Round robin matches will continue on Thursday at the 2008 Sony Ericsson Championships in Doha, Qatar.
Two of the biggest stars in professional tennis, Venus and Serena Williams, will meet for the seventeenth time in their distinguished careers.
Aaress’ Picks for Thursday
Jelena Jankovic vs. Svetlana Kuznetsova
Jelena Jankovic looked very impressive on Tuesday against Ana Ivanovic, who ironically was expected to be her toughest competition in the White Group. The world No. 1 has lost just one match since being beaten by Serena Williams at Flushing Meadows, and has picked up three additional trophies.
Kuznetsova holds a slim lead over Jankovic in their career 4-3 record, but their most recent meeting at the China Open ended in Jankovic’s favor. That match was the latest in a long string of final losses for Svetlana, something that could inspire her to display a better form of tennis than what we saw on Tuesday.
Jelena Jankovic in 2 sets
Venus Williams vs. Serena Williams
It is always hard to predict an All-Williams meeting, and although this is their fourth meeting this season, it is no easier this time around.
Venus summed up the reason perfectly on Wednesday after beating Elena Dementieva. She admitted that one of the most difficult things about playing Serena is that she feels as though she is playing herself. Both women rely heavily on their serve and are comfortable at the net, plus after playing and practicing with each other for over twenty years, they know the other’s game perfectly.
I did notice one thing that might decide the outcome on Thursday. The winner will likely be the player who serves the most consistently. Venus is uncharacteristically struggling with her serve and posted ten double faults on Wednesday. She got away (just barely) with this against Dementieva, but Serena will not hesitate to stand close inside the baseline so she can pounce early on Venus’ second serve. Serena loves ripping cross-court winners on her forehand side, so I would look for many blistering service returns.
Serena Williams in 3 sets
Dinara Safina vs. Elena Dementieva
This could be the end of the road for Dinara Safina, closing the chapter on her spectacular 2008 season. Fortunately for the world No. 2, her season will be remembered for her ascent up the rankings, her French Open finalist finish, and four new career victories. Her 1-2 (or even 0-3) record at Doha will just be a postscript.
Safina is looking more sluggish and tired by the match, and I doubt she will have the legs to weather Dementieva’s baseline rallies. Elena played well against Venus Williams, and I have to favor her chances of reaching the semifinals.
Elena Dementieva in 2 sets
More Doha Information:
Thursday’s Start Time and Match Order of Play
Sony Ericsson Championships Main Draw
Television Listings for ESPN2 and Tennis Channel
