Nick's Picks: US Open Women's Semifinals

Tennis Week is partnering with legendary coach and New York native Nick Bollettieri to provide previews and in-depth analysis of the US Open. Nick's Picks for the women's semifinal matches are here. Look for Nick's Picks of the most exciting US Open matches on a round-by-round basis in the coming days and please visit his web site Nick's Picks. 
 

(5) Elena Dementieva (RUS) vs. (2) Jelena Jankovic (SRB)
Dementieva served well (80 percent on her first serves) and had only 14 unforced errors in her straight set victory over Patty Schnyder in the quarterfinals. She is now riding an 11-match winning streak dating back to her Gold Medal run at the Olympics, and is really playing well. This is her fourth US Open semifinal appearance, and she is looking to get back to the finals for the second time in her career.
Jankovic has been on court a lot during this tournament, so a straight set victory in the quarterfinals was just what the doctor ordered. She had 26 fewer unforced errors than Bammer in the quarters, and was also able to break her eight times. This is the third Grand Slam semifinal she has been to this year, and the sixth of her career. She has never been past this point, and a win here would certainly help her chances of regaining the No. 1 ranking.
 
Match-up:
Jankovic is 4-3 against Dementieva, with each girl winning one match this year. This match is about as close as it gets. Both girls have excellent groundstrokes, both are superb movers, and both take the ball fairly early. Neither have exceptional serves, and I wouldn’t say one has an advantage over the other. This match will be determined by nerves and unforced errors. Dementieva has been past this point before, and that may give her a slight advantage if this match goes down to the wire. Whichever girl can stand up to the pressure and keep their cool under duress will win this match.
 
Nick’s Pick  —  This is a dead even match that could go either way. Too close to call! Let me hear you're pick!
 
(4) Serena Williams (USA) vs. (6) Dinara Safina (RUS)
Serena played one heck of a match against her sister, Venus, in the quarterfinals and that match definitely had the feel of a final. She saved four break points and had 17 fewer unforced errors than her big sister. Now, she has to regroup and prepare herself for another very dangerous opponent in Dinara Safina.
Safina had a much easier match than Serena, getting by Flavia Pennetta 6-2, 6-3 in 71 minutes. This is her second career Grand Slam semi, and a win here would give her a chance to win her first Grand Slam title.
 
Match-up:
Serena is 3-1 against Safina, but the only time they met in 2008 Safina won. When you look at their games, I don’t believe Safina has an edge in any category. Yes, she can hit as big as Serena, but I give the edge in movement and net play to Serena also. The one thing that Safina may be able to capitalize on is a possible let down. Often times you see athletes have a hard time maintaining such a high level of play when they are coming off such an emotionally draining experience like Serena is. If Serena shows any signs that she isn’t ready to give it her all, Safina will pounce.
 
Nick’s Pick  — This match will be determined by Serena, if she is on her game she will win. Serena Williams in 3 sets

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