2008 Australian Open Preview: Day Three
Posted by Aaress Lawless on Jan 15, 2008 | Print | Email | Bookmark | Free Subscription
Justine Henin, Serena Williams, Jelena Jankovic, Amelie Mauresmo, and a host of other top players will be competing on Wednesday at the Australian Open, but fans are eagerly awaiting another match, one that would have proven worthy of a final.
Under the lights, Maria Sharapova and Lindsay Davenport will meet in a second round showdown.
Tennis Australia has understandably scheduled this blockbuster for the night session, meaning thousands of Americans will arrive at work bleary-eyed tomorrow morning. However, if both women are at the top of their games, it will be a night to remember.
Key Matches on Wednesday
Justine Henin (BEL)[1] v. Olga Poutchkova (RUS)
Shortly after reaching a career high of No. 32 in June 2007, Poutchkova’s career started going downhill. She has only four main draw wins since last year’s Roland Garros, and it’s safe to assume that No. 5 won’t be against the best player in the world on Wednesday.
Pick to Win: Justine Henin in two sets
Nicole Vaidisova (CZE)[12] v. Alicia Molik (AUS)
Anytime Alicia Molik steps out onto Rod Laver Arena, it becomes an emotional moment for the Aussie crowd. The former top star never recaptured her form since her prolonged illness two years ago, but that has never stopped her from trying her best to thrill her fans at home.
Pick to Win: Nicole Vaidisova in three sets
Aravane Rezai (FRA) v. Tatiana Golovin (FRA)[13]
Golovin is facing her second straight countrywoman, having dismissed Stephanie Cohen-Aloro in the opening round. The hard-hitting Rezai, fresh off her run to the final at the ASB Classic, should be able to keep the pressure on Golovin, although the slowness of the courts may neutralize some of her power.
Pick to Win: Tatiana Golovin in three sets
Lindsay Davenport (USA) v. Maria Sharapova (RUS)[5]
Maria Sharapova will be the first big test of Lindsay Davenport’s comeback. Can Davenport still complete with her fellow baseliners on Tour, or has her retirement pushed her down a level or two?
Holding serve will be a crucial element in this match for both players, and although Davenport has more experience than Sharapova, nerves of steel reside with the Russian. Her only loss to Davenport was a double-bagel at Indian Wells three years ago, and once she gets on the scoreboard, look for Sharapova to calmly send Davenport back home to California.
Pick to Win: Maria Sharapova in two sets
She Said What?
Daniela Hantuchova on her goals for 2008:
“Just want to go out there and play my best in every match, and how far I get in the tournaments, we’ll see.
Obviously I feel like I’m playing well and I’m pretty confident.”
Svetlana Kuznetsova naming her closest friends on Tour:
“I have many . . . I’m good with Justine. I’m good with Serena. I’m good with Alicia. I don’t want to miss any names because I’m really good with many girls. Like Likhovtseva, definitely from my Russian girls, one of my best friends.”
What Else is Happening in Melbourne?
Retirement for Sania Mirza?
Mirza admits that she considered quitting after being accused of showing disrespect to the Indian flag.
End of the Road for Pratt
Australia’s Nicole Pratt has played her final match.
Evgenia Linetskaya Returns
Linetskaya is now playing for Israel.
Provisional Drug Suspensions
Sony Ericsson WTA Tour CEO Larry Scott is working toward enacting provisional suspensions for suspected drug cheats.
USA Television Schedule
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Early Rounds - ESPN2 - 11:00 pm (LIVE)
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Early Rounds - ESPN2 - 3:30 am (LIVE)
Everyone, feel free to discuss your picks for day three’s matches in the comments below. Also, be sure to check the image slideshow on the home page and the updated video clips here.
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dapxin | Jan 15, 2008 | Reply
So, bartoli’s lost, can anyone summarise how it went ?
Aaress,
Haven’t been able to catch up with AO since that Jankovic Pascek thriller. You were right, JJ returned from the precipice, but what a game for the 17 year old.
I couldnt believe her backhand, and to think she was 4-1 close to winning the last set of dat match, is hard to reconcile. I am sure she’ll learn from that.
looks like we should be in for a treat tonight.
Aaress | Jan 15, 2008 | Reply
Dapxin, I missed Bartoli’s loss too. Perhaps someone else can fill us in with the details?
Tonight should be a good one - although I wish it was a day match!