Aussie Open: Day Five Preview

As the curtain rises on third round action at the 2009 Australian Open —we see glimpses of the main course.  The energy-sapping, cramp-inducing heat that laid waste to untold dreams of Aussie glory may relent, but don’t count on it. 

The impact from contact of natural gut against tennis ball will sizzle as the survivors of the first two rounds face off for an entree into the quarterfinals.  Eight men’s and eight women’s matches provide the delectable fare on the menu for Friday's action.

Men’s Day Matches:

Andy Roddick (7) vs. Fabrice Santoro– Andy Roddick will once again face the fabulous Frenchman Fabrice Santoro.  Recall that Fabrice took offense at the antics of Roddick at the U.S. Open—as Andy continued to fire bullets at Santoro who obviously had no chance in the match.  It was an awkward moment for fans and for Roddick when Fabrice just stood and watched as the serves passed him by.  Hopefully, Andy will show more respect for Mr. Santoro this time around.  It won’t matter – Andy will win this one easily.

Tommy Robredo (21) vs. Yen-Hsun Lu– Lu should be out of gas when he meets Tommy Robredo who barely broke a sweat in his match with a usually competitive Viktor Troicki.  Lu was extended to five tough, long sets in taking out the number 10 seed, David Nalbandian.  The nod goes to Robredo.

Novak Djokovic (3) vs. Amer Delic– Amer Delic enjoyed a nice run into the tournament; but, it is over today when Amer clashes with Serbian sensation Novak Djokovic.   

Gilles Muller vs. Juan Del Potro (8) – Gilles Muller who had such a sensational tournament in New York, finally meeting defeat at the hands of Roger Federer after playing him tough in the quarters, is finding his form once again in Melbourne.  Unfortunately, he meets the number 8 seed, Juan Del Potro in the third round today.  This promises to be a battle royal—but you have to think that Del Potro will find his way to the finish line as a winner.

Marin Cilic vs. David Ferrer (11) – Cilic has played well but he has played long matches.  His victories have not come easily.  Ferrer, on the other hand, has had an easier time of it – but his game is not where it was a year ago.  This one is a definite toss up – who wants it more?  The bounces seem to be going Ferrer’s way, so give the nod to the speedy Spaniard.

Stanislas Wawrinka (15) vs. Tomas Berdych (20)– Countryman Roger Federer handed Wawrinka a definitive loss at the finals of Kooyong.  Berdych is always a mystery.  When he is good, he is very, very good; but when he is not, he loses.  The surface suits Berdych better than Stan – Stan better on clay.  You have to go with Berdych in this tournament match up. 

Women’s Day Matches:

Jelena Jankovic (1) vs. Ai Sugiyama (26) – Jelena should handle this match without too much difficulty.  Sugiyama took out a qualifier before dispatching Dechy.  But Jelena has too many weapons and she will prevail.

Marion Bartoli (16) vs. Lucie Safarova– Safarova played tough to eject Erakovic from the tournament.  Bartoli played well to advance into the third round; but expect her to exit from the tournament at the hands of Safarova whose aggressive style of play should limit the effectiveness of Bartoli.

Nadia Petrova (10) vs. Galina Voskoboeva– expect the number 10 seed Petrova to continue her winning ways against Voskoboeva.  Galina has done well to make it this far.

Sara Errani vs. Vera Vzonareva (7) – Errani, who had a solid victory over Monica Niculescu will not live to fight another day.  She will surrender to Vzonareva who has quite a bit more game.

Dinara Safina (3) vs. Kaia Kanepi (25)– This will also be an exit for the number 25 seed Kanepi.  The primarily clay courter will meet her match in Dinara.

Alize Cornet (15) vs. Daniela Hantuchova (19) – Delicate Hantuchova will go down to defeat to the hard-hitting, up-and-coming French woman Cornet.  This should be a real barn-burner of a contest, however, especially if Hantuchova can hang onto her game and her nerves.

Night Matches:

Caroline Wozniacki (11) vs. Jelena Dokic – Dokic has much local support in Melbourne.  Her tearful press conference impressed her fellow countrymen in Australia.  But Wozniacki is the favorite to win this match, and deservedly so.  The teenager has slowly been advancing up the rankings and this victory should be another notch in her belt on the way to the top 10. [Rod Laver]

Marat Safin (26) vs. Roger Federer (2) – No one can deny this is the match of the tournament so far.  Frankly, it is surprising that the mercurial Safin is still hanging around.  We would have expected him to have packed his bags and headed to the outback by now.  But just as with Wimbledon when he found his form and ousted a surprised Djokovic early and met Federer in the semis, Safin is playing his game of old.  However, he will not survive Federer to move on.  The outback beckons! [Rod Laver]

Ana Ivanovic (5) vs. Alisa Kleybanova (29) – Expect Ana to move on but not without a degree of difficulty.  This will not be an easy match for her; but should she prevail, it will increase her confidence for a tough quarterfinal challenge. [Hisense Arena]

Marcos Bagdatis vs. Mardy Fish (23)– Two potential wild men will compete when Marcos Bagdatis faces Mardy Fish.  Both are blessed with fiery tempers and deep resolve.   Bagdatis seems to surge in Melbourne where his Cypriot companions will see him into the quarters.  [Hisense Arena]

The winners of all these contests go straight into the quarterfinals and then it really gets interesting.  Another slate of third round action follows tomorrow, so don’t miss any of it as the Australian Open heads into the second week of play…