New York--(lawntennismag.com) Our picks for Friday:
Svetlana Kuznetsova (RUS)[4] v. Anna Chakvetadze (RUS)[6] Arthur Ashe Stadium –1st singles match
Svetlana Kuznetsova leads fellow Russian Anna Chakvetadze 2-0 head to head last winning at Warsaw last year 6-1, 6-1 on clay.
Chakvetadze went on a tear this summer on the hardcourt US Open series but I think Svetlana will be the stronger player from the
groundstrokes today. Also Svetlana has won the US Open before and I think has the edge in experience and mentally.
Prediction: Svetlana Kuznetsova in two sets.
Justine Henin (BEL)[1] v. Venus Williams (USA)[12] Arthur Ashe Stadium –2nd singles match
Wimbledon champion Venus Williams of the USA leads Belgium's Justine Henin 7-1 head to head with Williams last winning four and a half
years ago at the 2003 Australian Open 6-3, 6-3. Henin is playing a more powerful game now than she was back then and is better physically
and mentally. Justine also won this year's French Open and this week defeated Venus' sister Serena Williams in straight sets. Venus will not want
to lose to the same player who beat Serena, which will give her some extra motivation. Justine almost always plays great. Venus does not
always bring her best tennis to the courts. If Venus can keep her error count low, specifically her forehand errors, and serve up to her potential
and attack the net, Justine will have a hard day at the office.
Prediction: Venus Williams in three sets.
