Kim Clijsters

Kim Clijsters crushes Alisa Kleybanova of Russia 4-6, 6-3, 7-6(1) in the semifinals, and enters into the Sydney International final. Clijsters will compete with Li Na of China, who won Bojana Jovanovski by 7-6 (5), 6-3.  “If she plays like that, I think she’s definitely a contender to beat a lot of top players”, said Clijsters of Kleybanova’s play.

In the men’s singles, Alexandir Dolgopovlov was crushed by Gilles Simon (6-4, 6-3), thus marching towards the semi finals. Simon and Dolgopovlov both earned themselves in the quarter finals after completing rain delayed first round matches on Wednesday morning, then returning to the court for second round matches in the afternoon.

Isner wounded:

At the Heinken Open in Auckland, the current champion John Isner was outplayed by the former World no. 3 David Nalbandian by 6-4, 7-6 (3), to reach the semifinals. During the course of the game, the third seeded American appeared to be troubled by an arm injury. Isner needed medical treatment to an injury to his upper arm or shoulder but still delivered eight aces before the strong Nalbandian grabbed his title.

Hobart International:

At the Hobart International, French Marion Bartoli was upset by Czech Klara Zakopalova in the quarterfinals on Thursday. It took him one hour and 18 mins to grab the 6-4, 6-2 win. Zakopalova will play against Australian Jarmila Groth in the semifinals on Friday.

In the other match, China’s Peng Shuai defeated Italian Sara Errani, 6-1, 6-3 and American Bethanie Mattek-Sands crushed German Angelique Kerber 6-4, 6-4.

Tags: Alexandir Dolgopovlov, Alisa Kleybanova, Belgium, China, Gilles Simon, Hobart International, Kim Clijsters, Li Na, Russia, Sydney International, Tennis