S. Williams (USA) vs. A. Ivanovic (SRB)
Of the remaining fourth round Women’s singles matches, this is arguably the most exciting of the group. It is worthy of a championship final yet we find ourselves eagerly awaiting this match-up at the start of the second week. Despite both ladies being seeded outside the top ten, for the first time in a long while, each has progressed with relative ease.
Ivanovic has played two sound matches and was fortunately handed a walkover during the third round. Her baseline game has been solid, with a controlled unforced error count. It will be interesting to see her tactics during the showdown.
It has been well documented that Serena is coming back from injury, however based on the results to date; one would never have known. She powered through Jovanovski and Krajicek and did well to topple fourth seed Azarenka. The American’s mental strength continues to amaze and she has used this to dominate her opponents many-a-times (in the locker-room and on-court), in addition to the big serve and unrelenting groundstrokes. She will be keen to serve well and produce a good first service percentage, as Ana will surely aim to fire back those returns and hope to carry over her strong break point conversion rate (from previous rounds).
It is not surprising that tournament organizers have scheduled the game on Arthur Ashe Stadium. Two “old” foes will battle it out in just a few hours, with many curious spectators on the sideline.
Prediction: Williams in 2 sets.
