Congrats, Justine. You flat out won that one. Well earned. Or whatever classy fans are supposed to say when they're favorites get beat.
But thanks, Maria, for reminding me why I'm a fan. Yes, everyone will point to the fact that Masha had triple break point to go up a a double break. But other than that one shot that clipped the tape, Justine dug herself out of that game more than Masha choked it. And it's a credit to Masha that even until the last point, I genuinely believed she could pull it out. Why? Because I believed that *she* believed she could.
If Maria plays this game across the channel in a few weeks, look out. And I almost pray that these two meet again in London. If Justine's going to ruin Masha's chances at a career Slam, I sure as hell hope Masha ruins hers.
As per usual, Steve Tignor eloquently says what I'd want to say about this match. Fight on, Masha.
