US Open Preview: Day Three
Posted by Aaress Lawless on Aug 26, 2008 | Print
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Former world number one and 1998 US Open champion Lindsay Davenport is set to headline the evening session on Wednesday in Arthur Ashe stadium.
Anna Chakvetadze, Daniela Hantuchova, and Maria Kirilenko were among the top players who lost their opening matches during the first two days of play.
Aaress’ Picks for Wednesday
Lindsay Davenport (USA)[23] v. Alisa Kleybanova (RUS)
Can Lindsay Davenport make a deep run at the US Open—even with a bum knee? Anything is possible in New York City and if her opponents keep playing into her strengths, look for Lindsay to make the second week.
Davenport looked rusty in her first round against Aleksandra Wozniak, but the young Canadian failed to mix up her shots against Lindsay’s groundstrokes. Davenport is one of the few women on the Tour who can win without fancy footwork, so unless Kleybanova gets Davenport on the run, she’ll be the American’s latest victim.
Prediction: Lindsay Davenport in 2 sets.
Anne Keothavong (GBR) vs. Francesca Schiavone (ITA)[25]
The next time someone complains to you about the state of American tennis, tell them to look at our neighbors across the Atlantic. The USTA looks like a well-crafted, highly efficient tennis assembly line compared to the Lawn Tennis Association right now.
Keothavong has a lonely existence on the WTA Tour as the only British woman inside the Top 130. She received direct entry into the Open and won her first round match against American Alexa Glatch in straight sets. Francesca Schiavone struggles with consistency, but should be able to get past Britain’s lone female star in two sets.
Prediction: Francesca Schiavone in 2 sets.
Virginia Ruano Pascual (ESP) vs. Marion Bartoli (FRA)[12]
Age is just another number to Virginia Ruano Pascual. Ruano Pascual, who has won nine Grand Slam doubles titles, is the oldest woman in the competition at the age of thirty-four.
Her opponent in Wednesday’s match, Marion Bartoli, was only eight years old when Ruano Pascual first became a professional. Bartoli’s results this season have been mediocre, yet she hits with enough power to overcome the veteran Spaniard.
Prediction: Marion Bartoli in 2 sets
She Said What?
Ana Ivanovic on what players have impressed her the most since Wimbledon:
“Safina has definitely done a great job, and she’s been playing really well and she has lots of confidence, I think. I think Dementieva also winning Olympics and coming into this week, she also has some confidence.
But, you know, all of the players can be dangerous. Williams sisters, they always play really good here. Yeah, there is a good chance for them.”
What Else is Happening in Flushing Meadows?
Every Player’s Bag Needs a Towel. Make it Special.
Check out the US Open’s official player towels!
Send In Your Questions To Flavia!
The Sony Ericsson WTA Tour is hosting a Q&A segment with Flavia Pennetta.
USA Television Listings for Wednesday
All times are Eastern.
Tuesday’s Match of the Day - USA - 2:00 am - 4:00 am (taped)
Men’s Opening/Women’s 2nd - USA - 11:00 am - 5:00 pm
Men’s Opening/Women’s 2nd - USA - 7:00 pm - 11:00 pm
Don’t forget to enter On the Baseline’s Pick the Winner’s contest! The entry deadline for Wednesday’s featured match is 10:00 am ET.
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