Sometimes I say things out loud and I don't think them through. Expressing rather publicly that I wanted a Masha/Sam fourth rounder would be one of those things. While Masha was cruising over Sabine on Stadium Court (how does that kid not not a clothing sponsor? She so should!) 62 60, Sam was kiiiiiinda cruising over Lucie, 60 76(1).
Sam was striking the ball really cleanly and for the second straight match she was serving really well. That said, Lucie just didn't show up until her back was against the wall in the second set, down 2-5. She would hold, play a good game to break Sam when she served for the match, then held to even it up at 5-5. But once they got to the breaker Sam ran away with it. It was a weird match but a solid performance by Sammy.
So we get the match-up I wanted and I'm already so conflicted. I guess all I want is a good match. I would hate for these two to take the court and just spray the ball everywhere but in the court, which we all know they're capable of doing. It'll be interesting to see if the kicker affects Masha. I can't think it will. She tall. Masha's serve will be crucial (duh), and we'll see if Sam can hang in the rallies long enough to get in a position to dictate with the forehand. I have a feeling Maria's going to come out of the gate's firing. If she's on, this one could be over quickly.
Masha on Sam: "She's a top 5 player and she's been so consistent, so tough to beat. I really look forward to that. We haven't played each other in a while. Obviously she has a great serve, good all-around game, good mover. Yeah, look forward to taking my chances on that one."
Sam on Masha: "Another player I've never beaten before. Hopefully today means good things for the next match. I haven't matched up well against her in the past, but I also haven't been the player I am now in the past either. So I'm sure I can look back on those things and look at what she does and how she's playing at the moment and hopefully Dave and I can come up with a good gameplan, I can execute it, and I can come up with my first win."
So...Masha's going to take chances and Sam's gonna come up with a "gameplan." Lord help us.
(Pics: Forty Deuce)
