#AngeliqueKerber had her share in some thrilling matches of 2018 — and one of those matches which immediately comes to mind must definitely be her high-quality fourth-round encounter against the unheralded and surprise package in #HsiehSuwei at the #AustralianOpen. The German recovered from a set down en route to securing the hard-fought three-set win, ultimately reaching the semifinals in a resurgent run.
Kerber reached the second week after defeating both Donna Vekic and Maria Sharapova in straight sets, while Hsieh shocked third seed Garbine Muguruza and former semifinalist Agnieszka Radwanska to record her equal-best performance in Melbourne. This was a classic clash of Kerber’s controlled aggression and Hsieh’s own unique playing style which most players could not figure out a plan to overcome.
Surprisingly, it was Hsieh who became the clear aggressor in this match — firing 42 winners but her risky play also brought about 47 costly unforced errors. Kerber was playing some clean tennis, blasting 31 winners to just 26 unforced errors throughout the encounter. It was some impressive serving from the German as she won 67 percent of her second serve points while defending 65 percent of her first serve points.
Hsieh overcomes a slow start to grab the first set
It was a poor start from Hsieh, who looked like a shadow of herself who defeated both Muguruza and Radwanska initially. Kerber swiftly fired a backhand return winner to grab the quick break in the opening game and the match seemed to be one-sided when Hsieh looked out-of-sorts and sent yet another backhand straight into the net, gifting Kerber the early 2-0 lead.
Hsieh proceeded to get onto the scoreboard for the first time in the morning after a spirited service hold, but Kerber just would not let loose as she was determined to hold onto her lead. However, an inspired return game soon followed for the Taiwanese as her backhands were simply unplayable — forcing Kerber to retreat into her defensive zone as the scores were levelled at 3-3.
Three consecutive games came and gone, all of which went in Hsieh’s favour. Nonetheless, the 21st seed desperately stopped the rout with a routine service hold, closing it out with an unreturnable serve. Hsieh then survived a marathon game, holding for a 5-4 lead and forced Kerber to serve to stay in the set.
An extremely lucky netcord winner on set point sealed the opening frame for Hsieh after an eventful 40 minutes, being on course to claim yet another big upset with Kerber heading towards a surprising exit amidst her resurgence.
Kerber recovers from the brink, levels the match
Hsieh continued to ride on her momentum and confidence as she started the second set in the best possible manner — asserting her authority across the court as she smashed a winner to grab the opening hold of the set. Kerber followed it up with a straightforward hold and looked determined to produce the comeback.
A stunning forehand crosscourt winner from Kerber in the middle of the fourth game seemed to have changed her fortunes; her extended grunt and roaring celebrations said it all, as the German’s confidence skyrocketed after that shot. She went on to earn multiple break points in the following game, and despite failing to convert four chances, it was an indication that Hsieh was feeling the pressure applied by Kerber.
Kerber’s hard work finally paid off as Hsieh’s game broke down when facing a tricky situation. Errors started flying everywhere and the German grabbed the crucial 4-3 lead to ease the load on her shoulders, and also in her mind. However, she did not do herself favour as Hsieh came roaring straight back and returned level.
The tension in the atmosphere started to build up, and there were several outstanding and out-of-the-world rallies which left the Rod Laver Arena crowd applauding in awe. Hsieh then lost a costly 40-15 lead at 5-5, which allowed Kerber to break serve with a stunning forehand down-the-line winner and Kerber’s aggression proved to be deadly. Not disappointing her fans under the scorching sun, the German stormed to consolidate the break and took the second set 7-5.
Kerber seals the impressive win
The intensity of both players’ games certainly experienced a dip after the exhausting second set — and it was Hsieh who blinked first as she sent a sluggish backhand wide to hand Kerber the first breakthrough in the decider. It seemed like the main question was: Who wanted the win more? Both players were giving it their all although it was tough both physically and mentally, with Hsieh soaring back level after a fantastic return game.
The Taiwanese underdog then lost a 30-0 lead, which proved to be the ultimate match-changing moment, to get broken on the third consecutive occasion. Kerber stormed to 17 of the last 18 points as the German quickly found herself leading 5-1, edging closer than ever to the win.
It was a timely service hold, her first in five attempts, for Hsieh as she fended off two match points in some style — one with an unbelievably good dropshot, another with an ace, to keep herself in contention. However, it was just too late to mount the improbable comeback as Kerber comfortably served out the hard-fought win after 128-minutes.
What they said: Kerber reacts to huge win, Hsieh reflects on incredible run
Kerber seemed down-and-out after all her tactics did not seem to be working when she was down a set — Hsieh’s playing style was shaped in a way that her opponents just could not figure out a proper plan to break her game down. “I think she's a really talented player, for sure. She plays winners and had answers for every single shot I had in the first two sets, actually.”
“But, I mean, I was just trying to doing everything. Yeah, she played amazing. She was also moving good the first few sets.” The 21st seed was full of praise for her talented opponent, whom she had beaten in their previous meeting in 2013 as well.
Against an opponent like Hsieh, one definitely has to grind her way to the win. And the mentality factor was crucial in this thriller as Kerber cited her mindset as the key to success, “I think the fight was also very important for me today.”
Hsieh was full of smiles during her post-match press conference despite the loss, and she rightfully deserves the bright smile on her face. “I'm driving her crazy,” the Taiwanese jokingly mentioned to a member of the media. Hsieh’s playing style has always been spectacular; no one could anticipate what she can come up with! “I don't have a plan. Actually, my boyfriend was looking her game earlier this morning. I forgot to ask him what she play, so, I actually have no plan to go on the court. So I was try to still going my Su-Wei style, you know.”
“I'm coming,” Hsieh said when a reporter discussed what Kerber said previously (“Watch out for Su-wei in 2018”). And she was right. The then-103rd-ranked player eventually reached the fourth round of Wimbledon upsetting top-ranked Simona Halep in the process, ending the year inside the world’s top-30 after claiming the title at the Japan Women’s Open as well.
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