The last Grand Slam of 2005 has thrown in some surprises. Few expected Andre Agassi to reach the semi-finals. The Las Vegan missed Wimbledon due to injury and suffered an early knockout in the French Open. The comeback in the match against James Blake was simply terrific. The same goes for his semifinal opponent Robby Ginepri who took the hard path to reach the last four after going through five-setters. But, I give Agassi the edge to reach the finals on account of his experience and the fact that Ginepri might be in awe of his opponent. Make no mistake, Ginepri is not one to take a backward step in a slugfest as was the case in his match against Coria.
The other semifinal is very nicely poised with Hewitt and Federer battling it out once again. The big question is whether the Aussie can reverse his fortunes in the face of the Swiss onslaught. Federer looked highly efficient and his best in disposing off David Nalbandian.
In the womens' side, Mary Pierce took out Dementieva to reach the finals. The Russian seemed to have the match in her pocket until Pierce took an injury break. This changed the course of the match giving victory to the Frenchwoman. The long injury break prompted the Russian to question the tactics of her opponent. It is not outside the laws of the game to avail an injury break, but it should not be used as a strategy. For long, this has been the subject of debate. (Cricket fans all over the world can take their thoughts to the outburst of Ponting after being runout by a substitute fielder in the test match at Nottingham.)
The Belgian Kim Clijsters could stave off the challenge of Sharapova over a three set affair. The finals can reach a high with both Clijsters and Pierce hungry for the ultimate glory. The Belgian is looking for her first ever major while Pierce wants the same- after a while.
I am going for Andre Agassi to go all the way even in the face of the claim from Federer. That is the best this 35 year old can do for another 35 year old.
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