The semifinals for the 2014 Australian Open are set, as the year’s first grand slam continues to deliver excitement and shocks. On the woman’s side, Li Na will meet Eugenie Bouchard in the first semi. Bouchard, only 19, has had a break-out performance, and has been tipped as being a future superstar as she has won over many fans with her clam presence. But since saving a match point earlier in the tournament, Li Na has been unstoppable. She is the only grand slam champion left, and has reached the Australian Open final twice previously. The other semifinal will see tiny (5’3″) Dominka Cibulkova take on Agnieszka Radwanska, after the former Wimbledon finalist stunned Victoria Azarenka, ending her run of 18 straight victories. Radwanska played brilliantly in that match, and will be the heavy favorite against her less-experienced opponent.
On the men’s side, the big story has been Stanislas Wawrinka’s stunning 5-set epic upset of Novak Djokvoic, who had won his previous 25 matches at the Australian Open. After losing a heartbreaking 5-set epic last year, Wawrinka learned from his mistakes, and will now face Tomas Berdych for a spot in the final, in what is a huge opportunity for both men. After edging rising star Grigor Dimitrov, world number 1 Rafael Nadal will play old rival Roger Federer, who has turned back time with stunning performances as he swept aside Jo-Wilfried Tsonga and Andy Murray in back-to-back matches. Whoever wins their semifinal will be the heavy favorite in the final, but both Wawrinka and Berdych should not be underestimated as they chase their first grand slam title.
Energy Sports 