U.S. Open 2010: Blockbuster Fourth-Round Match-Ups on the Women's Side

We are already into the second week at the US Open, and there have been very few upsets on the women's side.  

There haven't been any exciting matches yet, either.  For example, Sharapova-Capra's match score was 6-0, 6-0.  That was boring.  However, there are now some very compelling match-ups to watch.

Kim Clijsters (2) Vs Ana Ivanovic

Kim Clijsters - Ana Ivanovic

This is going to be a very entertaining match.  The rematch of their Cincinnati semifinal, in which Kim Clijsters won by retirement, will most probably go the distance.

A lot depends on Clijsters.  If she dominates from the start, she will probably win the match.  But if the same Clijsters that appeared at the Australian Open vs. Nadia Petrova comes, then the match is for Ana Ivanovic.  

These two former No. 1s make a compelling match-up.  Ivanovic has rediscovered her form and serve. She has a solid serve, an excellent forehand, good backhand, and improved movement.  Kim Clijsters, meanwhile, is a speedy and flexible player, but also has powerful groundstrokes. 

Look at the diagram below:

Kim Clijsters - Category - Ana Ivanovic

3                 - Ranking -                  40

2                 - Seeding -       Unseeded

3                 - Head to Head -            0

••                - Serve -                       ••

••                - Forehand -                 •••

•••               - Backhand  -                ••

••                - Net Game  -                 •

•••               - Movement  -               ••

•••               - Confidence Level-       ••

•••               - Intangibles-                ••

If Ivanovic wins the first set, I say it is Ivanovic all the way. But if Clijsters sneaks the first set, bet on Clijsters advancing. 

Prediction: Ana Ivanovic in two tight sets.

Samantha Stosur (6) Vs Elena Dementieva (12)

Samantha Stosur Vs Elena Dementieva

Samantha Stosur and Elena Dementieva are everything but a grand slam champion.  Their fourth-round match-up serves as a step toward their dreams: a door to the quarterfinals.  

A lot will depend on the confidence level of Samantha Stosur.  

Will Stosur, if in a position to win the match, keep up mentally, and not lose her composure because she might be in her first US Open quarterfinal?

Let's compare the two players:

Samantha Stosur - Category - Elena Dementieva

6                   - Ranking -                       13

5                   - Seeding -                       12

1                   - Head to Head-                 4

•••                 - Serve -                           ••

•••                 - Forehand -                     •••

••                  - Backhand -                    •••

••                  - Net Game -                     •• 

••                  - Movement -                   •••

•••                 - Confidence Level-           ••

••                  - Intangibles -                  •••

Stosur and Dementieva have had good runs here, but ultimately one has to lose.  

If Stosur comes out with a high first-serve percentage, then she has a good chance, but if not, she'll be in trouble.

Prediction: Dementieva in three sets

Caroline Wozniacki( 1) Vs Maria Sharapova (14)

Caroline Wozniacki Vs Maria Sharapova

The glamor match of the Open, Maria Sharapova leads a head on collision against Caroline Wozniacki. This will be a scrumptious match of power vs. finesse.  

Sharapova is in the fourth round for the first time in four years, while Caroline Wozniacki is striving to go one step better than last year's final.

Want to know the stats? Just look below: 

Caroline Wozniacki - Category - Maria Sharapova

2                           - Ranking -                        17

1                           - Seeding -                        14

0                           - Head to Head -                 2

•                           - Serve -                            ••

•                           - Forehand -                      •••

••                          - Backhand -                     •••

                            - Net Game -                      ••

•••                        - Movement -                      ••

•••                        - Confidence Level -            ••

•                          - Intangibles -                     •••

Maria Sharapova will have to do her best to win, while the Dane will have to run every ball the 2006 US Open champ flies back onto the court.

One of the most anticipated matches this year, it will be a showcase of will and mental toughness.

Prediction: Sharapova in two tight sets

Yanina Wickmayer (15) Vs Kaia Kanepi (31)

Yanina Wickmayer Vs Kaia Kanepi

Two fire power players will go head to head at the US Open.  They are Yanina Wickmayer and Kaia Kanepi.  

The two hard hitting Europeans will go for their all.  Wickmayer will try to at least equal her semifinal run, with only Kanepi and a quarterfinal opponent in her way.

Here's how the two compare:

Yanina Wickmayer - Category - Kaia Kanepi

18                        - Ranking -                 32

15                        - Seeding -                 31

1                          - Head to Head -          2

••                         - Serve -                     ••

•••                        - Forehand -               •••

•••                        - Backhand -              •••

••                         - Net Game -                •

••                         - Movement -      

••                         - Confidence Level -     ••

•                          - Intangibles -          

Expect Kanepi, the woman who upset fourth-seeded Jankovic, to hit hard, and prepare to see Wickmayer battle it out.

Prediction: Wickmayer in three tight sets