The editors of TENNIS.com preview all four Australian Open semifinals.
What Clijsters needs to do to win:
Her opponent hits the proverbial big ball, but Clijsters is all about great defense and her ability to abruptly transition to offense—especially with her big forehand. Kim needs to avoid long rallies, what with her sore ankle, and concentrate on returning big. Agnieszka Radwanska showed just how vulnerable Azarenka is to a good return in their quarterfinal battle. If Clijsters can also have a good day at the service notch, so much the better.
What Azarenka needs to do to win:
Azarenka is at her best when an opponent either dares her or is forced by her to engage in rallies. Swift, and capable of doing great damage with her relatively flat, high-speed shots, Azarenka needs to dictate the tempo and tone of the exchanges. And Azarenka must serve well, to keep Clijsters from stepping in with her excellent service return and making this ultimate offensive player play too much defense.
The pick: Clijsters in three sets.
She entered this tournament with huge question marks hanging over her head, but she’s playing in her last Australian Open and riding a wave of powerful sentiment—and equally impressive play. Once she survived those four match points in her fourth-round match with Li Na, Clijsters began to look like destiny’s child.
More Previews:
—Clijsters vs. Azarenka
—Kvitova vs. Sharapova
—Nadal vs. Federer
—Djokovic vs. Murray