Dinara Safina and Elena Dementieva are bidding to make history on Thursday by setting up the first all-Russian final at Wimbledon.
But Venus and Serena Williams, two formidable opponents, are standing in their way.
Only two Russians have reached the championship match at Wimbledon during the Open Era, Olga Morozova (runner-up in 1974) and Maria Sharapova (champion in 2004). Russia remains the most dominant nation in women’s tennis and swept the medal platform at last year’s Summer Olympics in Beijing.
Elena Dementieva (RUS)[4] v. Serena Williams (USA)[2]
Expect this match to be the most hotly contested of the semifinals. Elena Dementieva appears to have rediscovered her serve, something that has been a long time coming. While she is still hitting just as many double faults, she is winning the crucial points on serve, and has only been broken three times in her past three matches combined.
This could give her a fighting chance against Serena. The younger Williams sibling played blisteringly efficient tennis against Victoria Azarenka. Azarenka, who is known for giving all the top players a good battle on court, only managed to win five games.
While Dementieva does not have the same fight and aggression as Azarenka, she does have far more experience. Elena has faced off against Serena eight times in the past, so she knows that she won’t be seeing anything new on Centre Court. Plus, there is also that little matter of confidently knowing that she has beaten Serena in four of their last five matches.
Prediction: Serena Williams in three sets
Dinara Safina (RUS)[1] v. Venus Williams (USA)[3]
For her own sake, I hope Dinara Safina comes out on court Thursday playing far more aggressive tennis than what she displayed in her past few matches. Her three set quarterfinal win against Sabine Lisicki was painful to watch as the top seed posted fifteen double faults. Nerves and a lack of confidence? Absolutely.
Safina is continuing to show her mettle as a fighter, but even she admitted afterward that once again she came out on court flat and sluggish. She could get away with this against the inexperienced young German, but Venus Williams will be a completely different story.
Based upon the way Venus is playing now, the only way she can be beaten is for a player to strike first, starting with the opening point of the match. Safina’s strength lies in her ability to come from behind and remain focused in a deciding set. Unfortunately, for the world number one, she might not get a chance to attempt that on Thursday.
Prediction: Venus Williams in two sets
Enter OTB’s Pick the Winner’s Contest
How well do you know tennis? Do you think you can pick the winner of Thursday’s featured match? Guess correctly and you might be one of the three lucky people chosen to win a pair of Drymax tennis socks!
To enter, simply select your pick for the winner of Thursday’s match between Elena Dementieva (RUS)[4] v. Serena Williams (USA)[2]. All entries must be received by 7:00 AM ET on Thursday. Only one entry per person.
NBC, ESPN2 and ESPN360.com Schedule for Thursday
All times are Eastern
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Ladies’ Semifinal – ESPN2 – 7:00 AM – 12:00 PM (LIVE)
Ladies’ Semifinal – ESPN360.com – 7:00 AM – 12:00 PM (Watch Live Online)
Semifinal Coverage – NBC – 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM (LIVE and Taped)
