Australian Open Preview: Day Four

Svetlana Kuznetsova, Ana Ivanovic, Anna Chakvetadze, Venus Williams, and Daniela Hantuchova will attempt on Thursday to join their fellow Top 10 players in the next round.

The evening session will feature Ivanovic and Tathiana Garbin.

The 2008 Australian Open has been fairly predictable with only one top seed, Marion Bartoli, exiting early.

Key Matches on Thursday

Tsvetana Pironkova (BUL) v. Svetlana Kuznetsova (RUS)[2]
Fans will remember that Pironkova stunned Venus Williams in the opening round back in 2006. Since then the young Bulgarian’s results have been mediocre, with no main draw wins since last season’s US Open.
Pick to Win: Svetlana Kuznetsova in two sets

Tathiana Garbin (ITA) v. Ana Ivanovic (SRB)[4]
Ivanovic still struggles with consistency and nerves, something age and more experience will hopefully cure in the twenty year-old. Garbin defeated Petrova a few weeks ago at Gold Coast, proving she has the skills needed to move in for the kill if she smells nerves on court.
Pick to Win: Ana Ivanovic in three sets

Venus Williams (USA)[8] v. Camille Pin (FRA)
Pin’s one minute of fame at the Australian Open came in 2007 during the first round against Maria Sharapova, a match which incidentally helped inspire this year’s new heat rule. Venus Williams has a clear shot at reaching the quarterfinals now that Bartoli is out of the picture, and Pin’s powder-puff serves do not pack enough punch to keep the former No. 1 from reaching the third round.
Pick to Win: Venus Williams in two sets

Monique Adamczak (AUS)/Christina Wheeler (AUS) v. Serena Williams (USA)/Venus Williams (USA)
Practice makes perfect and by choosing to play together six months in advance, Venus and Serena Williams are announcing their intention to reclaim their Olympic doubles title. A win on Wednesday would set the pair up for a showdown with second seeds Katarina Srebotnik and Ai Sugiyama.
Pick to Win: Venus and Serena Williams in two sets

She Said What?

Alicia Molik about the sometimes controversial Australian Open crowd:
“I think we have some of the best supporters in the Australian Open. Everyone comes out in their respective country’s colors. I had a great support crew there at my match today. That’s why we love the Australian Open, because it attracts, I think, a varied group from around the world. That’s why it’s so interesting and exciting.”

Justine Henin on her life a year ago:
“Maybe a year later, now that it’s seems so far away from me, I can say I missed the tournament. But I can tell you in January a year ago I really didn’t miss my tennis at that time because there were more important issues in my life.

So it’s just a question of priorities and how you feel at that moment, so I didn’t want to watch because tennis wasn’t important anymore for me at the time.”

What Else is Happening in Melbourne

All a bad joke
Nicole Vaidisova claims that although she and Radek Stephanek are dating, they have not applied for a marriage license.

Peer to make landmark trip to Qatar
Israel’s Shahar Peer has announced her intention to play next month at the Qatar Total Open in Doha.

Goolagong National Development Camps
Australian Grand Slam champion Evonne Goolagong is trying to get more Aboriginal kids interested in playing tennis.

USA Television Schedule

Thursday, January 17, 2008
Early Rounds - ESPN2 - 3:30 am (LIVE)

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

If you enjoyed this tennis article, please sign up for a free subscription!