French Open Preview: Day Six

Third round action begins on Friday as Ana Ivanovic, Jelena Jankovic, Venus and Serena Williams and a dozen other women vie for berths in the round of sixteen at the French Open.

For the third consecutive day, top seed Maria Sharapova is also scheduled to play as she attempts to finish her second round match against Bethanie Mattek.

Aaress’ Picks for Friday

(2) Ana Ivanovic vs. (30) Caroline Wozniacki
After three rounds of competition the seeded players have finally started bumping into each other. Ana Ivanovic looked much better in her second round against Lucie Safarova Wednesday, but she’ll need to keep improving to stay alive as the draw progresses. Denmark’s Wozniacki has played well on clay of late, including almost defeating Maria Sharapova in the third round at Rome earlier this month.
Ana Ivanovic in 2 sets

(8) Venus Williams vs. (26) Flavia Pennetta
Consider this the upset special for Friday. This match should be a close one (as long as Pennetta’s left thigh holds up), and could easily swing in favor of the Italian. Flavia Pennetta has been through some tough times on and off court in recent months, but she is slowly rebuilding her Top 20 game. She already has two clay titles to her credit this season, and is more comfortable on the dirt than her six-time Grand Slam champion opponent. I expect Venus will manage to dig deep and reach the fourth round, but just barely.
Venus Williams in 3 sets

Thursday’s pick still active:

(1) Maria Sharapova vs. Bethanie Mattek
Maria Sharapova looked every bit the “cow on ice” Wednesday before she pulled herself together for a close 8-6 third set victory. No doubt Maria’s father Yuri and coach Michael Joyce will have her drilling her serve on a practice court because the top seed hardly needs the distinction of being the biggest double-faulter on both sides of the draw. Bethanie Mattek has reached the second round of Roland Garros for the first time in her career, but I expect Sharapova to come out wielding as she attempts to redeem herself for her previous performance.
Maria Sharapova in 2 sets

She Said What?

Jelena Jankovic about her injury on Thursday:
“It happened I think somewhere in the beginning of the second set and gradually was getting worse and worse. Because for me the balls were a little bit heavier because the weather is humid and the court is wet, and the game is very much slower than usual.

And so from hitting a lot of balls, my arm got very at first tight, and I started to have pain in my arm. It’s swollen now at the moment, and it got swollen in the match. It just—you know, I received treatment from the trainer, and she helped me to finish the match, and I’m glad about that.”

What Else is Happening in Paris?

One-on-one with Timea Bacsinszky
The Roland Garros website has published an interview with Switzerland’s Timea Bacsinskzy.

USA Television Schedule

Friday, May 30, 2008
Third Round - TTC - 5:00 am - 3:00 pm (LIVE)
Early Round Coverage Day #6 - ESPN2 - 3:00 pm - 6:30 pm (Taped)

All times are Eastern.

Don’t forget to enter On the Baseline’s Pick the Winner’s contest! The entry deadline for Friday’s featured match is 4:00 am ET.