Day 7 at the Open. Fireworks, Fireworks, & Fireworks!

Berdych made himself a target not only for Almagro but also for Aussie fans last night. A volley hit short by Thomas that was below the level of the net gave Almagro only one real high % shot, right back at Berdych. He was hit on the arm, fell down, and pretty much "cried" the rest of the match. Once Almagro say he hit Berdych, he immidiately went to check on him with no response from the Czech. At the end of the match, after Berdych won, no hand was extended to Almagro who left the court to the cheers of the crowd. Thomas Berdych on the other hand heard boos that have not been heard in the tennis arena in a long, long time. His post match interview was almost impossible to hear as Aussie fans, rightfully so, let Berdych here how disappointed they were in him. Poor Thomas' self inflected wound will cause him the support of whatever crowd he was going to have against Rafa next round.

As I just mentioned, Rafa moved on in straights along with Del Potro, Wozniacki, Azarenka, and Radwanska. These players all looked very good respectively.

Clijsters vs Li Na was probably the most dramatic match of the tourney. After rolling her ankle in the 1st set, no one knew if Kim would be able to continue. After a tape job and some sketchy movement after treatment, Kim continued valiantly. She did drop the first set but was able to get into the breaker in the 2nd and the roller-coaster ride begun. Li Na gave herself 4 match points that will resonate throughout her career, especially the last one. After an outstanding rally, Clijsters hit an ill advice dropper that fluffed up short for Li Na, unexplainably she hit her shot to the closed court allowing Kim to throw up a topspin lob for a winner. After that moment, everyone, including Li Na, knew that the set was lost. The 3rd set seemed to be a complete roll by Kim but things became interesting at 5-2 when Li Na pulled the next two games off, but too little and definitely too late. Clijsters was able to pull of the match at 4 in the 3rd. We can only hope that this is not a moment that will negatively define Li Na as she is a great face for the WTA.

The best for last! Fed train was in full effect last night. Tomic, the new Aussie hope, came out swinging, playing well, and at points dictated Fed but Rog's quality of play only increased as the match went on. Tomic played a great match for him but he now realizes there is some ground to make up if he will be able to play w/ the big boys. The Quarters are set and all the big boys are there!