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January 10, 2004<download pdf doc>

WINNER TAKES ALL

Sharapova, seemingly not phased by her elder, more experienced 4 time grand slam winner opponent, entered centre court in her trademark rouge attire with a look of determination.
She opened up the set with a big service game – the crowd loving every minute. Venus retaliated with an even stronger service game, holding to love. The pressure was on.

Sharapova struggled to hold in the third game, again clasping her fist as she changed sides. She broke Venus in the fourth game and held to take a 4-1 lead. Could a huge upset be on? Venus had other plans. Although she lost the next game, she broke back to 2-5, and held, putting herself within two games of the Russian sensation. Now the pressure was really on.
In a nerve-racking ninth game loaded with deuces, the experience of Venus outweighed the determination of Sharapova – 4-5 down, serving.
Venus held to tie up the match, and didn’t look back. She took the next two games, closing out a topsy-turvy first set 7-5.

The crowd, again, egged on a comeback from the Russian, who had been hitting some awe-inspiring shots over the last few days. It would not be their day however; more importantly, it would not be Sharapova’s day.

Venus took the match 7-5, 6-3.

Next on court was the battle everyone had been waiting for – the number 2 vs. the number 3 ranked player – French Open winner vs. Wimbledon winner.

An awesome display of power, control, touch and excellence.

Federer, perhaps a little more relaxed than he should’ve been, lost his serve early on in both sets, and he paid the price. Ferrero, in top form, again made few mistakes, served excellently, grinding down Federer from the baseline.

Federer did show us a little magic – some angled cross-court backhands that seemed impossible, some classic serve and volley play reminiscent of the great champion, Sampras. He managed to bring some life to the crowd – a cheering battle between the East and West side stands ensued throughout the match, the East side coming out on top – “come on J. C… Vamoose Ferrero!”

Juan Carlos Ferrero, to a delighted East stand audience, and an overall pleased crowd, took the match 6-4, 6-4, becoming the 2004 Watsons Water Challenge Champion.

Three great days of tennis finally came to an end with the crowd-pleasing Navratilova winning the mixed doubles, adding another crown to her sated treasure chest.

The Watsons Water Champions Challenge 2004 proved to be one of the best tournaments held in Hong Kong. The vision of the Catton family was well rewarded by a standing ovation from a packed stadium.

In Federer’s words – “This has been an excellent tournament… perfect preparation for the Australian Open, smoothly run… I really hope that I’ll be invited to play next year”

So do we, Roger.