Serena's got a test; Schnyder over Maria; Davy
in four
By Matthew Cronin, TennisReporters.net
Cynthia Lum/WireImage.com
We like Lucie Safarova over Anna Chakvetadze.
DAY 8 PICKS
FROM ROLAND GARROS
WOMEN SERENA WILLIAMS V.
DINARA SAFINA This is the first
substantial test for Serena, who has been up and down during her first
three matches, but effective during the closing moments. Obviously, the
Mac Truck that is Safina cannot run with Williams, but she's been striking
the ball well and has been fighting very hard. She has to attack Serena
at all costs and serve at a very high percentage. But Williams realizes
this a potential minefield, will focus early, and is a class above Safina.
Serena will prevail in three tough sets.
MARIA SHARAPOVA V.
PATTY SCHYNDER Here's the first
so-called upset of the day, as Sharapova hasn't found her rhythm and
Schnyder is quite pleased to have the opportunity to face the Russian
on clay again. Maria has hit through her four times on hard courts, but
lost their only battle on dirt. If it's a hot and dry day, Sharapova
should be able to launch hard, deep balls that will trouble Schnyder,
but her defense will suffer as she lacking proper footing and the surface
demands extended rallies. Schnyder hasn't been playing great either,
but this is a golden opportunity for her and if she can mix things up
early and yank Sharapova around, she'll prevail in straight sets. If
she doesn't, Sharapova's champion's mettle will rule the late afternoon.
The feeling here is that Swiss will play her best match of the year and
win in two sets.
LUCIE SAFAROVA V. ANNA CHAKVETADZE
It's great to see these two promising players face
off in the fourth round rather than early on. Safarova played brilliantly
in upending Amelie Mauresmo, and Chakvetadze is learning how to win when
she's not playing well. The Russian has more variety, but the Czech is
really clicking now, launching heavy lefty forehands, quick fisting her
backhand and slicing her serve wickedly. Chakvetadze may be able to trip
her up, but she's going to have to keep the ball very deep. That won't
happen over three sets and Safarova will enter her second straight Slam
quarterfinal.
JELENA JANKOVIC V. MARION BARTOLI
The last French players standing thinks she has
a great chance in this match because she doesn't believe that Jankovic
can overpower her. But JJ is red hot and will be able to run circles
around her foe. This match will be played on Chatrier, which will give
the crowd a chance to carry Bartoli on their shoulders, but Jankovic
loves the big occasion and will speed past Marion in two sets.
JUSTINE HENIN V. SYBILL BAMMER
This could be dicey match for Henin, as the lefty
Bammer is in good shape and can hurt her with her forehand and serve.
Henin is due for a tussle, and it will come here unless the Austrian
fizzles under the bright lights. The key for Bammer is to play into Henin's
forehand until she gets a good look at her backhand and then swing away.
She'll do so effectively for a set or so, but Henin has too much variety
and know-how to lose before her desired Serena confrontation. Henin in
straight sets.
NICOLE VAIDISOVA V. TATIANA GARBIN
It's nice for Italian fans to have Garbin get this
far and she's sure to play an inspired match. Vaidisova brings more weapons
the table, but Garbin can chase down a lot of balls. Give Garbin the
benefit of the doubt then she won't be shell-shocked, but it's hard to
see her winning a set. Vaidisova in two.
SVETLANA KUZNETSOVA V. SHAHAR PEER
If Peer hadn't played a long match Saturday, I
may have tabbed an upset here, but she was shaky against Srebotnik and
that's not a good sign. She'll run forever with Kuzy, but by the third
set the Israeli's legs will be dead and she'll begin to hit short. Sveta
in three.
ANA IVANOVIC V. ANABEL MEDINA GARRIGUES
Ivanovic might be playing better than anyone in
the draw. If she serves big in this match, she'll win it very quickly,
because AMG had to play for three hours to best Daniela Hantuchova on
Saturday. She's been steady and more powerful during the past two months,
but Ivanovic is moving very well and has too much oomph off the ground
for her. Ivanovic in a blowout.
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