2008 Australian Open: Day Two Preview

The second half of the women’s draw will be on display Tuesday at Melbourne Park during day two of the Australian Open.

World No. 2 Svetlana Kuznetsova leads the contingent of sixty-four players, including Ana Ivanovic, Venus Williams, and Anna Chakvetadze.

Because most of the heavyweights are safely residing on the opposite side of the draw, the possibility of a major Grand Slam breakthrough beckons many rising players coming through the ranks.

Agnes Szavay, On the Baseline’s Newcomer of 2007 is contesting her first Australian Open, while Agnieszka Radwanksa, who upset Maria Sharapova last fall at the US Open, will play only her third main draw match at Melbourne.

Key Matches on Tuesday

Nathalie Dechy (FRA) v. Svetlana Kuznetsova (RUS)[2]
She may struggle in finals, but Kuznetsova did not get to the No. 2 spot by losing first round matches. She remains a consistent competitor at Grand Slams, and although Dechy is one of the best doubles players in the world, she will not be able to upset the second seed in her opening match at Melbourne.
Pick to Win: Svetlana Kuznetsova in two sets

Venus Williams (USA)[8] v. Zi Yan (CHN)
Venus Williams has not made it past the fourth round at the Australian Open since reaching the final in 2003. Still, if one thing were proved in 2007, it was that you can never count a Williams sister out. Perhaps her new relationship status will give her the needed boost to go deep in the draw this season.
Pick to Win: Venus Williams in two sets

Anna Chakvetadze (RUS)[6] v. Andrea Petkovic (GER)
Chakvetadze had the most traumatic off-season of the top players after being tied up and burglarized by thieves at her home in Russia. Word has it that Chakvetadze has not yet recovered, making her vulnerable to an upset.
Pick to Win: Anna Chakvetadze in three sets

Sorana Cirstea (ROU) v. Ana Ivanovic (SRB)[4]
Ana Ivanovic is quickly proving that not only is she a worthy No. 3 tennis player, but also a budding journalist. Her off-court reports have already proven fascinating; expect to be equally impressed by her on-court workmanship.
Pick to Win: Ana Ivanovic in two sets

Nadia Petrova (RUS)[14] v. Nicole Pratt (AUS)
Pratt, a veteran singles and doubles player, is finally calling it quits, so unless she changes her mind, this will be her final Australian Open. Nadia Petrova’s pre-AO results were a disaster and if she is not careful, she could unwittingly give the Australian one final hurrah.
Pick to Win: Nadia Petrova in two close sets

She Said What?

Jelena Jankovic on her epic win over Tamira Paszek:
“I have to be honest. I was praying, Please, God, help me get out of the situation. When she was hitting those shots, and also I was like, Please be in. And, you know, I didn’t want to go home, and that was what was driving me, what was pushing me to go forward.

And I never gave up. I always thought that somehow I can get through this match. And that’s what happened. I really am thankful how everything happened. And really I was lucky. So it was like, God, please, you know, be on my side today. You know, I haven’t had luck this morning. The driver kind of almost brought me to Albert Park. He was thinking I was going to practice. And I was like, Excuse me, which way? Are you taking the new shortcut? Where are you going?”

Justine Henin about the new color at Melbourne Park:
“I like the color. I like the blue. So for me color is good. But I love the way it was before. So I don’t complain about anything now.”

What Else is Happening in Melbourne?

Ana Ivanovic’s Blog
Ana Ivanovic is writing a blog during the tournament.

Game, Set, Weather
The Australian Open has an official weather forecaster and a state-of-the-art automatic weather station.

Doubles Field Complete
The doubles main draw has been released.

USA Television Schedule

Monday, January 14, 2008
Early Rounds - ESPN2 - 9:00 pm (LIVE)

Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Early Rounds - ESPN2 - 3:30 am (LIVE)

Everyone, feel free to discuss your picks for day two’s matches in the comments below. Also, be sure to check the image slideshow on the home page and the video clips here.

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