2010 Australian Open – Nick’s Picks – Women’s Singles Round 3

Justine Henin (BEL) vs. Alisa Kleybanova (RUS)

Henin passed a major test with a tough straight-set win over Elena Dementieva in the second round. Now that she has that match behind her, she is a real threat to make a deep run. Every time I watch Henin play I get even more impressed by her grit, determination and passion. She is truly a warrior out on the court and we have definitely missed her for the last couple of years.

Kleybanova is an alumnus of the IMG Bollettieri Tennis Academy. She picked up a nice win over Jelena Dokic in the opening round and then beat Sorana Cirstea in the second. If she wins here it will be only the third time she has reached the fourth round of a Grand Slam.

Match-Up:

Henin is 1-0 against Kleybanova with that win coming back in 2008 at Antwerp. Kleybanova knows how to play one way: hit the tar out of the ball. She isn’t built to play long points and will not try to. She goes for winners and will look to keep Henin pinned back behind the baseline. Henin will not see many soft balls in this match and will try to neutralize Kleybanova’s power with her ability to change the pace. Henin has so much variety and her movement has been excellent thus far. One thing to watch out for here is if Henin’s serve falters at all, Kleybanova will pounce on it. I look for Henin to move on, but Kleybanova will give her a match.

Nick’s Pick – Henin in 2 or 3 sets

Jelena Jankovic (SRB) vs. Alona Bondarenko (UKR)

Jankovic has looked great in the first two rounds, losing a total of eight games in four sets. A former semifinalist down under, Jankovic is looking to climb back into the top five with a solid showing here. She is determined to make 2010 a great year, and having worked with her at the Academy during the off-season I think she is ready to do it.

Bondarenko knocked off Polona Hercog in the second round in straight sets and is into the third round of the Aussie Open for the third time in her career. Bondarenko has never been to the fourth round of any Grand Slam, so this would be a big win for her.

Match-Up:

Jankovic knows Bondarenko’s game extremely well. The two have met nine times previously with Jankovic winning all nine of those matches. Their most recent encounter came back in 2008 at Stuttgart with Jankovic winning easily. I honestly don’t think much will change now. Jankovic is moving brilliantly, is full of confidence and knows how to win. She tweaked a couple of things on her forehand and backhand when she was at the Academy, and it looks to be paying off right now. Bondarenko covers the court well and is solid from the baseline, but she doesn’t have any weapons that can really hurt Jankovic. I look for the Serb to advance.

Nick’s Pick – Jankovic in 2 sets