Women’s Singles - Finals
Serena Williams (USA) vs. Jelena Jankovic (SRB)
Williams stumbled out of the starting gates a bit against Svetlana Kuznetsova, but like a Kentucky Derby horse making a backstretch run, she regained her form and came back to defeat her in three sets. If Williams can win this title it will be the fifth time she has done so, and the second in a row. That would be quite an astounding feat!
Jankovic blew by Zera Zvonareva in an hour and 14 minutes in the semis, beating her 6-1, 6-4. If she wins this match, it would most certainly be the biggest title of her career and would give Serbia two consecutive victories (after Ivanovic won last week at Indian Wella).
Match-Up:
Jankovic is 3-2 against Williams, including a victory over her earlier this year at the Australian Open. This match features two of the best athletes on the WTA Tour. Jankovic’s movement is second to none, she is extremely confident from the baseline, and will not hesitate to come into the net and put away a sound volley. Williams’ physical conditioning has helped her tremendously in the previous rounds. Without being as fit as she is, she wouldn’t have been able to get to the finals. It has also allowed her to be more patient and this has been a big key for her as well. Finally, both girls play fantastic defense, and are able to run down shots that looked like clear winners.
I feel the crowd will be in Williams’ favor, but there will be plenty of Jankovic supporters as well. To me, this match comes down to taking advantage of break opportunities. The person who does this the best will win. Lastly, having a day off will only help Williams. Jankovic plays almost every week of the year, and will have an advantage the longer this match goes. I really feel that if this match goes three sets, Jankovic has the advantage.
Nick’s Pick – Williams in 2 sets, Jankovic in 3 sets
All i can say is what does Vera Zvonareva have against playing well in big matches this year?? She has been looking strong & getting deep in tournaments then offering little to no resistance in the bigger late round matches. On to the Jakovic Williams match up who can root against that Serbian smile and charm?? Isn’t Jelena great for women’s tennis! Her matches win or loose she always seems to capture and connect with the crowd. Serena appears to have most of her game working in top form & looks more determined than ever to prove she is the player to beat on the tour. Jelena will win the calls to trainer match 3-2 but Serena is going to come for the trophy 6-4 , 6-3.
I like your prediction on the trainer calls! That will be pretty close.
Speaking of trainers is there any more grueling & taxing sport on the human body than professional tennis? The amount of training & preparation involved with maintaining a top spot in professional tennis for the entire season can’t be rivaled. And lets talk about the juniors training at a high level,, forget it!! Those kids go all year round with the training and the tournaments it is amazing simply amazing.
I think that Jelena Jankovic will defeat Serena. Jelena is the better one this year,don’t you think?
It’s going to be close. Whether or not Jelena is better this year, I don’t know. When Serena is on her game there is no one better.