Going into the matchup today, pretty much everyone in the world expected it to be a walkover. The odds for Roberta Vinci to win were a whopping 300-1. On paper, Serena Williams seemed to have this match on lockdown. She has won all four meetings prior to this semifinal, and she has a dominating game that we all thought would blow the crafty doubles player Vinci away.
Yet, the actual match told a completely different story. And isn’t this why we love to watch sports?
While paper told a completely one-sided story, it does not include one of the most important factors, and that is the emotional side.
Serena was going into this match with what seems to be the world on her shoulders. While she says that she has never felt the pressure of attempting to make history, her body on the court today said the opposite. Her footwork was slower, and she attempted to guide the ball more than swing through like we are accustomed to seeing her do. This is especially evident in her failure to take advantage of Vinci 65-70 mph second serves.
In contrast, Vinci came out as loose as she could be, especially in the second and third set. She had nothing to lose, and she played as such. She played in the moment until the last point of the match. We expected her to tighten up on the crucial points, but it was on these points that Vinci actually picked up her level. Serena had her fair share of break points, but it was Vinci that stayed strong, playing some of the best defense we have seen and really utilizing her doubles skills at net. Here’s just one of the points that had it all:
Roberta Vinci wins an EPIC rally. Then goes on to BREAK; 3-4* Drama on Sky Sports 1 NOW. #BigAppleDreaming http://t.co/UML0WZkWd8
— Sky Sports Tennis (@SkySportsTennis) September 11, 2015
Our bodies respond to our emotional stability, and today Vinci seemed to be in a better place mentally and consequently physically. Today was your day, Vinci! As Serena said, “she really played out of her mind!” Congrats!
