The Daily Telegraph - Sport

Y like this?

- The Ostapenko forehand Kerber’s defence Ostapenko’s state of mind The least-bad serve Staying focused

There is arguably no bigger weapon in tennis than Jelena Ostapenko’s terrifying forehand. The technique is unconventi­onal but the power – at times faster than 80mph – can overwhelm anyone. Kerber (left) is probably the best defender on the tour, with her speed and anticipati­on forcing opponents to go for too much and to start making errors. She will attempt to get inside Ostapenko’s head. Ostapenko (below) is very adept at continuing to go for her shots even when she is making errors. She must do this against Kerber, and not get down on herself as she is sometimes wont to do. Expect plenty of breaks today, with neither player possessing a particular­ly strong serve. Of the four players left, Kerber’s record of 73 per cent of service games won this year is comfortabl­y the lowest. Madison Keys admitted that during her third-round defeat her mind wondered to a meeting with Serena Williams. Both must put all thoughts of Saturday’s final to one side.

 ??  ??

Newspapers in English

Newspapers from United Kingdom