Xem Tennis us Open 2013

Victoria Azarenka vs. Maria Kirilenko
Azarenka leads head-to-head, 3-2

Stay aggressive, punish Kirilenko’s serve and step into the court to finish with the swing volley when in command. Azarenka is the bigger hitter, and she can bully the smaller Kirilenko around the court. Azarenka will want to take charge from the first strike, move the No. 12 seed side-to-side and use the pace, depth and direction of her drives to keep Kirilenko on the defensive.

What Kirilenko needs to do to win:
Disrupt Azarenka’s rhythm by throwing in some looping topspin and slice backhands. She also needs to work the frontcourt, because Azarenka is not sure-footed on clay and isn’t always quick off the mark moving forward. Kirilenko’s movement and net skills are two assets she must try to apply; if Kirilenko gets caught in a straightforward baseline match, Azarenka will overpower her.

The Pick: Azarenka in two sets
Although clay is Azarenka’s most challenging surface, she has looked comfortable in controlling baseline rallies, breaking serve 26 times in four matches. She has won six straight sets against Kirilenko, who has not faced a Top 50 opponent in her four tournament victories. This match is in Azarenka’s hands and she should advance to her sixth semifinal in her last eight Grand Slam appearances.

Maria Sharapova vs. Jelena Jankovic
Sharapova leads head-to-head, 7-2

Control the center of the court, blast Jankovic behind the baseline and play commanding six- to eight-shot rallies to prevent the former No. 1 from using her court coverage and counter-punching skills to prolong points. Sharapova will always have a play on Jankovic’s pedestrian serve, so she’ll want to hold convincingly to make Jankovic feel even more stress when serving.

What Jankovic needs to do to win:
Sharapova has ravaged Jankovic’s serve in the past, so the three-time semifinalist will need to serve exceptionally well. Jankovic should try to play some short angles to pull the slower Sharapova out of position. Jankovic’s court coverage is her advantage, so she must extend points and engage the defending champion in running rallies.