World number one Jelena Jankovic, Elena Dementieva, Venus Williams, and Vera Zvonareva have reached the Sony Ericsson Championships semifinals.
The last four women standing will compete on Saturday for two berths in the last match of the 2008 tennis season, the Championships final.
Women’s doubles begins on Saturday featuring matches between Cara Black/Liezel Huber and Katarina Srebotnik/Ai Sugiyama, and Anabel Medina Garrigues/Virginia Ruano Pascual and Kveta Peschke/Rennae Stubbs.
Aaress’ Semifinal Picks
Elena Dementieva vs. Vera Zvonareva
This will be a fascinating encounter between two of Moscow’s biggest stars. They competed against each other most recently at the Beijing Olympics, helping Russia sweep the medal podium.
It was a momentous occasion for both women, especially Elena Dementieva, who defeated her younger countrywoman along the way to a gold medal.
Zvonareva, who won the bronze medal in Beijing, has played remarkable tennis over the past week and advanced to the semifinals with a 3-0 record. Dementieva had a little trouble getting past second alternate Nadia Petrova in her final round robin match, and she cannot take Zvonareva for granted even though she leads their head to head 4-1.
Vera Zvonareva in 3 sets
Jelena Jankovic vs. Venus Williams
The loser of the White group was drawn against the winner of the Maroon group, yet this is the match that packs the most star power. Thus far, Jankovic has acquitted herself well in Doha, but if she loses this match, it will hurt her chances of being considered for player of the year and further the claim that she is No. 1 in computer ranking only.
Venus looked sharp against her off-balance sister on Thursday. She has made it no secret that this is one significant title missing from her collection—especially as Serena has one of her own to showcase.
Jelena Jankovic in 3 sets
More Doha Information:
Saturday’s Start Time and Match Order of Play
Sony Ericsson Championships Main Draw
Television Listings for ESPN2 and Tennis Channel
