Different strokes

The women's final at the United States Open is going to be a test of which is the better way to advance through a draw at a major championship: rolling over everyone in your path, or having to dig for every point in grueling victories.

In the clash between No.1 Victoria Azarenka and No.4 Serena Williams on Saturday night, Azarenka will be Exhibit A for the battle-tested route, after needing 2 hours 42 minutes to outslug Maria Sharapova in their semifinal, 3-6, 6-2, 6-4, on Friday.

Williams, in direct contrast, pummeled the latest of her overmatched opponents, Sara Errani of Italy, 6-1, 6-2, in the other semifinal. That lasted a mere 64 minutes — 10 minutes shorter than the third set of Azarenka's match.

In six singles matches at the Open, Williams has lost a grand total of 19 games. Azarenka lost 25 in her last two matches: the slugfest against Sharapova and a three-setter against Samantha Stosur in the quarterfinals.

Should Azarenka persevere to win her first Open, she will have earned it with sweat.

The marathon match against Sharapova sent their matching grunts echoing out of Arthur Ashe Stadium and across the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. As it ground on through a hot, humid afternoon, the match became a test of wills as much as a test of tennis. When Sharapova's final shot sailed long, giving Azarenka the final necessary break of serve, she reacted as much with relief as triumph. She did muster a little dance at the net after shaking Sharapova's hand.

Azarenka's advance looked completely unlikely when Sharapova dominated the start of the first set, breaking Azarenka in her first two service games. It appeared Sharapova would get revenge for Azarenka's lopsided victory the last time they met in a major final, at the Australian Open. But Azarenka has mastered the art of digging in.

... contd.

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