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By Erik Gudris / Thursday, January 24, 2014
Dominika Cibulkova continued her breakthrough run by
ousting Agnieszka Radwanksa to reach the Australian Open
final.
Photo Credit: Corleve
She may have been an underdog throughout the event, but
the spotlight is now firmly on No. 20 seed Dominika
Cibulkova of Slovakia.
Once again, Cibulkova found the perfect mix of confidence and
power to take out a higher ranked opponent as she did earlier
against Maria Sharapova and Simona
Halep. This time in the women’s semifinals.
The task would not be easy as Cibulkova took on heavy favorite
No. 5 seed Agnieszka Radwanska who upset
defending champion Victoria Azarenka earlier.
But that victory may have come with a price for Radwanska who
looked flat in the opening stages of the match. Cibulkova
pounced early to earn a quick break of serve and continued her
momentum from then on. Saving five break points against her own
serve a few games later, Cibulkova held for 3-1. Radwanska did
not help her cause by being unable to win a single point on her
own second serve.
Soon, Cibulkova wrapped up the 6-1 first set that was greeted
by a stunned reaction from those watching at Rod Laver Arena.
Playing in only her second Grand Slam semifinal, Cibulkova kept
up her attack. Reeling off eight straight points, she took hold
of a 2-0 lead. Radwanska did manage to get to 0-40 on
Cibulkova’s next service game. But the Polish star couldn’t
convert on any break points allowing Cibulkova to extend her
advantage.
Though known for blowing big leads against top ranked players
in previous matches throughout her career, Cibulkova appeared
unwilling to dwell on past history. With Radwanska pressuring
late in the set, Cibulkova kept her cool and held for 5-2. From
there, Cibulkova rolled through Radwanska’s last service game
and broke her opponent one final time.
An ecstatic Cibulkova soon celebrated the 6-1, 6-2 win sending
her into her first ever Grand Slam final.
Cibulkova dominated the match with 21 winners and 20 unforced
errors. Radwanska, often known for playing tidy matches, ended
up throwing in 24 unforced herself.
A dejected Radwanska left the court and threw a towel in the
direction of a television camera.
Cibulkova now becomes the first Slovakian women to reach a
Grand Slam final. She will take on Li Na who
defeated Eugenie Bouchard earlier in the day.
“I love to play tennis. When I play like this, it’s the best
feeling ever.” Cibulkova said to ESPN’s Tom Rinaldi after her
win.
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