Wimbledon Preview: Day Five

Wimbledon was rocked on Thursday by Maria Sharapova’s stunning loss, which has now opened up the bottom section of the women’s draw.

Nine seeded players will compete on Friday, including top seed Ana Ivanovic, Svetlana Kuznetsova, Serena Williams, and Amelie Mauresmo.

Aaress’ Picks for Friday

(6) Serena Williams vs. (29) Amelie Mauresmo
Amelie Mauresmo’s road to Wimbledon has been filled with bumps and injuries, but the 2006 champion is slowly regaining her old form.

Facing another former world number one Grand Slam champion so early at a tournament is a disadvantage to both women, yet Amelie has been known to rise to the occasion on the grass courts at SW19. Serena is favored to win, but then again, so was Maria Sharapova on Thursday.
Serena Williams in 3 sets

(9) Marion Bartoli vs. Bethanie Mattek
Bethanie Mattek has garnered attention in previous years at Wimbledon because of her eclectic fashion taste, but this year she is letting her tennis do the talking. This is a winnable match for the light-hearted American, but she needs to stay aggressive from the beginning. Bartoli, last year’s finalist, is vulnerable, yet she will not give the match away without a fight.
Marion Bartoli in 3 sets

(18) Nicole Vaidisova vs. Casey Dellacqua
Australian Casey Dellacqua is rapidly ascending the Sony Ericsson WTA Tour rankings and has reached the third round or better at the two previous Slams this season. She will face Nicole Vaidisova on Friday, who is trying to turn her career around after a disappointing six months on Tour in 2008. Vaidisova is now working with David Felgate, a former coach of Tim Henman.
Casey Dellacqua in 3 sets

She Said What?

Lindsay Davenport about why she does not use the word “retirement” any longer:
“Well, because if I say that word, you guys jump all over it, so now I just pretend like I’m going to play through the London Olympics, and then I have no stress.”

What Else is Happening at Wimbledon?

Mauresmo pulls out of Wimbledon doubles
Amelie Mauresmo has pulled out of the doubles event with Svetlana Kuznetsova, citing a left hip strain.

USA Television Schedule

Friday, June 27, 2008
Early Round Day 5 - ESPN2 - 7:00 am - 5:30 pm (LIVE)

*All times are Eastern.

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