History In The Making

The loss for Bouchard is only seen as one on the court, but moved her in Women’s World ranking by six places to seventh, which is the highest (ever) for a Canadian singles player.

A year ago at this stage in her career she was ranked 66th in the World, which is still respectable.

It may be little comfort to the 20 year old Bouchard who is a highly competitive athlete who expects to be the best in the world and will one day be there.

The number ranked Fifth seed Kvitova, 24, sprinted ahead 3-1 in the opening set as she adjusted quickly to Bouchard’s serves, displaying her power to take the third game from the Canadian, then consolidate with a jaw dropping backhand winner when the point seemed lost.

Facing the possibility of being down two break points, Bouchard fought hard to hold in the next game, but the threat returned again and this time Kvitova’s powerful returns overcame the Canadian’s resistance.

At 5-2, Kvitova failed to close out the set but managed to break Bouchard again for the early lead.

Being down a set, Bouchard had to limit her mistakes in the second set, but Kvitova didn’t allow any breathing room, holding serve then consolidating a break for the second time in the match to put the Canadian in an early 3-0 hole.

The Czech player delivered a near-flawless defensive game including an array of cross-court winners with unimaginable angles, combined with booming serves and taking the match in a most decisive fashion no matter how hard Bouchard tried to reverse the tide.

A visibly confounded Bouchard had only praise for her opponent, saying “first of all I’d like to congratulate Petra, she played fantastic these two weeks.”

Three years ago Kvitova similarly dominated Maria Sharapova to win her first Wimbledon singles title.

Bouchard told the crowd “It was really tough for me today, but I’m proud of how I’ve played this whole tournament, I love coming back to Wimbledon, so thank you guys.”

Applause broke out at Centre Court before Bouchard could finish her sentence as she beat four seeded players, including two ranked higher than her, on way to the final.

It’s the third time in as many Grand Slams this year – her second as a pro – Bouchard reached at least the semifinals.

Perhaps putting her tournament in perspective while courageously beating back the disappointment of the day, Bouchard told Centre Court “I feel like it’s a step in the right direction, I don’t know if I deserve all your love today but I really appreciate it.”

The tennis world and anyone watching has to be impressed with the manner in which this youngster played without taking any dives like we are seeing in the World Cup of Soccer.

That’s another story – for another day!!!

How can anyone not like watching “Genie” play?