Wimbledon Women's Fourth Round Preview: It's the Williams Sisters' Party

(Photo by Paul Gilham/Getty Images)

Ana Ivanovic would like nothing more than to spoil Venus's party.

But, she'll need some luck.

With the way the former No. 1 from Serbia has played in 2009, it looks to be an uphill battle. Venus (a five time champion) and Ivanovic (who entered last year's Wimbledon ranked No. 1 in the world) will highlight a heavy ticket that features all eight fourth round matches.

Here's a look at what's on tap:

1. Venus Williams vs. Ana Ivanovic:

Ana looked so bad in her first round match against Lucie Hradecka from Czechoslovakia that many were predicting more doom and gloom for the emotional Serb. But, somehow she found her game in time to score straight set wins over Sara Errani and Samantha Stosur.

But the most daunting challenge in women's tennis awaits her now, and the lack of confidence that she concealed in her last two matches will more than likely come back and bite her again on Centre Court.

Venus is riding a 17 match winning streak here, and she is hell bent on becoming the first woman since Steffi Graf to win three consecutive titles.

This would be a monumental win for Ivanovic if she could get it, but it just seems too far fetched given the turbulence that has permeated Ana's game since her French Open title in 2008.

Pick: Venus in three

Dinara Safina vs. Amelie Mauresmo:

Poor Dinara, all dressed up in that No. 1 ranking with no place to go. The combative Russian has been zealously pursuing a title for over a year now, but nerves seem to catch up with her whenever she reaches a final.

Perhaps she'll benefit from the fact that all eyes are on Venus and Serena, and she'll make a sneaking mad dash for the crown?

She's not known for her grass court expertise, but she is the world No. 1 and hasn't lost a set in the tournament.

To advance, she'll have to face the 2006 Wimbledon Champion Amelie Mauresmo, who at 29 is playing like she has nothing to lose.

That's probably because she hasn't.

She's already won Wimbledon and nothing can take that away from her. If Safina gets a case of the yips, look for Mauresmo to casually capitalize.

Pick: Safina in three

Caroline Wozniaki vs. Sabine Lisicki:

19-year-old Sabine Lisicki is on a tear.

18-year-old Caroline Wozniacki is on a tear.

Okay now, who is gonna tear who apart then?

Good question.

The two teenagers have split their two meetings to date with Lisicki winning their last meeting in straight sets in Charleston.

But overall, Wozniacki has been the better player in 2009. The great Dane has been steadily climbing up the rankings, and her grass court title in the Wimbledon tune-up at Eastbourne has given her confidence a boost.

Pick: Wozniacki in two

Agnieszka Radwanska vs. Melanie Oudin:

What a difference a week makes.

Melanie Oudin played her way into Wimbledon by winning three qualifier matches, and now she finds herself with a good shot to make the quarter finals.

Why?

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