Serena Williams Rises, Venus Williams Falls At 2012 Mutua Madrid Open; Samantha Stosur Turns It On Late To Advance

Serena Williams

Serena Williams opened her quest for the 2012 Mutua Madrid Open with a convincing win over Elena Vesnina, 6-3 6-1. The 13-time Major winner (singles) was just too much for Vesnina, ripping 14 aces. Meanwhile, Venus Williams, playing her second round match, fell to Angelique Kerber, 6-4 6-1. To those who only know the Williams sisters and don’t follow the WTA closely, that seems like an upset. It isn’t. Venus is on the downside of her career while Kerber has been a rising star this year. Angelique has 2 WTA titles this year, in Paris and Copenhagen. She also has beaten Caroline Wozniacki twice as well as posting victories over Maria Sharapova, Jelena Jankovic and Marion Bartoli.

Samantha Stosur

Samantha Stosur came back from a set down to oust young American Christina McHale. It was a real missed opportunity for McHale. But give Samantha credit. After being down 2-6 4-4, she won the last 8 matches of the match to win, 2-6 6-4 6-0. It’s really a tough way for McHale to lose. She should feel good that she pushed Samantha, but it’s difficult not to focus on the final round bagel Stosur hung on her.