The competition—and weather—at Melbourne Park continues to heat up as the Australian Open heads into the second round of play.
Wednesday will feature a stellar ensemble of players including a surprising first round doubles match between four current or former Top 5 singles stars.
Wednesday’s Matches to Follow
Alberta Brianti (ITA) v. Ana Ivanovic (SRB)[5]
Ana Ivanovic is most vulnerable during the early rounds of a major tournament, a fact we noticed quite often in 2008. She looked sluggish during her first round match against Julia Georges and hit nearly twice as many unforced errors as winners.
She has never played the Italian 28-year-old veteran Brianti, so it is likely that Brianti might win a few games as Ivanovic attempts to settle into an effective game plan. Another first round battle could happen, but I anticipate that Ivanovic will quickly shut this down to get off the court, especially as the temperature was well over 100 degrees on Tuesday.
Pick: Ana Ivanovic in two sets
Jelena Dokic (AUS) v. Anna Chakvetadze (RUS)[17]
A tearful Jelena Dokic revealed in her post-match press conference on Monday just what it feels like to finally be back where she believes she belongs. It has been a long five years for Dokic in her Melbourne return, but with every win, she is signaling that perhaps, happy days are here again.
Despite Chakvetadze’s seeding, this is a winnable match for Jelena. Facing a Top 20 seed in the second round is never ideal, but if she had to pick one player, it might likely have been Chakvetadze. Anna hasn’t been the same since her family was robbed in the 2007 off-season, and her results continue to slide. Factor in the support of the crowd and the emotion of the moment, and fans in Rod Laver Stadium might have something to cheer about Wednesday night.
Jelena Dokic in three sets
Svetlana Kuznetsova (RUS)/Nadia Petrova (RUS) v. Serena Williams (USA)[10]/Venus Williams (USA)[10]
The popcorn match of the day on Wednesday will not be a singles match, rather a doubles first rounder. Opening doubles matches at Grand Slams can be anticlimactic, but this one will not be thanks to its participants—Venus and Serena Williams, Nadia Petrova and Svetlana Kuznetsova, four of the best singles player on the Tour.
The Wimbledon champions and Beijing gold medalists may have the edge in this encounter, but Kuznetsova and Petrova are accomplished doubles players in their own right. Kuznetsova won the doubles title in 2005 with Alicia Molik, while Petrova has won fifteen career titles on the Tour.
Venus and Serena Williams in two sets
Number One Ranking Projections
Entering the Australian Open, four players have a chance of being ranked No.1 at the conclusion of Melbourne.
Points defending at Melbourne: Jelena Jankovic (900, reached 2008 SF), Serena Williams (500, reached 2008 QF), Dinara Safina (4, fell 2008 1r) and Elena Dementieva (280, reached 2008 4r).
With the winner receiving 2000 ranking points, and the top four ranking positions being so close, here are some scenarios:
• If Jelena Jankovic wins, she will remain No.1 regardless.
• If Dinara Safina wins, she will become No.1, regardless.
• If Serena Williams wins, she will become No.1 IF… she does not play Jankovic in the finals.
• If Elena Dementieva wins, she will become No.1 IF … she does not play Jankovic in the finals.
Additionally, with Jankovic winning her first round match at the Australian Open, Safina would need to reach AT LEAST the semifinals, while S.Williams and Dementieva would need to reach the finals to have a chance to become the World No.1.
Discussion Question of the Day
Based on the above projections, who do you think will end the Australian Open as No. 1?
Everyone, feel free to discuss Wednesday’s matches in the comments below. Enjoy the tennis!
