(2) Ana Ivanovic vs. (4) Jelena Jankovic
Is it harder to defeat an injured opponent or beat your own nerves? Ana Ivanovic will know the answer in less than 24 hours.
Ivanovic exited the French Open final a nervous wreck in 2007, but she promised that if ever put in that situation again, she would control her nerves better. Ivanovic acquitted herself well in January’s Australian Open final, but it still did not bring her a coveted Grand Slam trophy.
Now standing in her way is a familiar face. Ivanovic and Jelena Jankovic’s relationship brings to mind the now-obsolete Justine Henin/Kim Clijsters rivalry, but these two appear to be a bit more cordial. Mind you, they are not best buddies, but at least have managed to put their love for Serbia first and foremost.
That love for being the best in Serbia might get in the way Thursday. Unlike the outgoing world No. 1 who literally said “boo-hoo” to her ranking, both Ivanovic and Jankovic fiercely want the top spot. Unfortunately for both of their nervous systems, they are second on court Thursday, meaning that if Svetlana Kuznetsova should lose, the winner of their match automatically ascends to the top spot.
While nerves could hurt Ivanovic, injuries and fatigue could be the undoing of Jelena Jankovic.
Jelena’s “I love Paris” bandage is cute, but she’s not wearing it for a fashion statement. A Jankovic match is generally never complete without an injury timeout, and already she has battled forearm and shoulder injuries while in Paris. She played without pain on Tuesday, but apparently, the arm injury was originally serious enough for Jankovic to charter a private plane back to Serbia on Sunday to consult with her doctors.
She insists that she will be ready to go on Thursday against her countrywoman and although she’ll stick to her own game plan, she is prepared to attack the Ivanovic serve. Despite losing to Ana five times in their six matches, Jankovic believes this will be a new day for her, especially as they are playing on clay, her best surface.
Okay, so back to my question. What is more dangerous, a nervous opponent or an injured opponent? I’ve always believed a wounded foe could be more dangerous than a healthy (mentally or physically) one, so I’m looking for a battered, bruised, and beaming Jankovic to reach the 2008 French Open final.
Pick: Jelena Jankovic
(4) Svetlana Kuznetsova vs. (13) Dinara Safina
I thought Dinara Safina’s fairy tale run at the Qatar Telecom German Open was inspiring, but the story only grew better once she headed to Paris. In the past four weeks, she has been the player to beat on clay, a woman on a mission to add to her family’s Grand Slam collection.
Marat’s little sister is no longer simply Marat’s little sister. Dinara has come into her own on the Tour and is currently enjoying an 11-match win streak. True, she has the Safin unpredictability in her corner, but that is what has endeared her to fans over the last twelve days in France. She mumbles, fumes, and smashes her racquet, but each time she dropped to her knees after sealing victories in the fourth round and quarterfinals, I found my heart cheering for the underdog.
Her courage and persistence have been on display as she has battled past match points in both of her last two wins. She has been creative on court, mixed up her shots, and completely threw off the rhythm of her opponents in the decisive third sets.
The rigor of playing a pair of long and intense matches might start to take its toll, but I believe Dinara still has some fire left in her tank. Svetlana Kuznetsova has not dropped a set yet at Roland Garros, but she did struggle against Kaia Kanepi on Wednesday.
Svetlana holds the advantage in experience, especially at Grand Slams. But the trouble is, Kuznetsova often acts as if she is not capable of willing herself to a victory. When the chips get down on a big stage, so does the Russian.
She slides like a seal, and her shot-making brings up memories of Henin, but Svetlana, as likable as she is, has often come up short in the heart department—which could be the deciding factor on Thursday.
Is Dinara Safina, the last person to beat Justine Henin, ready to assume her legacy? Of the players remaining, how could I dare pick against her after her last two amazing victories?
Pick: Dinara Safina
Aaress, I hope you’re right…and I hope you’re wrong. As you know, JJ is one of my very favorite players, and I would love for her to go to the final. But during the past few weeks, I have become captivated by Safina, a player I’ve always liked, but now…who couldn’t be behind her?
A JJ-Kuzy match would be more comfortable for me (as much as I admire Kuzy), and a Safina-Ivanovic match would be comfortable for me. I would have clear favorites. If JJ and Safina wind up in the final, I will cheer for JJ, of course, but part of me would like to see Safina go all the way.
Diane, how about a compromise? Dinara beats Jankovic for the title, but Jelena still walks away with the No. 1 ranking?!!?
For the past twelve days, I’ve been anxiously anticipating the final because with the absence of Justine, there has been virtually no favorite. Sure, Serena, Maria, and Venus were the top contenders, but no one was willing to hand them the trophy a week in advance. Good thing, judging from how quickly they disappeared.
Now, I’m thrilled about the semifinal line-up, especially because it almost guarantees a competitive championship match. I loved watching Justine play, but those last three 6-1 6-1, 6-4 6-4, and 6-1 6-2 finals were almost boring to watch.
interesting. i’m going for an AnaIvo-Sveta final. if both players are on, then it will be a great final. if not, then it will be a sloppy one- both struggling with nerves and self-doubt. i have a feeling it willl the be latter though.
for the sake of good championship match, i’m almost hoping you get it right
I would like Ana or Jelena to finally win a Grand Slam. Even though I favor Jelena over Ana, I think it would be better if Ana advanced to the final. Explanation: She’s been more solid during this French Open, and also I don’t think the nerves will be a problem this time. If Jelena advanced to the final, I’m not sure she would be fit to go one step further all the way to the title. Still, I would be sad if JJ lost because she might get an inferiority complex because of Ana, and that certainly shouldn’t happen.
Well, you can tell, I can’t make up my mind.
Well, that’s not a bad compromise, I guess. But if it comes down to JJ and Dinara, I’m still for JJ. And if she can’t win it, I’m all for Dinara.
I have to agree it’s pretty much open this time, but I’m keeping my fingers crossed for Ana.