Singles competition at the US Open heats up on Friday as sixteen women from the bottom half of the draw bid to reach the fourth round.
Two of the biggest matches of the day will feature Jelena Jankovic vs. Jie Zheng and Marion Bartoli vs. Lindsay Davenport.
Aaress’ Picks for Friday
Jie Zheng (CHN) v. Jelena Jankovic (SRB)[2]
Now that Ana Ivanovic is out, Jelena Jankovic is left bearing her nation’s flag. That’s a tall order for the oft-injured Serbian, who admitted that her endurance was not where it should be after Wednesday’s second round.
Jie Zheng played the best tennis of her career last month at Wimbledon before finally losing to Serena Williams in the semifinals. She has played a few close matches against Jankovic in the past, so there is no reason to expect that Friday’s showdown will be any different.
Prediction: Jie Zheng in three sets.
Lindsay Davenport (USA)[23] v. Marion Bartoli (FRA)[12]
This is where the fun starts for Lindsay Davenport. Her first two wins were not spectacular, and she barely escaped a three set match on Wednesday against Alisa Kleybanova. If she brings that same level to the court on Friday evening, this will be a tough match for her against Marion Bartoli.
Bartoli has not had the best results since reaching the final at Wimbledon in 2007, but her fitness and more agile movement should lead her past Davenport, unless Lindsay finds a new gear of play. Davenport has an ambitious schedule in what could be her final major, as she is also playing doubles with Daniela Hantuchova. All that tennis will catch up with the veteran sooner, rather than later.
Prediction: Marion Bartoli in two sets.
Please go here for Friday’s complete schedule of play.
She Said What?
Julie Coin after beating No. 1 Ana Ivanovic:
“I don’t realize yet that I beat the No. 1 in the world. I don’t realize that I played at the big court. I don’t know how I’m going sleep tonight. I don’t know.”
What Else is Happening in Flushing Meadows?
Ralph Lauren Mobile
Ralph Lauren, the official clothing sponsor of the US Open, has launched a mobile version of its shopping website.
Interview with Virginia Ruano Pascual
The Fed Cup website has posted an interview with Virginia Ruano Pascual about the upcoming Fed Cup by BNP Paribas final between Spain and Russia.
USA Television Listings for Friday
All times are Eastern.
Men’s 2nd/Women’s 3rd – USA – 11:00 am – 5:00 pm
Men’s 2nd/Women’s 3rd – 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 Friday’s featured match is 10:00 am ET.
