Nick's Picks: French Open Women's Fourth Round

(5) Jelena Jankovic (SRB) vs. Sorana Cirstea (ROU)

Jankovic has yet to drop a set in any of her three matches, and has moved through the draw quietly. Many people forget that she is a two-time semifinalist here and has had solid results on clay in the past. Don’t discount Jankovic’s chances of winning this title because she is more than capable of beating anyone.

Cirstea is making her first appearance in the fourth round of any Grand Slam. Before this tournament, the 19-year old had never been out of the second round of any Grand Slam she had played in. She reached the semis in Marbella and the quarters in Estoril (both clay court tournaments) before the French.

Match-up:

This is the first career meeting between Jankovic and Cirstea. This match is on Jankovic’s racket. If she plays her game she will win. She has the experience, the know-how, and is finally looking like the player she was last year. Cirstea is tough though and has picked up good wins over Cornet and Wozniacki in the last two rounds so I wouldn’t be surprised to see this match go three sets. Look for Jankovic to use her excellent movement and fantastic two-handed backhand to control the match and advance.

Nick’s Pick  — Jankovic in 3 sets

(2) Serena Williams (USA) vs. (24) Aleksandra Wozniak (CAN)

Serena cannot stay away from controversy right now. Before the French she called out Safina and then in her last match she claimed her opponent cheated. She needs to focus on what she can do and forget about everyone else. When Serena is on and healthy there is no one better.

This is already Wozniak’s best showing ever at a Grand Slam. The 21-year old Canadian comes into the tournament ranked No. 24 in the world, which is her career high, and she did reach the finals in Ponte Vedra Beach on clay back in April. In her three wins so far at Roland Garros, she hasn’t played anyone inside the top-50.

Match-up:

Wozniak and Serena have met once before, and Serena had to retire in that match after losing the first set and being down 3-1 in the second. I don’t think that will have any bearing on this match at all. Serena isn’t at the top of her game right now, but even at 85 percent she is still better than most on the tour. Wozniak is a big girl who strikes the ball very well and she will not be intimidated at all by Serena. I think Serena knows that she needs to step it up now and play her best and that is bad news for everyone else!

Nick’s Pick  — Serena Williams in 2 sets