(6) Ana Ivanovic vs. (14) Nicole Vaidisova
This one is way too close to make a definite call. One thing however is fairly certain – it will be a close match. Both women have played well getting to this point at the Championships and of all the youngsters on the Tour, Ivanovic and Vaidisova are among the best.
Ivanovic had her breakthrough a few weeks ago by reaching the final at Paris, only to crumple to Justine Henin. She’d like nothing more than to prove that she can repeat her run at a major, but Nicole Vaidisova is just as hungry right now to prove that she has the goods as well.
My Call: Ana Ivanovic in two, Nicole Vaidisova if it goes to a third set.
(5) Svetlana Kuznetsova vs. (23) Venus Williams
If Svetlana Kuznetsova saw any of Venus’ drubbing of Maria Sharapova, Sveta might have reason to anticipate this meeting with some concern. Venus dismantled Sharapova’s service game bit by bit, before closing out the match with a straight sets win.
Based upon Venus’ defeat of Sharapova, there is no reason to anticipate a big contest in this quarterfinal on Thursday. Svetlana has been consistent and moving steadily through the draw up to this point, but even if she is playing at her very best, she is still far from the form Venus had on display Wednesday.
My Call: Venus Williams reaches her sixth Wimbledon semifinal.
Justine Says
On the difference between playing Serena on clay or grass:
“Clay remains my best surface and grass with hard court her best surface. It’s a lot of differences. She served very hard. I had pretty good returns when we see that it was 120 usually or 115. I was pretty good on the return. Yeah, then she’s hitting the ball very hard. She can control a little bit more the court than she does on clay. She’s much better here, for sure.”
About what it would mean for her to win the title:
“Well, still going match after match. I have a semifinal now. Still that’s how I build something good, I hope. On Friday it’s going to be another tough match. Even if on the paper I’m going to be the favorite, it’s going to be another kind of story on the court.
So it’s still too early to talk about it. It would mean a lot, but still have a lot of work to do.”
About how she stays mentally fresh off the court:
” I just try to think about something else. That’s important. And I have Carlos. I have his kids. I have my brother here. We spend a lot of time talking about anything. Just live normally.
I need to be alone also a few hours during the day just by myself and listen to a lot of music, watching some DVDs, just try to keep my energy for the court.”
What’s Happening at Wimbledon
Umpires Wear It Well
The umpires and linesman this year have been dressed by Polo Ralph Lauren.
Bartoli energized by locker room nap in victory over Krajicek
Marion Bartoli is through to the semifinals after defeating Michaella Krajicek on Wednesday.
Williams withdraw from doubles at Wimbledon
Venus and Serena Williams have withdrawn from the ladies doubles event.
Double Rainbow Over Wimbledon
“And when it rains on your parade, look up rather than down. Without the rain, there would be no rainbow.” – G.K. Chesterton
Serena hits back at Stich claims
Serena Williams has defended herself against accusations of gamesmanship and over-dramatics in her injury win over Daniela Hantuchova.
USA Television Listings for Thursday
Highlights – ESPN2 – 3:30 am to 6:00 am
Wake up to Wimbledon – ESPN2 – 7:00 am to 8:00 am (Daily Preview Show)
ESPN2 – 8:00 am to 12:00 pm
NBC – 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm
ESPN2 – 10:00 pm to 12:30 am
