US Open Preview: Day Eight
Posted by Aaress Lawless on Aug 31, 2008 | Print |
Americans enjoying the Labor Day holiday will have two familiar faces to cheer for on Monday at the US Open.
Venus and Serena Williams will compete in the round of sixteen for a chance to face each other next in the quarterfinals.
Aaress’ Picks for Monday
Agnieszka Radwanska (POL)[9] v. Venus Williams (USA)[7]
Agnieszka Radwanska is developing quite a reputation as a giant-killer, so this match could get interesting. Her most notable victim was defending champion Maria Sharapova at last year’s US Open, and now she is up against the defending Wimbledon champion Venus Williams.
Venus has looked solid over the past three rounds and her serve remains one of her biggest strengths. She won’t have to worry about being overpowered by Radwanska, but still needs to be wary of the young Pole who loves taking balls early on the rise.
Venus Williams in two sets
Anna-Lena Groenefeld (GER) v. Dinara Safina (RUS)[6]
Anna-Lena Groenefeld has made the final sixteen in what has been one of the biggest, but still welcome surprises at this year’s tournament. Ranked at No. 141, the former Top 15 player has been through some tough times both on and off the court for the past two years.
Her play has improved dramatically since arriving in Flushing Meadows, as she has yet to drop a set in six qualifying and main draw matches. She’ll face her toughest test on Monday against the hottest player on the WTA Tour, Dinara Safina. Safina is an old hand at escaping in close matches, but this one probably won’t go past two sets.
Dinara Safina in two sets
Please go here to view the complete schedule of play for Monday.
She Said What?
Jelena Jankovic about trying to regain the No. 1 ranking:
“Yeah, it’s a goal, but I want to win a Grand Slam. Of course, by winning a Grand Slam I will regain the No. 1 ranking again, and that is something I want really bad. I will try my best to achieve that.
I’ve been injured. I had a tough time this year, and finally I’m feeling good at the moment. I don’t have any problems, and I don’t want to ask for anything else. I just want to go out there and enjoy my tennis.
I’m happy that I’m getting better and better every time, and so that is the most important thing. Hopefully I can continue in this way, and I think I’m on the right track.”
What Else is Happening in Flushing Meadows?
Amputee ball girl a huge hit
Ball girl Kelly Bruno is making history at the US Open.
USA Television Schedule for Monday
All times are Eastern.
Fourth Round - CBS - 11:00 am - 6:00 pm
Fourth Round - USA - 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Fourth Round - CBS - 9:00 pm - 11:00 pm
Don’t forget to enter On the Baseline’s Pick the Winner’s contest! The entry deadline for Monday’s featured match is 10:00 am ET.
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