Seems like there is always a surprise at the Year End Championships. The surprise is Samantha Stosur who has managed to rally from 0-4 to win her first match and continued that momentum against Caroline, I believe that if Samantha wins one set tomorrow, she is in the semifinals.

Master Ace, I was thinking the same thing about Stosur needing just one more set. I don't see Stosur losing in straight sets to Dementieva based on Dementieva's play the other day, so I think she's safely into the semis.

Stosur played some great tennis. Especially on the big points.
Good match report Ed.

Wow! :) I knew she would make the semi's but I thought for sure she would lose this match.

She's continued her form of US open, and she's a real chance to win this thing.

This is bad for Wozniacki and she's in real danger of not even making it to the semi's because Schiavone ain't playing badly at all.

Tomorrow matches in the Maroon Group will be very interesting and the ramifications of Caroline and Francesca match will be dictated by the result of Samantha and Elena match. Hopefully, Elena will have adjusted to the heat.

Hrm, interesting indeed. Sam is playing extremely well, quite frankly she had to to beat Schiavone. Francesca can beat Wozniacki, she sliced and diced her and made her look almost amateurish at the French. However, this is a different surface. I think Fran will have to force the issue to Wozniacki's forehand and then rush the net. Caro's backhand is too solid and capable of moonball lobs over 5'5" Fran's head to approach on the front.

Certainly makes things interesting. Zvonereva and Stosur look the sharpest thus far, Azarenka continued fail at hanging onto leads in matches.

I ran some numbers this afternoon. Assuming each player has equal chance to win every match, and set for that matter, here's the chance they make the semis. I realize that's a bit of a stretch but bear with me.

Stosur - 96%
Wozniacki - 50%
Schiavone - 29%
Dementieva - 25%

Stosur is through by winning one set or by a Schiavone win. Technically, all players still control their own destiny.

Samantha,oi oi oi Aussie oi oi!!! you made my day!...I'm getting less nervous about beautiful Caro uprooting my babies Serebaby and Vee,oi oi oi Aussie oi!

Well Sam has been the surprise packet for me

I thought she was just making up the numbers at Doha

Her previous 3 hard court tournaments were disasters

She proved today she can play aggressive and took her game to Caroline

I was impressed with her calm when down b/points.Her spin and kicker serve was great and this court is a advantage to her.Well done Sam I am soo proud.

Yes!! I'm so pleasantly at Sam's performance. After the horrendous Asian tour this Fall and the first 4 games of her match yesterday I didn't expect much... But she really turned things around and is playing to her potential. If she can keep serving like this there's no reason why she can't take the whole thing. SAMMY SAMMY SAMMY!

Northenboy wrote:

"Francesca can beat Wozniacki, she sliced and diced her and made her look almost amateurish at the French. However, this is a different surface. I think Fran will have to force the issue to Wozniacki's forehand and then rush the net. Caro's backhand is too solid and capable of moonball lobs over 5'5" Fran's head to approach on the front."

Caro won their last meeting 6-3, 6-2 on hard court in Montreal this August ;-)

With my soft spot for veterans, I wish I'd been able to see this. Surprised and *very* pleased at the outcome. Go Sammy! (but I'll leave oi oi oi stuff to her compatriots)

Now - FORZA FRANCESCA!