Previewing the 2014 Australian Open final (ladies)

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In its long history, the Australian Open has a tradition of throwing up surprise finalists.  And that has proved to be the case in 2014 with Stan Warwinka of Switzerland making the mens final and Dominika Cibulkova making the ladies final.

Cibulkova will play Li Na of China in a final that guarantees a first time winner of the event from either China or Slovakia.  For Slovakia, it would be a first as Slovakia have lived in the shadows of the Czechs for such a long time.  Cibulkova is indeed the first major finalist since Miroslav Mecir got to a US Open final back in the late 1980s when he lost to Ivan Lendl. Daniela Hantuchova got to the semifinal of the Australian Open in 2008 but lost out to Ana Ivanovic (that match being famous for Ivanovic’s “squeaky” sneakers).

Meanwhile Li has already played in two Australian finals and lost both to Kim Clijsters and Victoria Azarenka in 2011 and 2013, each time in three sets.  Li will see this as a great opportunity and will go into the match as the favourite.  Cibulkova is an unknown quantity and it is impossible to gauge how she will handle the occasion and the nerves in her first major final.  If Cibulkova lets the occasion get to her it will be very quick match in Li’s favour.  

What Cibulkova does possess is an incredible fighting spirit which she demonstrated against Maria Sharapova in the 4th round.  Cibulkova also knows that she is not facing Serena Williams in the final and that is already a leveller in the eyes of not just the players but the watching public.

This could give Cibulkova the inspiration to really have a go at Li and give a good account of herself.  Li will also be aware that the pressure will be on her to deliver the goods and for coach Carlos Rodriguez to validate his position as one of the very best coaches in the womens game today.

I predict Li Na to take the final in straight sets, but would not be surprised if there were to be an upset on Saturday night. 

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