Francesca Schiavone Electrifies the Tennis World Twice at the Australian Open: Great Commentary from ESPN Broadcasters

Francesca Schiavone at the Brisbane International, in 2009

To be a witness to two women's matches for the ages, orchestrated by one peak performance player in successive rounds is indeed a rarity.

And that's exactly what I was privileged to see--brought to us 'live' on ESPN TV.

The performer was Francesca Schaivone who it seems has flashed across the skies like a comet that debuts once in a century.

This small Italian powerhouse electrified the tennis world by winning the 2010 French Open at 30 years of age. (Really, who had heard of her before this sensation?)

So high was her level of play, so full -throttle her gutsy shotmaking that she captured not only my attention, but pumped up my adrenaline level as well. She nearly knocked off the number one player in the world -- not even 2 days after playing a fatiguing 4 hour and 44 minute match in which she bested her opponent Svetlana Kutznetsova 6-4, 1-6, 16-14.

I watched tennis history being made in a brilliant three-set round of 16 match between Francesca Schiavone and Svetlana Kutznetsova. The Italian player successfully fought off 6 match points to outplay her opponent. Along the way to the 16-14 win, both players called on their trainers--simultaneously-- to help overcome severe cramps and fatigue; they then played at an even higher level of tennis.

The nearly 5 hour match was the longest in the open era.

Two early AMs later (early evening in Melbourne), Schiavone raised her game to a higher level playing against the much more rested, 20 year old number one seed, Caroline Wozniacki.

Here is the poignant pivotal commentary by the ESPN tennis team:The score is 3-6, 6-3, 5-2 and Wozniacki serving at 40-15, with a double match point. Schiavone saves the first match point.

Dick Enberg: She truly honors the game.

Schiavone then saves the second match point with a crisp passing shot.

Mary Joe Fernandez: Outstanding

Dick (TV camera panning to Wozniacki's dad): Father Peter (is wondering) 'where in the world that Italian is finding these shots?'

Mary Joe: You have to give her an ovation because of the desire, the will that's carrying her through.

Pam Shriver: She has fought off 8 match points [in two consecutive matches].

The game in now tied at deuce. Wozniacki wins the next point to take an advantage for a third shot at the match.

In the next point Schiavone drop shots her opponent to save match point number 3.

Mary Joe: Got it!

Schiavone then wins the next two points to break serve and tightens the score to 5-3. The crowd breaks the hushed silence with a standing ovation.

Mary Joe: I'm standing....that's worth a standing ovation...that game.
....................I mean unbelievable!

....................God loves you Francesca Schiavone.

The ESPN team says it all so well and Francesca gave it all....Two matches and stars to remember for all times

Image source (1)