Nadia Petrova (RUS) vs. Svetlana Kuznetsova (RUS)
Petrova surprised just about everyone with her complete annihilation of Kim Clijsters in the third round. I don’t think anybody would have seen that coming considering the way Clijsters had been playing and her victories prior to the start of the tournament. A win here would put Petrova in the quarters for the first time since 2006. Petrova has been to the quarters of every Grand Slam, but has only been to the semis of one Grand Slam (French Open).
Kuznetsova needed three sets to shake off Angelique Kerber in the third round, but once again, her consistent play is just too much for many of the women to handle. In recent days, she has made it very clear that her intentions are winning Grand Slams and that alone. She has said that being #1 in the world isn’t a priority, and that winning the big ones is her focus.
Match-Up:
Kuznetsova is 5-1 against Petrova, and won the only time they played last year. This looks to be one heck of a match for darn good reasons. Both girls have significant strength and can do just about anything with the ball. Both girls have for the most part flat groundstrokes and both have two-handed backhands. Both girls stand fairly close to the baseline and love to pound the ball. I give a slight edge to Petrova at the net because of her doubles play and their serves are fairly equal. I see this match going three sets, but in the end I like Kuznetsova because of her mental focus and her grit. She has the ability to step up during the big moments and I think that will be the difference.
Nick’s Pick – Kuznetsova in 3 sets
Maria Kirilenko (RUS) vs. Dinara Safina (RUS)
Kirilenko knocked off Maria Sharapova in the opening round and has played solid tennis since. This is only the second time she has been to the fourth round of a Grand Slam, and both have come at the Australian Open (2008). Can she knock off another tough Russian to reach her first Grand Slam quarterfinal?
Despite being seeded second, Safina has been overlooked by many of the pundits because of Serena and Justine. Let’s not forget that Safina is ranked this high for a reason, and she has the ability to beat anyone if her nerves hold up. Her side of the draw is wide open now that Jankovic is out and she could face Henin or Kuznetsova in the semis.
Match-Up:
Safina is 2-0 against Kirilenko, but the two haven’t played since 2007. Safina has looked much calmer in the first three rounds then she has in the past couple of Grand Slams. This has been a major boost for her, but who knows if that will hold up. Safina doesn’t have any glaring technical weaknesses except for sometimes she tries to be too physical and that hurts her. Kirilenko covers the court exceptionally well and has excellent groundstrokes. She has already proved that she is capable of taking on the big girls; it is just a matter of confidence for her. I see this match going three sets, and if Safina is able to control her emotions she should move on.
Nick’s Pick – Safina in 3 sets
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