Australian Open 2012
Melbourne, Australia
January 16-28, 2012
Grand Slam – Hard outdoor
Singles
- First round : won against Jarmila Gajdosova (AUS), 6-4, 6-2 (stats)
- Second round : won against Aleksandra Wozniak (CAN), 6-4, 1-6, 6-2 (stats)
- Third round : Petra Kvitova (CZE) won by retirement (left abductor strain), 6-0, 1-0 (stats)
>>> Singles results, click here
Doubles with Nadia Petrova (RUS)
- First round : won against Lourdes Dominguez Lino (ESP) / Tamarine Tanasugarn (THA), 6-2, 4-6, 6-1 (stats)
- Second round : won against Klaudia Jans-Ignacik (POL) / Urszula Radwanska (POL), 6-1, 6-1 (stats)
- Round of 16 : Irina-Camelia Begu (ROU) / Monica Niculescu (ROU) won by retirement (left abductor strain), 3-0 (stats)
>>> Doubles results, click here
Next tournament : PTT Pattaya Open (February 6-12, 2012)
Hobart: 2. Singles Final: Yanina Wickmayer vs. Mona Barthel
No disrespect intended to either of these two Ladies, but I still feel Maria could have taken this title with a bit more preparation..ie Auckland. Its 4 years now since she last held a trophy. Far too long without one
Totally, agree with you JimM. Maria of course has won some doubles events during this four year span, but I think it is a sort of make or break year for her. She needs to capture a singles title somewhere, her fan base is so strong, and hopefully she will come through. I think she maybe feeling a bit of pressure to capture a singles title. Let’s hope she will fulfill that challenge this year.
This will not be an easy test for Maria, watched Gadisova playing in Hobart, she was the defending champion there last year. Lost to qualifer Mona Barthal from Germany who played excellent tennis in that event. Hope Maria can really come up with a good win against the Aussie in the first round.
Should be Gajdosova, its early in the morning!!
Looks a great draw for Maria in R1. Doubt their previous meeting will have any relevance. Any match against an Australian will probably be played on a show court and on TV. So great news for all her fans too.
It will great to have Maria on tv let’s hope all of us can get a chance to see play and see her win!! Go Maria.
hhmm not sure about that Peter. Its a tough Draw with Kvitova possible in R3… First Jarka and possibly A.Wozniack in rd 2…
i dont know how anyone can say this is a good draw for Maria. Gajdosova only just missed out on being seeded and has already played Hopman Cup and Hobart. However she hasn’t won a match at the Aus Open so she tends to choke under home crowd pressure. Maria can win this though no doubt if she plays well.
Mona Barthal just won Hobart! A great confidence booster for her going into the AO.
Came on Maria¡.You can do it really good this OA.If u play like last season,s the end, for sure…Maybe u are not yet at 100 per cent and others yes but i trust on you.If not,you have all this season with grand slams and other importants tournaments for to show your big talent.
Good luck Maria! Looking forward to seeing you play again for the first time in a long while.
I agree this is a tough draw for Maria. Canadians have been waiting for Wozniak to play up to her potential when she was ranked number 21 in 2009. Maria will have to just take one match at a time, and not look ahead to possible other matchups. She has always said that,”let’s take one match at a time.” Kvitova lurks in the 3rd round, but Maria has played her tough, except in the Fed Cup in Moscow, last November. We will soon find out.
It’s not about winning trophies, it’s about improving as a player. Winning a singles trophies is a great accomplishment but it’s better to be a consistent top 30 player. We all know she’s a great player but as of now it’s still power tennis. Until Serena and Venus retire Kirilenko will really struggle because players will have to remain power hitters. But she’s still progressing and the Williams sisters in my opinion are almost done with tennis. And like with last year new champions will continue to emerge. I also hope Azarenka plays doubles with her again.
“It’s not about winning trophies” You could not be more wrong. A title brings a lot of points, and a step up in the rankings. It is also a massive boost to a players confidence. Watch Mona Barthal at the AO, I am not saying she will go deep in the tournament, but she will play better than she has done before. The downside with a title is defending it and its points.
Maria is almost 25 years old, and you say its about improving as a player! In what way is she to improve? To get off the baseline and play her all round game? Take a course in Muscle building to compete with the big hitters?
Perhaps as Davenport said, Maria has to believe she can beat the top players.
Its belief in herself and consistency of form that Maria needs. Of course titles are important, but you have to believe that you can beat higher ranked players to achieve that. Maria plays far to hot one match cold the next. Kleybanova motored up the rankings without winning a title (eventually won 2010 – Kuala Lumpur, Seoul), and Maria did the same in 2010 reaching #20. Lets hope she can find her best form ASAP.
Like everybody else, I am puzzled by Maria’s thinking. She has only a few points to defend at the AO, but afterwards, she really must give 110% for the rest of the season and not just the Olympics.
I dont think she will win today, although I hope she does
A good win for Maria! 6-4 6-2! She said she felt a little ill in 2nd set due to heat 83F!!!! No wonder.
A very fine display of disciplined tennis by Maria in round one against Gajdosova, she forced her into numerous unforced errors. Only thing Maria really lacked in this game was getting there first serve in consistenly. But, towards the end of the match she did get two aces, one on match point. That was a superb way to end this match. She will face Wozniak in the second round. A Canadian I cheer for, but my loyality will remain with Maria! Iook forward to this second round match. WTG Maria you were great in this first round match.
Good win against Gajdosova! Keep playing hard and good luck in the next round!
Great win Maria. Well done.
I’ve just watched you win agaist Gajdosova.
It’s a good start but now don’t get distracted by anything
or anyone … expecially hockey players
here’s a little idea:
“more” loobs when your opponent comes to the net ?
i love those tricky loobs that fool players at the net
your Italian fan
Andrea
I’m a HUGE fan of you Maria both on and off court. I’m flying over on Friday night and have every body part crossed that i’ll be watching you live in R3 and hopefully in the final! I want your autograph! haha
Good-luck!! And cya in Melbs 
Women’s Singles – 2nd Round
Maria Kirilenko(RUS)[27] def Aleksandra Wozniak(CAN) 6-4 1-6 6-2
A tough fight but she did it! Petra K next!
Congratulations for your VICTORY aganst WOZNIAK !!
Now it’s time for the Fire Trial with KVITOVA !!
So here are my little humble suggestions for this match:
0) Dont’ rally long from the baseline
0b) Target exactly between her … feet
0c) Dont’ give her balls she can hit too easily
0d) Make her run left and right alot ! (the watershed)
0e) Keep one foot inside the field and push her back! back! back!
0f) Drop shot her alot !!
0g) If she comes to the net …
make a LOB targeting the farthest field corner
then follow the lob running to the net
and be ready to jump (deep lob and volley)
A victory in this match and … everithing will be possible
P.S.
Perhaps i am wriong but i feel i have seen
VERY FEW LOBS from you in your matches
Am I wrong ?
Your Italian FAN
Andrea
Another great win in R2. Well done Maria.
Another great win, Maria! Good luck against Petra! Fight hard!
Maria and Alexsandra won 86 points each in the three setter, but Maria won the points when they counted. Good on her. Kvitova looked really shaky against Navarro in the second set, almost in tears. So, Petra can be had by using your head Maria, move her around she is slow footed, don’t be on the baseline all the time. Make her work and with any luck you could be cruising into the round 4!
I agree too.
0) Dont’ rally long from the baseline
0b) Target exactly between her … feet
0c) Dont’ give her balls she can hit too easily
0d) Make her run left and right alot ! (the watershed)
0e) Keep one foot inside the field and push her back! back! back!
0f) Drop shot her alot !!
0g) If she comes to the net …
make a LOB targeting the farthest field corner
then follow the lob running to the net
and be ready to jump (deep lob and volley)
Great win against Wosniak. Wosniak is a 3x junior slam champ and a great player. Kvitova in my opinion is the second or third most dangerous player. It will be tough but remember, Stosur and Schiavoni were dangerous and have left early. Good luck Maria, play smarter not harder, you can do it!!
Maria! congrats to previous win!
Whats next? aha Kvitova! o-ou.
Stay calm.
Well there is no more time to panic.
Even Kvitova can be beaten.
I wish you victory more than ever. Do you remember FedCup? There is a lot to repay to her. Now is time to show her how awesome tennis you know to play!
There are my suggestions how to beat her:
1) Be confident with yourself. Yes you are better than she.
2) Always stand up sooner from the rest bench then your rival when is time to play.
3) When changing court sides during play and passing opponent always pass her with head up and upright holding of body.
These points are important because your body language influences your opponent on subconscious level and will help you obtain dominance on court. And consequently win.
I wish so much to be there and watch this match live in Melbourne. But no money means no travel.
I am looking forward to really nice match full of 1st class balls…!
Rod Laver: 00:00 UK: Women’s Singles – 3rd Round
Maria Kirilenko(RUS)[27] vs. Petra Kvitova(CZE)[2]
Come on Maria!!
Kvitova struggled against Suarez-Navarro, took 3 sets. She is not unbeatable!
Mixed dubs with Daniel today also!
Mixed Doubles – 1st Round
Liezel Huber(USA) / Colin Fleming(GBR) vs. Maria Kirilenko(RUS)[3] /
Daniel Nestor(CAN)[3]
Good luck team!
Did not check that Jim, Maria with our great Canadian dubs player Daniel Nestor, what a partner for her. But, that really means a packed day for her. Good luck to her and Daniel!
Came on Maria¡.At the moment you are betwen the best 32.Now u have a no easy game with number 2 but u are playing very well and very confident in the decisive moments.I think u are not playing worst than her.Then ,why you can not beat her?.good luck¡¡¡¡
JimM is quite right. PK is not unbeatable. Given Maria’s form in 2012 prior to AO she must be delighted to have reached her seeding in the draw. I would be. Now in R3 to play last years end of season championship winner and wimbledon champion must be a huge lift.
I wish you the best Maria
Oj Mária,
this thrashing wasn’t a coincidence. I am really sad by this lost. But you can also take it as an opportunity to start work on your psyche to make it stronger.
It hurts I know, but there are only two ways:
Either you will stay as you are and you won’t be able beat such strong players as for example Kvitova and you’ll stay around 25-30 position, or you change. You change your psyche, your attitude, your inner power to win any match,….
Its all about psyche. Look at Kvitova, Azarenka, on their dourness, resolve, hunger, will, strong.
If you want to be number one, you must not be a dim silent mouse. But you know it for sure. I am not competent to advise you. I hope your injury is minor and you are going to continue in doubles.
All the best on your player’s journey…!
With love
Encourage Maria.Is imposible to beat Kvitova without to be at 100 per 100.Next time will be diferent.Anyway your season,s start is positive,and i think you go to do important things this year.
Oh no! Another injury. What a shame. Fingers crossed its not too bad. Wish you well soon Maria.
Dear Maria, I can only speak for myself but win, lose or draw you will always be my favorite player! Hope you get well soon and wish you better luck next time!!
UK 01:30 Kirilenko / Petrova – Begu / Niculescu (Show Court 2)
Maria down to play dubs with Nadia. Maybe she will play if the thigh is ok. I think she may have strained it playing Wozniack, she lost the 2nd set big time but battle through for those 3rd round points…160
that 60 more than she had this time last year
Too bad about the loss to Petra. She was not missing anything at all, and you were playing some great tennis, Maria. Hopefully, your injury is not too serious. Good luck in doubles!
Doubles – Third Round
Begu/Niculescu (ROU/ROU) d. (5) Kirilenko/Petrova (RUS/RUS) 30 [b]ret. (Kirilenko: left leg muscle injury)[/b]
Playing with injury was a mistake. Why she did it I do now know.