Wimbledon Preview: Day Six
Posted by Aaress Lawless on Jun 27, 2008 | Print | Email | Bookmark | Free Subscription
Now that Ana Ivanovic and Maria Sharapova have packed their bags at Wimbledon, the stage is set for Jelena Jankovic to make a run for her first Grand Slam title.
Standing between Jankovic and a spot in the second week of play at the Championships is Denmark’s Caroline Wozniacki.
Aaress’ Picks for Saturday
(2) Jelena Jankovic vs. (31) Caroline Wozniacki
A golden door of opportunity has opened for Jelena Jankovic because of the absence of Ivanovic and Sharapova. As the highest-ranked player left in the draw, Jelena has an excellent opportunity to bring home the trophy. But first, she must play for a spot in the round of sixteen.
Seventeen year-old Caroline Wozniacki has rapidly climbed the Sony Ericsson WTA Tour rankings in 2008, reaching a current career-high of No. 30. This is only her second year at Wimbledon, yet the young star from Denmark is quite comfortable on grass. Youth may be on Wozniacki’s side, but Jankovic’s experience will see her through to the fourth round.
Jelena Jankovic in 2 sets
(5) Elena Dementieva vs. Gisela Dulko
Gisela Dulko was slated to play Lindsay Davenport in the second round, but the Argentine advanced by walkover after Davenport pulled out Thursday. Dulko’s best surface is clay, yet this year the courts at Wimbledon are playing a little slower than normal. It might help buy her some time against Dementieva, whose biggest weapon is her return of serve.
Elena has kept her double faults down to a minimum, but she struggled in her first two matches–both of which ended in three sets.
Elena Dementieva in 3 sets
Tamarine Tansugarn vs. Marina Erakovic
Despite being relegated to Court No. 11, this will be a fascinating match between an aging veteran and a rising newcomer. Tanasugarn is fresh off her amazing run to the title in s’-Hertogenbosch, where she upset French Open finalist Dinara Safina.
Marina Erakovic, the only New Zealand player inside the top 250, has thrilled her country with her rise this season. She started the year ranked No. 153 and has jumped one hundred spots to No. 53. She is appearing in only the second Grand Slam main draw of her career, but if she stays aggressive and deals with the pressure of attempting to reach the second week at a major, she will give her fans back in Auckland another milestone to cheer.
Marina Erakovic in 3 sets
She Said What?
Serena Williams, a non-voter due to her religion, when asked if she would prefer Barack Obama or John McCain as the trophy presenter if she wins Wimbledon:
“What a question. I couldn’t answer that. I mean, I would have to listen to each of their debates and see what is what. But you can’t trick me.”
What Else is Happening at Wimbledon?
Board member’s insults to Kournikova slammed by ATP
Justin Gimelstob has apologized for his demeaning statements about female tennis players.
USA Television Schedule
Saturday, June 28, 2008
Early Round Day 6 - ESPN2 - 8:00 am - 12:00 pm (LIVE)
Early Round Day 6 - NBC - 12:00 pm - 3:00 pm (LIVE)
Early Round Day 6 - ESPN2 - 3:00 pm - 7:00 pm (taped)
*All times are Eastern.
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Will.I.AM | Jun 27, 2008 | Reply
Justin GimelSLOB! What a pig! The tennis channel should suspend him for the remainder of the tournament.
Aaress Lawless | Jun 27, 2008 | Reply
Basically, all they did was give him a slap on the wrist. And it is not like this was the first time he has made statements like these.
Aaress Lawless | Jun 27, 2008 | Reply
Oh, and he will get a minor suspension during World Team Tennis. Big deal. His statements were far worse than the “punishment” of being suspended from an exhibition match.
JD | Jun 28, 2008 | Reply
agreed. his comments were disgusting. im sure those “punishments” will not deter him from making the same remarks in the future. it really was just a slap on the wrist.