Francesca Schiavone

Italy’s Francesca Schiavone tops the historic match against Russia’s key player Svetlana Kuznetsova. The match lasted for 4 hours and 44 minutes, scored 4-6, 6-1, 14-16 points and finally went into the hands of the 30 year old French Open champion.

This play has also shattered the women’s record for the longest match at the Grand Slam in the open era. It has surpassed the record set by Barbora Zahlavova Strycova and Regina Kulikova that clocked 4 hours and 19 minutes in the last year’s Australian Open.

The third set was the longest set of all and took around 3 hours to decide the winner. Kuznetsova saved two match points with a baseline winner and a sharp return but could not save the third as the opponent wrapped up the longest set with a forehand volley. Schiavone will next face Caroline Wozniacki.

In the men’s area,  Federer, Djokivic and Berdych have entered into the semifinals by recording their victories. Playing against Tommy Robredo, and winning the game with a score of 6-3, 3-6, 6-3, 6-2, Federer has continuously entered into the Grand Slam semifinals for the 27^th time, thus leveling Jimmy Connors record. “It’s been a tough first week with a bit of heat the last couple of matches I played in. I’m satisfied. I’m in another quarter-final”, said the Spaniard.

Tags: Australian Open, Francesca Schiavone, Grand Slam, Italy, Melbourne, Russia, Svetlana Kuznetsova