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yes, given how HIRANO played against LIU Shiwen (teams) or DING Ning yesterday, and how ZHU has been performing lately, its hardly a surprise that HIRANO could win this one. Still a straight sets win against the Chinese is always impressive.
CHEN Meng has performed well recently, in the trials she came out just behind DING Ning and LIU Shiwen, (tied with MU Zi ?) and now she beats LIU Shiwen, she will be a tougher opponent for HIRANO.
The mental aspect in sports is very important. 1 year ago DJOKOVIC looked unbeatable. 1 week ago, Chinese looked unbeatable, and HIRANO just won 2 in a row. Fear and confidence maybe has changed sides ? I believe HIRANO can accomplish the impossible. Another straight sets victory would be just HUGE.
Yes. Timo has done this before.