After two duds in Doha, there was finally some tennis worthy of a season-ending championships in the Stosur-Schiavone match. It was over in two sets—6-4, 6-4 to Stosur—but both were close to the end. The win keeps Stosur tied in the Maroon Group with Caroline Wozniacki, who mauled Elena Dementieva 6-1, 6-1 in Tuesday's second match. Schiavone now has a tougher hill to climb and can only hope that Dementieva comes out just as flat as she did today when they meet.
There was a lot to like in this match, besides the fact that it was actually competitive. Three things in particular:
1. Nice Slice Backhands. There isn't much middle ground on the pro circuits when it comes to slice backhands—players either have it or they don't. Stosur and Schiavone have two of the best in the WTA. They use their slices both on their own, as effective rally shots, and to set up their other weapons. Compliments to both on this complementary shot.
2. Some Much-Needed Energy. With the Williams sisters absent and many of the remaining competitors hobbling toward Qatar, this tournament lacked buzz from the start. Two terrible opening matches didn't help matters. But Schiavone gave the crowd something to cheer about, even in defeat. Whether she won or lost a point, you could hear the vociferous Italian react; she clearly wants to be there.
3. Stosur's Forehand. I watched Stosur take apart Vera Zvonareva in the Charleston final, and this shot was the big reason why. On clay, the Aussie is afforded the time needed to properly place her forehand with the pace she desires. That's harder to do on a hard court, but the surface takes the shot better and rewards her with more outright winners. She struck a few of them today. The win didn't make up for her stumble in the French Open final, against Schiavone, but it was a step in the right direction.
—Ed McGrogan