Australian Open Preview: Day Seven

The second week of action at the 2008 Australian Open begins on Sunday as Justine Henin, Jelena Jankovic, Maria Sharapova, and Serena Williams aim for the first four berths in the quarterfinals.

The top half of the draw has progressed without a major upset, but that could all change today at the hands of rivals Nicole Vaidisova, Elena Dementieva, Casey Dellacqua, and Su-Wei Hsieh.

After seven days of play, all the title contenders remain alive in the draw, with the notable exception of second seed Svetlana Kuznetsova, who lost yesterday to Poland’s Agnieszka Radwanska.

Key Matches on Sunday

Justine Henin (BEL)[1] v. Su-Wei Hsieh (TPE)
Henin has proved over the past week that being No. 1 doesn’t necessarily require you to play your best tennis always. Her game has improved as she has progressed through the draw, but the round of sixteen will be Henin’s last chance to iron the kinks out of her game before facing a Grand Slam champion or finalist. Hsieh’s amazing run to the quarterfinals in her Australian Open debut has been remarkable, although unfortunately, it will likely end on Sunday.
Pick to Win: Justine Henin in two sets

Jelena Jankovic (SRB)[3] v. Casey Dellacqua (AUS)
Jankovic has only made it thus far on a wing and a prayer, making her especially vulnerable to an energized and carefree Casey Dellacqua. Dellacqua is enjoying the best week of her life after knocking out 2006 champion Amelie Mauresmo, who probably was healthier and fitter than the exhausted and ailing Jankovic. If the blatantly partial crowd can help Dellacqua win, expect to see an Australian in the quarterfinals of Melbourne for only the second time this decade.
Pick to Win: Casey Dellacqua in three sets

Elena Dementieva (RUS)[11] v. Maria Sharapova (RUS)[5]
It’s a pity Elena Dementieva had to run into Maria Sharapova this early after playing her cleanest tennis in recent years. Dementieva’s double-fault count has been in single digits combined over the last three rounds, something near miraculous for the erratic Russian. While not surprising, her blonde countrywoman has cleaned up her own service act, meaning that whoever holds serve the most will probably win the match.
Pick to Win: Maria Sharapova in two sets

Nicole Vaidisova (CZE)[12] v. Serena Williams (USA)[7]
Revenge will be on the mind of Nicole Vaidisova because Serena Williams denied her a spot in the final last year at the Australian Open. Their 2007 semifinal was a close, two sets win for Serena, but it showed that Vaidisova is more than capable of holding her own on the hardcourts of Melbourne. The two women have similar games, with powerful strokes and aggressive forehands, but experience and mental toughness should swing this one for Serena again.
Pick to Win: Serena Williams in two sets

She Said What?

Maria Kirilenko about reaching her first Grand Slam fourth round:
“I beat a couple good players, like top 10. Usually I’m losing like every time first round in the Grand Slam.”

“Really it’s good I broke this tradition in the first round already, so I’m quite happy.”

Casey Dellacqua on her remarkable win over Amelie Mauresmo Friday:
“I kind of woke up this morning [Saturday] and had to pinch myself a little bit, I think, and just make sure it wasn’t a dream.”

“I’ve looked at all the papers, and it’s quite a buzz seeing my photo on the front page of the Herald and The Age. It’s quite surreal, but, yeah, it’s fantastic and it’s exciting.”

What Else is Happening in Melbourne

Shadows Playing with Hawk-Eye
On-court shadows are affecting the accuracy of the instant replay system.

Worst Server in Tennis?
Move over, Dementieva. Sania Mirza thinks she is the worst server in women’s tennis.

USA Television Schedule

Saturday, January 19, 2008
Early Rounds - ESPN2 - 10:00 pm (LIVE)

Sunday, January 20, 2008
Early Rounds - ESPN2 - 3:30 am (LIVE)

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!