We here at the Spin have decided that we are no longer going suggest matches to watch because clearly we have no clue. On Day 3 of the USO all matches that we have picked as matches to watch have failed to live up to expectations. That being said, the matches that have not made the review list have been sensational so far. Today was no different.
As many of you know a sentimental favourite of this blog is Venus Williams. Today, at 33 years young, Venus showed why she should never be counted out, no matter what. Even though she lost to Jheng Jie, Venus fought every step of the way in a heartbreaking, 6-3, 3-6, 7-6(5) loss today. Her serve was non-existent for the first part of the match and while I don’t think the rain delay helped in that first set, I think it might have affected her focus somewhat.
However, despite everything, Venus in the second set showed us why she is a 7 time Grand Slam champion, and why every single player on the women’s tour that faces her goes out there ensuring that they play their very best of tennis, because despite age, illness and assorted injuries, Jie had to win this match today because Venus did not hand it to her.
It was a great match and it shows how important it is not to write off players, no matter how much we are tempted to do so.
Ace’s Matches to Watch on Day 4 are
3 matchups to watch
Daniela Hantuchova vs Victoria Duval – In the first round, Hantuchova did not have to be involved in any drama as she won in straight sets over Maria Sanchez, who received a wild card. Some people felt like other players deserved a wild card ahead of Sanchez. Duval, who qualified for the main draw, pulled off the upset of the tournament rallying from a set and 4-2 down to defeat Samantha Stosur, the 2011 USO champion. With Duval getting media attention during her off day, the question is will she be emotionally flat. If Duval wins this match, she may face Sachia Vickery, who won the USTA 18s wildcard and has a winnable match against Julia Glushko. Could we say a CBS televised match on Saturday if that happened?
Maria Kirilenko vs Michelle Larcher De Brito – In the first round, Kirilenko pummeled Yanina Wickmayer, who continues to be a disappointment since making the 2009 semifinals and losing a tough three set match to Justine Henin at the 2010 Australian Open. I thought Wickmayer would have given Kirilenko a better match. Larcher De Brito, who qualified for the main draw, won in straight sets over Eleni Daniilidou, who had Top 10 talent but injuries derailed her career. At Wimbledon, Larcher De Brito defeated Maria Sharapova and with Kirilenko struggling lately, could another upset be in the making?
Alison Riske vs Mona Barthel – In the first round, Riske defeated Tsvetana Pironkova, who only does well at Wimbledon, in straight sets. Before 2013 started, Riske only won main draw matches at Birmingham; therefore, she is in the midst of a career year. Riske made the third round at Wimbledon and got her first main draw hardcourt win at Washington at the Citi Open. Barthel won in straight sets over Johanna Larsson but can be suspectible to the upset.
Spin’s Picks for Day 4 are:-
Caroline Wozniacki v Chanelle Scheepers
Camila Giorgi v Su-Wei Hsieh
Elena Vesnina v Karin Knapp
Lucie Safarova v Roberta Vinci
Maria Kirilenko v M.Larcher De Brito
Donna Vekic v Simona Halep
Svetlana Kuznetsova v Shuai Peng
Flavia Pennetta v Sara Errani
Petra Kvitova v Bojana Jovanovski
Alison Riske v Mona Barthel
Julia Glushko v Sachia Vickery
Daniela Hantuchova v Victoria Duval
Ana Ivanovic v Alexandra Dulgheru
Christina McHale v Elina Svitolina
Alize Cornet v Ajla Tomljanovic
Aleksandra Wozniak v Victoria Azarenka
