Monday, Fourth Round
Arthur Ashe
[17] Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova (RUS #16) vs. [7] Francesca Schiavone (ITA #8)
Head-to-Head: Schiavone leads 3-1
Pavlyuchenkova is gunning for her second Grand Slam quarterfinal of the season, and indeed her career; in the last eight at Roland Garros she led none other than Schiavone 61 41 before the Italian veteran fought back. The youngest and oldest players remaining in the draw, they haven't met since, so this is the 20-year-old Russian's chance for revenge. Pavlyuchenkova was certainly impressive in the previous round against Jelena Jankovic, but Schiavone is a very different prospect with her various spins and slices and ability to mix up the pace and tempo of play. At 31, she continues to hold her own as a member of the Top 10, and could even climb as high as No.2 should she win the title. There's a lot of motivation on both sides of the net; if this is to be a changing-of-the-guard moment, Pavlyuchenkova needs to get into her power groove early and find a stay to there.
[28] Serena Williams (USA #27) vs. [16] Ana Ivanovic (SRB #19)
Head-to-Head: Williams leads 2-0
These two popular Grand Slam winners and former No.1s have met far too infrequently over the years, so with luck fans will be presented with something to savor today. Given Serena's consistently strong form this summer it's hard not to feel the quality and closeness of the match rests in the hands of Ivanovic: The good news is that Serbian star is positive and pumped, and is more than capable of going toe-to-toe with her American rival in a forehand slugfest. But to move through to her first US Open quarterfinal the 23-year-old will have to find her way past Serena's incredible serve, sheer athleticism and variety. It's certainly possible, particularly if Serena is struggling in any department, but Ivanovic will also probably have to play one of the matches of her life. Pavlyuchenkova or Schiavone await.
[1] Caroline Wozniacki (DEN #1) vs. [15] Svetlana Kuznetsova (RUS #17)
Head-to-Head: Wozniacki leads 4-2
Not for nothing is Kuznetsova a two-time Grand Slam champion, aside from Serena the only former US Open winner left in the draw. At her best she's powerfully accurate, inventive and never says die. This year has been a struggle, however, and while she has a record of switching into gear at the majors, it's hard to gauge exactly where she's at. After tonight's match we'll know more: While Wozniacki has struggled against some of the elite players, she has owned Kuznetsova the past couple of years, thanks to her skills of anticipation and capacity to chase down that extra ball. Patience is a virtue, after all. Still, Kuznetsova boasts six wins over reigning No.1s, so a repeat of their nail-biting fourth round clash here two years ago - Wozniacki prevailed by winning the second and third sets in tie-breaks - could well be on the cards.
Louis Armstrong
[10] Andrea Petkovic (GER #11) vs. Carla Suárez Navarro (ESP #76)
Head-to-Head: Suarez Navarro leads 1-0
In 2008 Suárez Navarro made a phenomenal run to the last eight at Roland Garros as a qualifier. The following January she backed that up with another quarterfinal surge at the Australian Open, making headlines by toppling Venus Williams en route. With her gorgeous single-handed backhand leading the way, great things were expected of the young Spaniard, but injuries have hampered her progress and a new set of players have emerged - players such as fellow-23-year-old Petkovic. Although Suárez Navarro's best results of late have been at smaller clay court events, it's worth noting her win over Petkovic was at the Australian Open last year. But not only has Petkovic developed into a powerhouse performer this year, she has gone from strength to strength just at this tournament. If the form book holds, should have a bit too much of everything on this occasion.
More to watch…
In doubles third round action, No.2 seeds Gislea Dulko and Flavia Pennetta play No.15 seeds Sara Errani and Roberta Vinci on Grandstand… Defending champions and No.3 seeds Vania King and Yaroslava Shvedova tackle Americans Jessica Pegula and Taylor Townsend on Court 17… Top seeds Kveta Peschke and Katarina Srebotnik also take to Court 17, against Hsieh Su-Wei and Galina Voskoboeva.
