Men

Lleyton Hewitt (AUS) vs. Andy Roddick (USA) – Their will be no surprises between these two veterans in this match. Hewitt had to give everything and more to win his first rounder and now he has to turn around and face a difficult opponent in Roddick in the second round. Roddick showed a bit of zip in his first round win over Robin Haase and will definitely have an advantage on the serve against Hewitt. Roddick needs to move Hewitt side-to-side and keep the points short to beat the Australian and I have to give him the edge. Roddick in 4 or 5 sets. 

Gael Monfils (FRA) vs. Thomaz Bellucci (BRA) – For many years, Monfils was more famous for his antics on the court than his winning. He seems to have turned that around and is playing great tennis. The crowd loves watching him play and he is definitely a showman, but he is hitting fewer errors and isn’t committing as many mistakes and the wins have been piling up. Bellucci is no push-over, and for many years he has been touted as one of the best young guys on the tour, but so far he hasn’t lived up to the billing. Monfils will be tested, but in the end he should pull it out. Monfils in 3 or 4 sets. 

John Isner (USA) vs. David Nalbandian (ARG) – This match has all the makings for a barn-burner. Isner comes in playing good tennis and Nalbandian is always a difficult out. He was beating Jarkko Nieminen pretty handily in the first round when Nieminen retired, so Nalbandian was able to get some rest. Nalbandian isn’t going to make many mistakes so Isner is going to have to pick his spots to attack. He needs to serve well and win as many easy points their as possible, but the longer this match goes the more it is going to swing to Nalbandian. I like Isner here in 4 sets, but watch out this could be an upset!

Tommy Haas (GER) vs. Rafael Nadal (ESP) – I am thrilled to see Tommy back and playing good tennis again. He has been training with me for so long that I consider him part of my family. Throughout his whole career it’s seemed as if he is cursed with injuries, but he comes back more resilient each time. He has one of the greatest one-handed backhands you will ever see, a killer forehand and a fantastic slice. Nadal is going to do what he does to Federer’s one-handed backhand. He is going to hit heavy top-spin forehands to it and try to break it down. Tommy cannot get into long rallies with Nadal, especially cross-court rallies to Nadal’s forehand this will only spell trouble. If Nadal is able to jump out to a fast start, then watch out because once he gets rolling he is almost impossible to stop. I have to give the edge here to Nadal, but this will be a fun match. Nadal in 4 sets. 

Women

Caroline Wozniacki (DEN) vs. Anna Tatishvili (GEO) – This match is all about Wozniacki. She has the goods to win it and probably will, but I will be watching to see how she plays. Everyone is waiting for her to claim her first major title and until she does their will always be chatter. I want to see her play more aggressive. She needs to get a high percentage of her first serves in and she cannot start pushing her second serve because her opponent will jump all over that. I would also like to see her go for her forehand when she has the opportunity and not play as defensive. I look for Wozniacki to advance but she is going to have to play better tennis if she wants to capture this title. Wozniacki in 2 sets. 

Jelena Jankovic (SRB) vs. Kai-Chen Chang (TPE) – Jankovic looked great in her first round win over Laura Robson as she controlled the points from the first ball. Now, she gets a qualifier in Chang and should be able to do the same. Jankovic has tested about every coach imaginable, but it all really boils down to her own mentality. She has the tools to compete with the best and she is super athletic, she just needs to focus mentally. Jankovic in 2 sets. 

Sabine Lisicki (GER) vs. Shahar Peer (ISR) – Lisicki, who trains at the IMG Bollettieri Tennis Academy, needed three sets to win her first round match and now she faces an even more difficult opponent in Shahar Peer. Lisicki’s game is to hit the crud out of the ball from anywhere on the court. She has a big-time serve and her groundstrokes are some of the very best. Her issue is that sometimes she presses a little and overhits, so if she can avoid that she should be in good shape. Lisicki should be able to win this match, but Peer will not go down without a challenge. She is very competitive and will make Lisicki work for every point. As long as Lisicki stays within herself and can avoid injury she should be just fine. Lisicki in 3 sets. 

Svetlana Kuznetsova (RUS) vs. Sloane Stephens (USA) – You don’t hear much chatter about Kuznetsova these days and if you are on the women’s side that should make you nervous. She is always dangerous and she looks like she is in excellent shape right now. She has a great foundation and generally makes little to no errors on the court. Stephens is a young American who has all the physical gifts to be a top player. Her biggest weakness is her mental game. She looked much better at the 2011 US Open, and if she can play like that consistently she will be in good shape. At this point, I don’t think she has enough to beat Kuznetsova right now, but that day may come very soon. Kuznetsova in 2 or 3 sets. 

Lisicki ended a very nice run by Irina Falconi, but I came away impressed by the young American. She is a fierce competitor and even though Lisicki was handling her pretty easily she never once put her head down or showed any negative emotions. A great performance by both girls, and in the end I was happy to see Sabine advance!

Once the ball is in play, you are never going to see Zvonareva smile on the court, as she is one of the toughest competitors out there.  She competes for every single point like they are match points and that is what separates her from many of the women on the tour.

Match-Up:

Zvonareva is 3-0 against Lisicki and has beaten her twice this year and she also beat her at the US Open last year. Her win over her at the 2011 French Open was very dramatic and Lisicki certainly had some chances to take that match. Both of these girls spend time training at the IMG Bollettieri Tenis Academy and I know both very well. Coming into the match you would think Zvonareva is the favorite as she has the higher ranking and she has won all of their previous meetings. No so fast! Lisicki is playing some of the best tennis out of anyone right now, and it is going to take a mighty effort to stop her.

Lisicki’s groundstrokes and serve are as big as anyone on the tour, but what Zvonareva does best is move and track down balls. She is going to force Lisicki to hit an extra shot or two and be a little more patient. Can Lisicki stand up to this challenge and handle the pressure of the New York crowds and the bright lights? We will have to wait and see. If she gets on a roll early and she is able to move inside the court, take the ball on the rise and force Zvonareva to hit defensive returns I like her chances. This match is really too close to call and because I know each player so well, I think I will just take the 5^th on this one!

Nick’s Pick – Could go either way, but I think this one is going three sets!

Shuai Peng (CHN) vs. Flavia Pennetta (ITA)

Pennetta won a very emotional match over third-seeded Maria Sharapova in the third round. It certainly wasn’t one of Sharapova’s greatest performances, but give credit to Pennetta because she put pressure on Sharapova from the first ball and she never relented.

Don’t sleep on Peng. She comes in seeded 13^th and she has yet to drop a set in her three matches. She has beaten a couple of tough opponents in Pironkova and Goerges to reach the third round and a win here would put her into the quarters of a Grand Slam for the first time in her career (on the singles side).

Match-Up:

Pennetta is 4-0 against Peng and has beaten her twice at the US Open (2007 and 2008). This is going to be a completely different match than the one she had against Sharapova. Peng isn’t going to make the unforced errors that Sharapova did (60 and was broken 7 times) and she isn’t going to double fault 12 times. Peng is extremely consistent from the baseline, has a solid serve and moves very well. Pennetta is going to have to be a bit more patient than she was against Sharapova and pick her points to attack. Can she come back and win another tough match on the heels of that very emotional win? I am not sure, but I do have to give her the edge because when push comes to shove she does have a tad more firepower than Peng.

Nick’s Pick – Pennetta is 3 tough sets

P.S. GOOOOOO ITALIANS!!!!

Caroline Wozniacki (DEN) vs. Svetlana Kuznetsova (RUS) 

Wozniacki advanced in straight sets over American Vania King in the third round and was helped by King’s 39 unforced errors. Wozniacki seems to playing a bit more aggressive and that is something I have wanted to see from her for quite some time.

Kuznetsova needed only 74 minutes to dispense of Akgul Amanmuradova in the third round and she is into the fourth round of the sixth time in her career. She won this tournament back in 2004 and she was the runner-up in 2007, so Wozniacki better be ready to play!

Match-Up:

Wozniacki is 4-2 against Kuznetsova and beat her earlier this year in the finals of Dubai in straight sets. They did meet in the fourth round of the US Open back in 2009 and Wozniacki won that in a third-set tiebreaker. Kuznetsova hits the ball beautifully from both wings, she moves well laterally, and her serve is solid. This is definitely going to be a test for Wozniacki. Can she hang in there with the powerful groundstrokes of Kuznetsova? I think so! With the way Wozniacki moves, she should be able to control the points and move Kuznetsova from side-to-side. Kuznetsova’s serve isn’t overwhelming either, which should help Wozniacki. There are going to be some long rallies in this match, and I can see this going the distance, but in the end I feel Wozniacki has a little more firepower that Kuznetsova.

Nick’s Pick – Wozniacki in 3 sets

Serena Williams (USA) vs. Ana Ivanovic (RUS)

Serena played great tennis in her win over Victoria Azarenka in the third round. That match had more of a semifinal of final feel too it than a third-rounder, but because of Serena’s seeding she is going to have to beat some very good women if she wants to win this tournament.

Ivanovic ended the dream run of Sloane Stephens, beating the American in straight sets. It has been a full year since Ivanovic has been this far in a Grand Slam and she hasn’t been past this point of a Grand Slam (4^th round) since she won the 2008 French Open which is remarkable when you stop and think about it!

Match-Up:

Serena is 2-0 against Ivanovic, but the two haven’t met since 2009. This is a big opportunity for Ivanovic to show the world that she is back, but to win, she is going to need to play the match of her life! If she tries to go blow-for-blow with Serena she is going down. Serena is more physical than her, her groundstrokes are more powerful and her serve is top-notch. This match is on Serena’s racket. The only way she falls is if she has a mental breakdown and starts over-hitting and has too many unforced errors. Ivanovic needs to stand in there and perhaps gamble a bit to try and keep Serena off-balance. She needs to get out of her comfort zone and make Serena guess to have a chance. I can’t see that happening, and I have to give the advantage to Serena.

Nick’s Pick – S. Williams in 2 sets

Svetlana Kuznetsova  vs. Justine Henin

• Kuznetsova played very close to the baseline.  She hits flat and hard at all times and moves well from side to side but not as well when coming forward.
• She has been working hard to improve her physical conditioning and it has paid off.
• She also possesses a very consistent serve, a very comfortable volley, and her biggest weapon is hitting the ball early on the rise.
• Henin also plays close to the baseline and has an excellent one handed backhand.  She has a huge flat forehand and likes to come into the court and make contact at shoulder height or even above the shoulder.
• She too has a very good serve and can attack the serve as well while also being a prolific volleyer.  Her movement on the court ranks among the best in the game.
• The first set of this match was definitely in favor of Kuznetsova, who controlled the majority of all baseline rallies.  Henin had trouble tonight with her lack of racket head speed when hitting the forehand.  She hit with her arm tight as a drum.
• As the match went on Henin began hitting from the baseline which then helped Kuznetsova.  No matter how hard Justine could hit the ball Svetlana would return until Henin began trying to over-hit the ball from behind the baseline.  Kuznetsova ended up winning the first set playing some decent tennis.
• As the second set rolled on Kuznetsova had several chances to win not only the set, but also the match.  The set then went to a tiebreaker.
• The tiebreak included many faults and unforced errors but finally ended with Kuznetsova winning for only the 3^rd time against Henin in their 19 battles.
• Nick’s Tip: Kuznetsova could not have won this match if she did not work so hard to be in such great shape.  Henin should have not tried continuously hit with Kuznetsova but should have moved her from side to side and pull her in with short slices, hit angles, drop shots, some heavy top spin, groundstrokes, etc.

Andy Roddick vs. Robin Haase

• The first set was all Haase.  He not only had huge serves, but backed it up off the wall groundstrokes.
• The seconds set went to a tiebreak, and you guessed it, the bottom fell out, which included double faults.
• After the tiebreaker Roddick went on a roll with everything going his way.
• Conclusion: Roddick will not give up no matter what, but let’s also mention Roddick pulled the plug and really hit huge forehands, slices, and then a few strong backhands.
• During the interview, Roddick said he can always count on his serve.  With that being true, that alone will win a lot of matches for you.
• Keep in mind Haase rolled his ankle in the second game of the second set and at this point everyone thought it was over.  Haase showed heart and took Roddick to the tiebreak but that is when the bottom began to fall out with faults and errors.  After that is was all Roddick.

Caroline Wozniacki vs. Dominika Cibulkova

• The first set went to Wozniacki 6-4.  The games went this way and that way, but she moved back behind the baseline 6 to 8 feet and kept the ball in play, but very deep.  This caused several unforced errors for Cibulkova because she went for too many winners and did not work for more of a defensive shot for Wozniacki.
• The second set:  Cibulkova can hit winners when the balls are above her shoulder because she is very strong and has plenty of racket speed but this could result in errors.
• Wozniacki must also learn how to run forward, especially for short balls on her forehand side by not going into a crunched over position which slows her down.
• Wozniacki is a heck of player.  To be No. 1 in the world is one thing, but to stay as the No. 1 she must continue to use her tools well.  Watch out for her killer forehand, backhand down the line and a heck of second kicker serve.
• If you review the big time No.1 past or present champion most of the experts will talk about their weapons.  Cibulkova can hit big forehands and darn good backhands, but when running wide her backswings are a little too big.
• It would be very interesting to see Cibulkova cut down on unforced errors and still be able to hit very offensive shots.  Her forehand is either a winner or an error.  Her coach needs to remind her to not hit for winners but just to play within her comfort zone.

Roger Federer vs. Xavier Malisse

• Federer has a huge flat forehand with very little spin, but he has control of his shots because of his movement and he is always balanced when striking the ball.  With his one handed backhand he can hit over the ball or slice.  He makes a little change with his grip when hitting his regular backhand and then moves to an Eastern grip when hitting his slice and drop shot.
• His movement couldn’t be any better and same goes for his net play.  His serve is not a supersonic serve but is still one of the best on the Tour.  He is a fierce competitor who is always in control of his mind and body, and physically he is in great shape.
• Malisse’s best weapon is his forehand.  He can drive the ball and also add spin.  His movement is also fantastic and can come forward and hit solid volleys.  At times, he can lack in the mental approach to the game.
• This match had several exciting rallies, but Malisse only had a few chances to really be in the match.  Xavier has been at the IMG Bollettieri Academy since he was 17 years of age.  Off the court he is one of the nicest people in the world!
• Let me point out how creative Roger is with his game.  Watch carefully when players attack the net.  He has the ability to wait until his opponent makes their move at the net and then hits his forehand.  Only a few players can do that but he can accelerate his racket head at just the right time.

Viktor Troicki vs. Novak Djokovic

• Not easy for two friends from the same country and members of the 2010 Davis Cup team to play against each other.
• Early in the match Troicki turned his ankle and had to retire down 6-2.  Novak has a complete game but the question is, can he win a Grand Slam?  Keep in mind how good you have to be to win a Grand Slam when Nadal and Federer are in the draw and don’t forget Murray, Berdych and others too!

Maria Sharapova vs. Julia Goerges

• Goerges is a bigger girl, 6’1” to be exact, but moves quite well for her size.  She has excellent groundstrokes that are hit quite flat and also has an unorthodox swing motion but still gets plenty of racket head speed.  Julia likes to control play when on the court and prefers to use her forehand.  Her take back on the forehand is something like I have rarely seen, and I wouldn’t advise it.
• Sharapova has powerful groundstrokes that she hits flat and early.  Not too much variety on the groundies except for a few drop shots mixed in.  She doesn’t use any slices or top spin but she is a fierce competitor and is in great shape coming back from an injury and surgery.
• The first set went back and forth with breaks of serves but the final break came at 5-4 giving Goerges the first set.  There was not too much variety except for a few drop shots for Goerges.  When Maria does not control baseline play and can’t get defensive shots from her big serve it is not that easy for Maria to beat another good baseliner.  Georges won 6-4.
• The second set Maria began to get her rhythm and increasing her serving percentage especially towards the end of the match.  Goerges gets a little feisty on the court and this is not a good thing when you are playing someone like Sharapova.  Maria’s game is quite simple: When the serve is on she steps into the court and goes for a big winner with very little spin.  Maria wins 4-6, 6-4, 6-4.
• Let me end this breakdown about Maria Sharapova and what makes her so special and such a major asset for tennis.  It makes no difference what the scene is, what the weather is, how she feels, etc.  Maria will fight to the bitter end and never complain.  Why do you think she is in the highest paid female athlete in the world?  Go Maria!

Venus Williams

• What a loss to the Australian Open when both Williams’s sisters are out.  Believe me, this opens the door for all of the remaining players.
• Venus received treatment all day on her upper thigh but it just did not operate in a manner that enabled Venus to move so fluently when playing.  Get well soon, Venus!

Tomas Berdych vs. Richard Gasquet

• For so many years Berdych was always in the elite group of young ones coming up along with Gulbis, Gasquet, Del Potro, and a few others.  No one ever doubted his athletic skills, movement, technique, and his three weapons: forehand, backhand, and his serve.
• As my good friend Dick Vitale says, “You can have all the talent in the world, but you must control your emotions and play the game.”  Tomas ran through Gasquet even though the 2^nd set went to a tiebreaker.
• Berdych is on a roll and is capable of beating anyone in the draw.
• Gasquet’s backhand is pretty impressive, but against deep penetrating groundies and a big serve, he was always on the defense.

Stanislas Wawrinka vs. Gael Monfils

• There has never been doubt of Wawrinka’s ability to winning the big ones as long he understands that one’s mind can destroy what you can do, so he must be careful.
• Gael Monfils had trouble handling the constant pressure of Stanislas’ power.

Kuznetsova was able to hold onto her nerves and beat Justine Henin in a major for the first time in her career. She looked confident and she was able to get to more balls than in the past because of the great physical shape she is in. This is all a testament to the hard work she put in during the off-season.

Schiavone is 4-8 lifetime against Kuznetsova, but the two haven’t played since 2009. Henin tried to go shot-for-shot against Kuznetsova and this wasn’t a successful strategy. I don’t think Schiavone will employ the same tactics. I feel she will try to jerk Kuznetsova around, dinking and dunking her and bringing her in with drop shots and angled shots. Right now though, I just feel Kuznetsova has too much firepower for Schiavone, especially on these courts. I expect a hard-fought match and Schiavone certainly won’t give up, but in the end I look for Kuznetsova to win.

Nick’s Pick – Kuznetsova in 3 sets (this is hard for me to pick as I feel I am going against my Italian roots!)

Na Li (CHN) vs. Victoria Azarenka (BLR)

Na Li is on a roll and it is going to take one heck of a match to stop her. She just won a title right before the Aussie Open began, beating Clijsters in the finals, and she hasn’t dropped a set in her three matches so far. She is 2-1 against Azarenka, but she lost their only meeting in 2010.

It is difficult to predict what you will get out of Azarenka, sometimes she plays great tennis and other times she is inconsistent. In the past, she has struggled with the heat, but I haven’t seen anything like that from her thus far. I really think the difference in this match is the mental strength. I feel Li is mentally tougher and is a bit more consistent with her groundstrokes and that will be the difference between these two top women.

Nick’s Pick – Li in 3 sets

Kim Clijsters (BEL) vs. Ekaterina Makarova (RUS)

It appeared as though Clijsters was on a roller coaster ride in the first set against Cornet, but she settled down eventually and won the set in a tiebreaker. She then went on to win the second set 6-3. These kind of mental hiccups happen all the time for the top players, but it is the better ones that are able to fight through them and come out victoriously. She is still the odds-on favorite to win this title and there are only a couple of girls that I think could beat her…Zvonareva, Wozniacki, Na Li, and perhaps Sharapova (if she is serving well).

Makarova knocked out Nadia Petrova 8-6 in the third set to advance to the fourth round of a Grand Slam for the first time in her career. She has a solid game, but nothing that she really challenge Clijsters. It’s important that Clijsters keeps this match short and her focus locked in on winning the title. Look for the Clijsters express to continue rolling!

Nick’s Pick – Clijsters in 2 sets

Vera Zv0nareva (RUS) vs. Iveta Benesova (CZE)

Zvonareva didn’t want to go three sets against Safarova in the third round, especially the way Safarova was cracking the ball towards the end of the second set. She fought so hard and I was really impressed with her mental toughness and that is what enabled her to win this match in straight sets. The old Vera might not have done that, but the new Vera has been on this stage before and understands what it takes to win. This is the biggest difference in her game.

Benesova beat Pavlyuchenkova 7-5 in the third set and is into the fourth round of a Grand Slam for the first time in her career. She is a tricky lefty with a very good backhand and a solid serve and forehand. She moves well, but doesn’t have the firepower needed to beat Zvonareva, especially on this worldwide stage. I feel that as long as Zvonareva keeps her emotions in check she will win this match and has a great chance to capture her first Grand Slam title!

Nick’s Pick – Zvonareva in 2 sets

Federer vs. Simon

• Simon was 2-0 vs. Federer coming into the match.  He was always one of the young guys that all of France and the world thought he could be a Grand Slam winner.
• It was 2-2 in the fifth set and the match could have gone either way.
• Simon’s first serve began to let him down, and as the set went on it was nowhere to be found.  Federer began playing the drop shot and it really was the key to the fifth set.
• The match was a display of fantastic groundstrokes and determination, but Roger went to his drop shot and began attacking the net.  Throughout the entire match I also watched the coach’s boxes.  The Frenchman’s was full of excitement, jumping up and down.  Federer’s box remained calm changed, especially his new coach Paul Annacone. I don’t think he even blinked!
• Great win for Federer and you have to hand it to Simon, he hung in there and played fantastic tennis.

Maria Sharapova

• The commentators, especially Cliff Drysdale, were talking about her serve.  Even though her motions may be different it is important to have a shoulder turn, to use your legs, and not hit the serve only using your arm.
• Maria struggled with her serve last week but really improved during the second and third set.  Her opponent did not have any shoulder turn and hit only with her arm. Maria took advantage and made some aggressive returns.

Novak Djokovic

• Novak played Dodig and believe me…he had a heck of a battle, but his relentless grinding and constant pressure was key.
• A Note: The announcers said he was having some difficulty hitting his backhand.  His arm and racket were too close to his body and he made contact inside out instead of hitting on the outside of the ball.

Justine Henin

• Very aggressive.  Moved around her backhand to hit her big flat forehands well inside the baseline.  Although still has a tendency at times for forehand errors from the baseline with balls flying out, and nervous when closing out the match.
• Justine began serving better, ending the match with two aces.
• She has also changed her serve motion by widening her feet when first starting her motion.

Caroline Wozniacki vs. Vania King

• I thought that Vania King would force the No. 1 seed to hit several unforced errors, but she did not at any time.  She does not have an easy draw and it will be helpful if she plays as she did tonight.
• She is showing the world that she is the No.1 player and will undoubtedly be a very tough opponent.

Svetlana Kuznetsova

• Played a very solid two sets giving her opponent no chance to control play which she has not done for a long time.
• She plays very close to the baseline, has a very solid foundation, and hits with very little spin.

Igor Kunitsyn vs. Andy Roddick

• Kunitsyn has very good groundstrokes and it is hesitant to come in when Andy hits his slice too short.  I like his serve because he moves it around and attacks any short return especially when Andy hits his defensive slice short.
• Roddick won the first set in a tie-breaker but was pressed and down set point, but pressure got to Kunitsyn double faulted and hit an early forehand into the net which gave away the first net.

Fernando Verdasco vs. Janko Tipsarevic

• Verdasco was lacking early in the first set and just did not keep pressure of Tipsarevic which can be dangerous, but he has been physically training for a while now with Gil Reyes to be fit and it is paying off in long battles.
• Nick’s Tip:  Being physically fit can win many major battles!

Wozniacki rolled over Vania King, losing only one game and winning the match in just under an hour. She has yet to have been tested in her two matches, but this will definitely be a challenge for her. Cibulkova is a former French Open semifinalist and a US Open quarterfinalist, so she has been in this position before.

Wozniacki is 5-2 against Cibulkova but just lost to her at Sydney last week in straight sets. These two know each other quite well and there will be no surprises out there. Cibulkova runs down just about everything which will force Wozniacki to hit an extra shot or two. The Dane needs to remain patient and not force anything otherwise Cibulkova will jump all over her. I have to give Wozniacki the advantage, but I feel this match is going to go three sets. Can’t wait to see this one!

Nick’s Pick – Wozniacki in 3 sets

Justine Henin (BEL) vs. Svetlana Kuznetsova (RUS)

Henin moved past Elena Baltacha 6-1, 6-3 to reach the third round and she will face a very familiar opponent in Svetlana Kuznetsova. These two have a long history, but haven’t played since 2008. Henin is 16-2 against Kuznetsova and the last time they played at the Australian Open was in 2004 in the third round and Henin won in straight sets.

For Kuznetsova to win this match, she needs to keep Henin pinned on the baseline. She needs to hit deep, penetrating shots that force Henin to stay back which will stop her from hitting that devastating inside-out forehand for winners. If Kuznetsova is able to keep Henin back, then this match could go to her. If Henin is able to dictate play and use her arsenal of shots, then this match goes her way. I like Henin here, but I also think it’s going to go three sets.

Nick’s Pick – Henin in 3 sets

Vera Zvonareva (RUS) vs. Lucie Safarova (CZE)

Zvonareva dropped the opening set against Bojana Jovanovski but battled back and won 2-6, 6-3, 6-1 to reach the third round. No one is really talking about Zvonareva, yet she has reached the finals of the last two Grand Slams and she is the #2 player in the world. That is a great position be in, because it takes all the pressure off her shoulders.

This is the first meeting between Zvonareva and Safarova and I would think that after her scare in the second round, Zvonareva will want to put this match away quickly. She has a great team, she is an excellent doubles player, she takes the ball early and is a superb volleyer (notice how she uses two hands on the backhand side when she volleys). Against Safarova she will need to attack a little more than she usually does but I don’t see many problems here as Safarova tends to be a little inconsistent.

Nick’s Pick – Zvonareva in 2 sets

Flavia Pennetta (ITA) vs. Shahar Peer (ISR)

Peer is a dangerous player who is now full of confidence and she demonstrated that with a rather routine win over a good player in Sorana Cirstea in the second round. Pennetta had a solid first half of 2010 and then she fell off a little towards the end of the year. Like Peer, she can be a tough out and doesn’t go down without a fight.

Pennetta is 3-2 against Peer, but in their two matches in 2010 Peer won both (including in the third round of the US Open). For Peer, it has always been about her physical fitness and her mental strength. She is a warrior on the court and isn’t afraid of anything or anybody. Pennetta is like a brick wall on the baseline, she doesn’t make many mistakes and she plays well when the pressure is on. This one is going three sets and I think that Peer’s fitness and mental focus will be the difference.

Nick’s Pick – Peer in 3 sets

Venus really hasn’t been challenged yet at this year’s Open, but Peer has the tools to test her. She handled Mandy Minella in straight sets in the third round, but it wasn’t her best performance. She served under 50% and had more unforced errors than winners. She can’t do that again and hope to beat the better players.

Peer knocked out Flavia Pennetta in straight sets and she has yet to drop a set in the tournament. She reached the quarters here back in 2007 and she will have plenty of supporters in the stands when she takes on Venus. I love watching her play because she fights for every ball and will not give up ever!

Match-Up:

Venus is 5-0 against Peer and this is their fourth meeting already in 2010 (Venus has not dropped a set against her). Peer has been hanging around the top 20 for a couple of years now and has yet to really break through. Her fitness was also a strong suit for her a couple of years ago and it looks like she is trying to get back to her roots again. She pounds the ball from both sides and is an excellent mover, but does she have the guns to take out Venus? It’s scary to think that Venus didn’t play too well against Minella in the third round and was still able to advance. If she is able to up her serve percentage and cut down on her unforced errors she should run through this draw. With these two having already played four times this year, there will be no surprises. I look for Venus to advance in two tough sets.

Nick’s Pick – V. Williams in 2 sets

Ana Ivanovic (SRB) vs. Kim Clijsters (BEL)

It’s great to see Ivanovic playing at a high level again, because the tour is better off when she is performing up to her abilities. This is already her best Grand Slam of 2010 and if she could take out the defending champion she will put everyone on notice that she is definitely back!

The last two times Clijsters entered the US Open she has won it. She loves the hard courts and the bright lights of NYC and the fans absolutely adore her. She hasn’t been tested yet this year, but that’s about to change!

Match-Up:

Clijsters is 2-0 against Ivanovic and has beaten her once already this year. This is going to be a very emotional match for both women as there are plenty of supporters for both that will be packing the stands. Ivanovic seems happier on the court than she has in the past year and that has made a big difference in her play. She hits big from both sides, moves well and has a good serve (when her toss is okay). The difference here is going to be Clijster’s match experience as well as her movement. She moves around the court so well and she can turn defense into offense better than anyone. This is a match you don’t want to miss!

Nick’s Pick – Clijsters in 3 sets

Svetlana Kuznetsova (RUS) vs. Dominika Cibulkova (SVK)

Kuznetsova, a former US Open champion, is into the fourth round of a Grand Slam for the second time this year. After losing in the second round of Wimbledon, Kuznetsova won the tournament in San Diego, lost to Sharapova in the first round at Cincinnati and then reached the semis at Montreal. She has been up and down throughout the year, but she is still a contender for the title.

Cibulkova had her coming out part at the 2009 French Open, where she reached the semifinals. Since then, she had not been past the third round of any Grand Slam until now. She hasn’t had a great summer, going 2-5 since Wimbledon, but she’s in the fourth round so you cannot dismiss her lightly.

Match-Up:

Kuznetsova is 3-1 against Cibulkova, but in their one meeting this year Cibulkova won in straight sets. Cibulkova stands only 5’3”, but she packs plenty of punch from a small frame. Her movement is lightning quick and her groundstrokes are solid. Kuznetsova has possibly the best foundation on the WTA Tour. She is like a brick wall at the baseline, you cannot get anything past her. She has a tendency to sometimes lose focus and break down mentally, so as long as she can keep that part of her game together she should be okay. I don’t think Cibulkova has the weapons to beat Kuznetsova on this stage and I look for the Russian to advance in two tough sets or three sets.

Nick’s Pick – Kuznetsova in 3 sets

Vera Zvonareva (RUS) vs. Andrea Petkovic (GER)

Zvonareva has quietly moved through the draw and the 2010 Wimbledon runner-up is definitely a contender to win this title. She recently reached the finals at Montreal, beating Clijsters and Azarenka, before falling to Wozniacki. Keep your eye on Zvonareva during the next week to see if she can repeat her Wimbledon success.

Petkovic is into the fourth round of a Grand Slam for the first time in her career. She upset Nadia Petrova in the opening round, then beat a tough opponent in Bethanie Mattek-Sands in the second round, and then advanced to the fourth round via walkover when Shuai Peng had to pull out of the tournament.

Match-Up:

This is the first career meeting between Petkovic and Zvonareva. Petkovic is a tall girl who hits with a lot of power from both sides. She has a good serve, but lacks consistency. She has never been on this stage before and the pressure may have an effect on her. Zvonareva is one of, if not, the best mover on the WTA Tour. She has outstanding footwork, fantastic groundstrokes and a solid serve. She also has a great return of serve and will attack Petkovic’s serve from the outset. As long as Zvonareva can remain calm, cool and collected she should advance in straight sets.

Nick’s Pick – Zvonareva in 2 sets

Venus Williams (USA) vs. Ekaterina Makarova (RUS)

It took Venus only 64 minutes to beat Rossana De Los Rios in the first round. The elder Williams is looking for her sixth career Wimbledon title and her third in the last four years. Is there anyone out there that can beat her? Maybe Serena? Only time will tell.

Makarova is playing in her third Wimbledon and is looking to get past the second round for the first time. She’s been to the quarterfinals twice in doubles, but never past this point in singles. Despite that, she just won the title, on grass at Eastbourne, as a qualifier, beating Pennetta, Petrova, Kuznetsova, Stosur and Azarenka!! Talk about the run of a lifetime!

Match-Up:

This is the first career meeting between the 22-year old Makarova in the 30-year old Williams. Makarova comes into the tournament riding a massive hot streak and with that confidence she will be ready to fight. Having said that, beating Venus on grass is next to impossible. She takes the ball early, controls the points with her serve and forehand and her wingspan at the net is extremely intimidating. I know that Makarova is playing well and may test Venus, but I cannot pick against her.

Nick’s Pick – V. Williams in 2 sets

Kirsten Flipkens (BEL) vs. Yanina Wickmayer (BEL)

Flipkens beat Stephanie Dubois in the first round and is looking to reach the third round of a Grand Slam for the third time in her career. She played at ‘s-Hertogenbosch last week on grass and reached the semis before falling to Andrea Petkovic in three sets.

Wickmayer comes into the tournament ranked #18 in the world and fresh off of a first-round loss at Eastbourne to fellow Belgian, Kim Clijsters. This is actually the first time that Wickmayer has been past the opening round at Wimbledon, but she has the goods to make a deep run.

Match-Up:

Wickmayer is 1-0 against Flipkens with that win coming last year on the hard court of Luxembourg. These two know each other extremely well. Not only are they both from Belgium, but they are playing doubles together in this tournament! Flipkens is only 5’5”, but she moves extremely well making her opponents hit an extra shot or two. Wickmayer will go for her shots more than Flipkens. She plays extremely offensive, has big groundstrokes and should fare well on the grass. Look for a competitive match, but for Wickmayer to advance.

Nick’s Pick – Wickmayer in 2 sets

Anastasia Rodionova (AUS) vs. Svetlana Kuznetsova (RUS)

Rodionova downed British hope Anne Keothavong in three sets in the first round to advance to the second round of Wimbledon for the second time in her career. She is a good doubles player, having reached the quarters here before, but has never been past the third round of any Grand Slam.

Kuznetsova dropped like a rock in the rankings after she failed to defend her French Open title and is down to #19 in the world. She hasn’t been this low in years! She’s a three-time quarterfinalist at Wimbledon, and it will be interesting to see if she can replicate those results.

Match-Up:

Kuznetsova is 4-0 against Rodionova, including a win over her earlier this year at the Australian Open. I am interested in this match to see how Kuznetsova plays. She made an early exit at the French Open and has definitely had a disappointing year, posting a 12-11 record. We all know what she is capable of doing, but is she ready mentally and physically. Rodionova certainly doesn’t have the weapons to beat Kuznetsova when both are playing at their best, but Kuznetsova is vulnerable right now and if she shows any negative signs she could be in trouble. I look for Kuznetsova to advance, but keep an eye on her emotions.

Nick’s Pick – Kuznetsova in 2 sets

Serena Williams (USA) vs. Anna Chakvetadze (RUS)

Serena looked fantastic in her opening round win over Larcher de Brito and served notice that she is here to win! She was disappointed with her quarterfinal loss at the French Open and she is on a mission to avenge that defeat. Right now, she is the favorite in my mind.

Chakvetadze is a former top-ten player but comes into the tournament now ranked #118 in the world. She played at Birmingham and Eastbourne on grass before Wimbledon, reaching the third round at Birmingham and failing to qualify at Eastbourne.

Match-Up:

Chakvetadze is 1-0 against Serena, but the two haven’t played since the end of 2007. I was very impressed by Serena in her opening match, and I am keen on watching to see if she can repeat a performance of that quality. Chakvetadze has solid groundies but can’t do anything to hurt Williams. If this match were a couple of years ago it would have been in the fourth round, but Chakvetadze isn’t that player anymore and Serena has just gotten better. Look for Serena to advance.

Nick’s Pick – S. Williams in 2 sets

Kuznetsova comes into the tournament ranked #4 in the world, but she is the top seed in this tournament. She won this title back in 2006 and has reached the semis here the last two years. She is still looking for her first title in 2010 and her record this year before this tournament is only 5-5 so she needs a deep run to help her confidence.

Bartoli knocked off Gisela Dulko in straight sets in the third round and she is into the fourth round here for the first time since 2003. She reached the fourth round at Indian Wells last week before falling to Aggie Radwanska.

Match-up:

Kuznetsova is 2-0 against Bartoli, but the two haven’t played since 2006. Bartoli uses two-hands from both sides and this always gives her opponents a little trouble unless they no how to handle it. Kuznetsova hits the ball extremely well from both sides and her solid foundation makes it extremely difficult to push her back behind the baseline. Using two hands from both sides can make it difficult to reach some balls, but Bartoli doesn’t seem to have too much trouble. I look for Kuznetsova to control the court with her big groundies, but this will be a battle. Bartoli will not go down easy. I like Kuznetsova, but watch out!

Nick’s Pick – Kuznetsova in 3 sets

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