US Open Preview: Day Four
Posted by Aaress Lawless on Aug 27, 2008 | Print |
Four Grand Slam singles champions are scheduled to compete on day four at the 2008 US Open.
Ana Ivanovic, Serena Williams, Venus Williams, and Amelie Mauresmo will bid to reach the third round of play on Thursday.
Aaress’ Picks for Thursday
Bethanie Mattek (USA) vs. Alize Cornet (FRA)[17]
Although Ana, Venus, Serena, and Amelie will be in action on Thursday, this is the popcorn match of the day. France’s Alize Cornet and America’s Bethanie Mattek represent the future of tennis in their nations.
While Mattek is five years older than eighteen year-old Cornet, she has peaked later in her career. Mattek has reinvented her fitness and her game in 2008 and hit a new career high of No. 43 earlier this month. Cornet has enjoyed spectacular results over the past few months, even reaching the third round at her home Grand Slam at Roland Garros.
Prediction: Alize Cornet in three sets.
Serena Williams (USA)[4] vs. Elena Vesnina (RUS)
Unlike the two players above her on the rankings, Serena Williams looked exceptional in her first round match. Ana and Jelena need to pay attention to the American star, who has clearly thrown down the gauntlet for the US Open title.
Serena Williams’ game is based on risky, high-percentage tennis, so one normally expects the hard-hitting baseliner to post almost as many unforced errors as winners. But on Tuesday, the tale of the tape showed how confident and comfortable Serena is feeling on court. Her eleven unforced errors paled in comparison with her twenty-seven winners, and most impressively, Williams did not face a single break point.
Prediction: Serena Williams in two sets.
Ana Ivanovic (SRB)[1] vs. Julie Coin (FRA)
Ana Ivanovic looked rusty and very streaky in her first round match against Vera Dushevina. Not many players can escape with a win after forty unforced errors and a 57% first serve percentage.
Part of Ivanovic’s problem is the aftereffects of her lengthy thumb injury induced layoff this summer. She struggled with her groundstrokes and timing, something that clearly rattled her confidence against the Russian on Tuesday. France’s Julie Coin is ranked outside the top 150, but has already won four qualifying and main draw matches this year at Flushing Meadows.
Prediction: Ana Ivanovic in two sets.
She Said What?
Serena Williams about winning the US Open nine long years ago:
“I didn’t even remember holding up the trophy. I didn’t even know I won this tournament, that’s how long it’s been.”
What Else is Happening in Flushing Meadows?
A Dream Comes True for 16-Year-Old Alicia Lang
Maria Sharapova helped make a sick child’s dream come true at the US Open.
IBM and United States Tennis Association Go Green at the 2008 US Open
Move over blue! The US Open has gone green.
USA Television Listings for Thursday
All times are Eastern.
Wednesday’s Match of the Day - USA - 2:00 am - 4:00 am (taped)
Second Round - USA - 11:00 am - 5:00 pm
Second Round - 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 Thursday’s featured match is 10:00 am ET.
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Dapxin | Aug 28, 2008 | Reply
In baby Serena fashion - drama !
How could she ever say she forgot winning a trophy ?
Aaress,
This day-to-day previews will **NOT** be complete if you cannot post the kickoff time.
Its hard enough staying up here in london, harder to do the time-maths all the time.
Thx.
Go serena.
Aaress Lawless | Aug 28, 2008 | Reply
Sorry about that Dapxin! I’ll start linking to the schedule, which includes the start times, in each daily preview.
But in the meanwhile, hopefully this will help:
http://www.onthebaseline.com/2008/08/27/us-open-august-28-schedule-of-play/
Dapxin | Aug 28, 2008 | Reply
Thanks Aaress,
Just seen Ana knocked out of USA. I just feel sorry for her. Her poor form is compounded heavily by this No1 nonsense she is so poorly unprepared for.
Oooosh. God know what must be going thru her mind now.