FULL VERSION Hantuchova vs Williams 2006 Australian Open

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Copyrights - Seven Network (Australia)
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Thank you for your gracious use of this classic match!
PertSnergleman's Review:
Slovakian 17th seed Daniela Hantuchova bounced defending Australian Open champion Serena Williams out in the third round of the 2006 Australin Open.
Hantuchova showed glimpses of her breakthrough 2002 form as she dominated an uncharacteristic Serena, who may just have been living in a fantasy world of her own...
But on court, the 23 time GS champion is nothing but a fighter, saving three match points at 5/6 in the second set and a further two in the tie break.
After the victory, 22-year-old Hantuchova praised the 15,000 strong crowd in the Rod Laver Arena for their backing. "I'd like to thank everybody for coming out here to support me," she said to roars of approval.
Loyalties are likely to be more divided as she is up against the fourth seed Maria Sharapova who is starting to show more destructive brio in the tournament.
"The way to get through is to keep fighting for every point in every match. I have nothing to lose against Maria Sharapova so I hope it's going to be a great match."
Where Hantuchova was solid, Williams was inept, racking up countless errors on the forehand. It would have been an alarming comment on the state of women's tennis if Williams had won with such a miserable display.
A Serena of old would have powered on from her break advantage in the second set to tighten her grip, the 2006 model merely showed glimpses of what had made her a compelling champion as she fizzled out as equality beckoned.
The Australian Open saw its queen depart in the third round but the defending champion lost it well before Melbourne.
"It means a lot. Finally I can say that I'm able to play and beat anyone, and it just gives me so much confidence," Hantuchova said afterwards.
"I had so many matches like this where I was really close to beating the top players and finally I did it today. I'm just really extremely happy about that."