tennis triumphed in the Medibank International Semi-Finals. Along with Jelena Jankovic. She finished it 6-4, 4-6, 6-4. One of the most exciting female match-ups I have ever seen. Look out for it in the coming years !
Nicole Vaidisova *sigh*
Simply put, the German-born beauty is a power-generator, driving shots so wide and deep, many of them tallied under "Unforced Errors", which totalled 45 in all. Then again, we mustn't judge her too harshly - she's only been around since 2003 - at the end of which she had two WTA titles and a win/loss record of 31-8. Not bad at the age of 14.
Jelena Jankovic
This girl is utterly amazing. She is a fully-fledged tennis player at 23 with astounding range and incredible pace and flexibility. Her serve and shot accuracy is pleasing and she seems to constantly better her opponent. Something I've really only seen in the likes of Federer.
Comparing the two:
Nicole's is decidedly slow than Jelena, and her racquet control does not compare. Nicole, however, is deceptively strong and her soft, delicate appearance is a stark contrast to her on-court ferocity. Nicole's blistering forehand should win matches, but Jelena is relentless and her greater range of motion seems to give her the upper hand. Today, however, Nicole broke that range time and time again. She totalled 11 aces and a 77% strike rate for first-serves in. It was absolutely breathtaking to watch.
Today, Tennis triumphed in the Medibank International Semi-Finals. Along with Jelena Jankovic. She finished it 6-4, 4-6, 6-4. One of the most exciting female match-ups I have ever seen. Look out for it in the coming years !
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