US Open day 5

Francesca Schiavone

Yesterday there were not that many surprises as the days before. Both Williams-sisters and Kim Clijsters won fairly easy in 2 sets making room for the highly anticipated match between Venus Williams and Kim Clijsters. I hope that Kim can pull through and considering their form it is certainly possible. But beating Venus at the US open is never easy so we will see what happens. Three semi-favorites of me went through to the last 15. Daniela Hantuchova, Flavia Pennetta( who has been playing some great tennis here) and Francesca Schiavone. Schiavone beat Viktoria Azarenka in three sets 4-6 6-2 6-2. And she really brought it, this woman has charisma and a very unique style. Lots of topspin or slice, great hands at the net and superb willpower. She really got under Azarenka’s skin who can play very well but only one-dimensional. As promised early on in the week I will predict the final 4 and winner of the tournament. It;s still very hard to pick though since no one has been a clear favorite so far. Safina against Sharapova in the first semi and Clijsters against Serena Williams in the second. Serena will probably win the tournament but from the quarter finals on she really has some very stiff competition. Biggest outsiders Kim Clijsters and Flavia Pennetta.