How Goergous

The talk of German women's tennis has been centered on Andrea Petkovic this year and with good reason. She has an unstoppable charisma, possesses a big personality to match her game, loves interacting with the media and fans and earned some impressive wins this year over Caroline Wozniacki, Jelena Jankovic and Maria Sharapova. That's all well and good but when it comes down to tennis Julia Goerges just might be better.

Jules beat Wozzi in a competitive Stuttgart final today upsetting the world's top lady baller 7-6 (3), 6-3 and earning the second and biggest title of her career. The 22-year old just kept serving huge (her kicker espesh) and backing it up with power groundies keeping the Dane pinned back and on defense for most of the match. She also took advantage of her opportunities earning the only break of the match in the second set and making good when coming forward (15 of 22 net points won).

In women's tennis it's all about who can hold serve and Jules uses her smooth, powerful delivery to open up the court for her equally big forehand. That's the major difference between Petko and Jules but one that could mean the difference at the business end of a tourney, particularly at majors. Petko's serve is mediocre at best and has hitches that can cause it to break down under pressure. I have a feeling she and her new advisory coach, Heinz Gunthhardt, will be spending some time at that stroke.

Jules also showcased some serious mental toughness outplaying the World No. 1 and earning the career win in front of an uber-supportive home crowd (and a father who looked on the verge of a heart attack at every turn of this match.) She hadn't won a match against Woz in two tries so to pull off the upset under these circumstances is impressive.

A quick note about Wozzi: She has yet to win a title on the red clay and this loss gave some clues as to why it's going to be a challenge. Her movement isn't as natural on the clay as it is on the hard court and can't seem to generate enough pace when she doesn't have firm footing. Moreover, she's still susceptible on the clay when a big hitting baller gets on a streak. Without the offensive tools on the slippery stuff she'll need to force her opponents into errors to get the wins. She's the best in the world at doing that consistently, but over two weeks and seven matches at Roland Garros? BIG question mark.

But it's Jules with the title. Enjoy driving that new Porsche, girl. And better luck getting it started next time.

[Photo: Alex Grimm/Bongarts/Getty Images]

PHOTO OP: "And the Victory Vinaigrette goes to..."

"Why wasn't the cap on tighter? Now I've made a mess of this skirt."

Justine Henin needed three sets and a lucky broken finger to earn the first title since her returnament defeating Sam Stosur 6-4, 2-6, 6-1 and ending the Aussie's 11-match win streak.

It sure seems like old times what with Justine back and in winning form on clay and Rafa ravenously scooping up clay-court Masters 1000 shields like it's going outta style. It's too bad she isn't playing in Rome where Serena Williams is finally returning to the WTA tour, her first tourney since winning the Australian Open in January.

Their matches are always very compelling on both the physical but especially the mental side. And even though the Belgian owns a 4-1 edge in their H2H on the clay a meet up in Rome would've been a nice teaser for Roland Garros if they were to meet up there.

I guess we'll have to wait until Madrid where they're both slated to play (as of today.)

P.S. - Justine, dab on some seltzer water to get those stains out. And remember JUST DAB - NO RUBBING!

[Photo(s): Reuters]

PHOTO OP: Dementieva looks demented during Stuttgart loss - WTF?

Elena Dementieva, who was defeated 7-6 (6), 3-6, 6-1 by Belarusian Victoria Azarenka in the Stuttgart quarterfinals today, looks absolutely demented here. She's going to put a serious hurting on that unsuspecting tennis ball - I'm sure of it.

I wonder who or what the Russian is thinking about right about now. Any guesses? Do tell!

(image via Getty)

Na knocks Serena out of Stuttgart and the WTA Penthouse

Li Na has a way with the Williams sisters.

The Chinese baller, who defeated Venus at the Beijing Olympics, pulled a Serena stunner knocking the world no. 1 off her perch in Stuttgart with a strange looking 0-6, 6-1, 6-4 scoreline and ending ReRe's short stay in the WTA Penthouse.

Jelena Jankovic will again take over residence on Monday - so let's make sure the powder room is stocked with gowns + glitter, okay guys?

(image via AP)

PHOTO OP: Venus + Serena show up/double up in Stuttgart, other lady ballers beware

The Sisters Sledge, Venus + Serena Williams, played their first doubles match in Stuttgart today defeating the team of Daniela Hantuchova and Agnes Szavay 6-4, 6-1. The fourth seeds will next face either Italians Maria Elena Camerin + Flavia Pennetta or Czechs Andrea Hlavackova + Lucie Hradecka.

Color me surprised to see the Williams sisters not only playing into the fall but also continuing their gold medal-winning doubles pairing. It's one thing to be in the draw but quite another to actually show up - something they seem ready to do these days. Maybe ReRe will actually end the year living in the WTA Penthouse - who knew?

Of course, this doubles play will most likely keep their single's games and minds sharp - a very, very bad sign for the rest of the singles draw and the WTA Tour overall.

Oh well - may the better ballers win!



(image via Getty)