A definite truism which applies to Serena Williams is that she’s always hungry for another major. The two time defending champion demonstrated that despite some first week cobwebs, she is prepared to fight for a “three-peat” at the All England Club.

Venus Williams, a five time champion at Wimbledon, is still in contention for another title on her most successful surface. Maria Sharapova, the 2004 champion, is almost playing to the standards expected of her. Sharapova is trying to get pass the fourth round for the first time since 2006 at this venue.

The most stunning early departure was 2010 runner-up Vera Zvonareva. Here’s a mid-tournament summary and a preview of the interesting match-ups to come.

After going the distance her first two rounds, Serena Williams cruised in the third round against Maria Kirilenko. The next round, Serena will have to bring her best stuff against Marion Bartoli, the 2007 Wimbledon finalist. Bartoli is playing with great confidence since winning her maiden grass court title in Eastbourne.

Subsequent to a comfortable opening match, Venus Williams clawed past 40 year old Kimiko Date-Krumm in the second round. However, in the third round, Venus coasted to victory. Next up for Venus is Tsvestana Pironkova.

In a rematch of last year’s semifinal, Pironkova avenged her lost to Zvonareva in the third round. In 2010, Pironkova reached the semifinals by upending Venus in the quarterfinals. Pironkova also ousted Venus at the Australian Open in 2006. With Pironkova’s 2-1 against Venus, this tussle could be another doozy.

Following straight sets victories her first three matches, Sharapova meets Shuai Peng in the fourth round. If Sharapova prevails, she could encounter world number one Caroline Wozniacki in the quarterfinals.

Wozniacki has been untroubled through three rounds. Standing in Wozniacki’s way for a maiden Wimbledon quarterfinal appearance is Dominika Cibulkova.

Nearly two years after being derailed by injuries, Sabine Lisicki is blossoming once again. Lisicki followed up her recent title in Birmingham by upsetting 2011 French Open champion Na Li in the second round. Lisicki can equal her 2009 Wimbledon quarterfinal showing as she faces Petra Cetkovska in the fourth round. Cetkovska booted Agniezska Radwanska in the second round, then shocked Ana Ivanovic in the third.

After two easy rounds, Victoria Azarenka shook off Daniela Hantuchova in a tough three set encounter. In the round of 16, Azarenka collides with Nadia Petrova, a two time Wimbledon quarterfinalist. Petrova knocked out rising star Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova in the first round. At 29 years of age, Petrova has plenty of fire power to bother Azarenka.

2010 semifinalist Petra Kvitova has been progressing quietly through the draw. The Czech’s fourth round opponent will be Yanina Wickmayer.

Along with Cetkovska, two players making their debut in the round of 16 at a major are a pair of 20 year olds, Russian Ksenia Pervak and Austrian Tamira Paszek. Pervak bounced Shahar Peer in the first round and Andrea Petkovic in the third round.

Paszek recorded the biggest win of her career over Francesca Schiavone in the third round. Since Pervak and Paszek will clash in the fourth round, one will move on to her first quarterfinal at a major.

Some other names surprisingly absent from the second week of the tournament are Samantha Stosur, Jelena Jankovic and Svetlana Kuznetsova.

Wozniacki continues to play defensive tennis. In a quarterfinal with Sharapova, if the Russian’s aggressive style does not fail her, it’s difficult to imagine Wozniacki advancing any further.

With Venus and Serena still in the draw, the possibility of an all Williams final is plausible. But, the obstacles are huge. Should Venus get by Pironkova, Kvitova may be up in the quarterfinals and Azarenka in the semifinals.

Waiting for Serena after Bartoli could be Lisicki who’s been getting stronger with each passing round. Moreover, for Serena, a semifinal versus Sharapova would no walk in the park.

Still, out of the top half of the draw, Serena and Sharapova are the likeliest finalist. In the bottom half, if not Venus, Kvitova may book her first spot in the final at a major this tournament.

The Williams sisters made their long awaited return to competitive tennis this week. Despite being rusty, with nine of the last eleven championships at the All England Club, Venus and Serena are among the favorites. Moreover, the Wimbledon draw sets up the potential for a fifth all Williams final. Here’s a more detailed analysis.

World number one Caroline Wozniacki hopes to validate her ranking with a first major. However, Wozniacki will need to do some heavy lifting to achieve that feat.

In the quarterfinals, Wozniacki may have to go through 2004 Wimbledon champion Maria Sharapova. In addition, for the Dane, a semifinal encounter with defending and four time winner Serena or reigning French Open champion Na Li may be in the cards. Needless to say, Wozniacki will have to work hard to earn her maiden major.

Serena will begin her title defense by facing the talented Aravane Rezai in the first round. In the fourth round, Serena could see another sizeable French hurdle in 2007 finalist Marion Bartoli.

Later, in the quarterfinals, Serena may clash against Li who is no push over. In Li’s case, Sabine Lisicki may present difficulties in the second round. Lisicki has been regaining her form and confidence as is evident with her recent title in Birmingham.

Sharapova is again in the mix at another major. While a first round match with countrywoman Anna Chakvetadze could be testy, Sharapova should come through. Sharapova is likely to have a tougher time in the fourth round if Samantha Stosur is the opponent.

Serena had been out of commission nearly a year. For the seventh seed to claim her fifth Wimbledon crown, she will have to come up with the type of performance which resulted in her surprise victory at the Australian Open in 2007. With Serena’s track record, it’s certainly hard to bet against her. Yet, with Ana Ivanovic, Maria Kirilenko, Flavia Pennetta and Julia Goerges in the top half of the draw, there is an endless list of players capable of pulling off an upset.

As a consequence of Kim Clijsters’ withdraw due to a foot injury, last year’s finalist Vera Zvonareva is the top seed in the bottom half. Zvonareva is slated to meet either Victoria Azarenka or Francesca Schiavone in the semifinals.

Beforehand, Jelena Jankovic and five time champion Venus offer a tantalizing potential third round match-up with the victor scheduled to collide with Zvonareva in the fourth round.

2010 semifinalist Petra Kvitova is hoping to advance one step further this time. For that to occur, the Czech may have to get past Svetlana Kuznetsova in the fourth round. In the quarterfinals, Kvitova could take on Venus, Zvonareva or Jankovic.

In the first round, Schiavone will see Jelena Dokic. Thus, it may be a short stint on the grass for the Italian. If Schiavone progresses, Andrea Petkovic could stop her in the round of 16. Schiavone’s uphill climb could continue with Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova or Azarenka as possible quarterfinal adversaries.

Speaking of Azarenka, the Belarusian’s most difficult obstacle could be Pavlyuchenkova in the fourth round. If Azarenka prevails in such a showdown, she should sail to her initial major semifinal.

With no absolute front runner for the trophy, Sharapova, Venus and Serena who have been at the winner circle previously have an edge. Still, for young guns such as Wozniacki, Azarenka, Pavlyuchenkova and Kvitova, it’s a golden opportunity to seize the moment.

Strangely enough, Maria Sharapova is also a favorite on clay. The Russian’s victory in Rome two weeks ago demonstrates that she can power her way to a title on this surface. As such, Sharapova deserves to be in the column of players to beware of.

More so than previous years, there has been no standout on the red clay this season. Julia Goerges surprised world number one Caroline Wozniacki in the final in Stuttgart. Petra Kvitova made her debut into the top ten with her victory in Madrid, stunning world number four Victoria Azarenka.

Therefore, any one residing in the vicinity of the ten best from world number three Vera Zvonareva to Azarenka to defending champion Francesca Schiavone to Kvitova has a fair shot at hoisting the title. The French Open draw is revealed. Here’s an analysis of the key match-ups.

Wozniacki’s first round opponent is Kimiko Date-Krumm. The Japanese is know for pulling upsets at majors. Last year, she shocked Dinara Safina in the same round. As a result, Wozniacki will have no time to relax early on.

Another challenging encounter for the world number one could come in the third round where she may face 2009 French Open winner Svetlana Kuznetsova. Wozniacki’s progression to the final could be further complicated by 2010 finalist Samantha Stosur or Goerges in the quarterfinals and either Jelena Jankovic, Zvonareva, or Schiavone in the semifinals.

A sole semifinal showing in Brussels is Zvonareva’s best performance on clay this year. The Russian could stumble in the third round if she clashes with compatriot Nadia Petrova or in the fourth round where countrywoman Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova could offer tremendous resistance.

Also in the top half of the draw, Schiavone and Jankovic could collide in the round of 16. Either player could battle Zvonareva in the quarterfinals.

Azarenka and Sharapova are in the bottom section of the draw. Despite being in a winning position in Rome, Azarenka had to retire in the quarterfinals against Sharapova due to a right elbow injury. Whether Azarenka has fully recovered from that problem will determine how well she performs in Paris. Azarenka and Sharapova could meet in the semifinals.

Prior to that, Azarenka may need to bypass someone also with injury issues in the fourth round, 2008 French Open champion, Ana Ivanovic.

Yet, Azarenka’s tallest hurdle may be Kvitova in the quarterfinals which would be a rematch of the Madrid Open final. As a newcomer to the top ten, Kvitova is playing with the least pressure which makes her even more dangerous.

But, if the draw holds, Kvitova and Na Li will duel in the round of 16. With two semifinals placements, Li is a force on this surface.

Before a possible semifinal with Kvitova or Azarenka, Sharapova could have her hands full in the fourth round against Yanina Wickmayer or Agnieszka Radwanska. In addition, ahead in the quarterfinals for Sharapova could be Andrea Petkovic or Clijsters.

Speaking of Clijsters, if the Belgian is able to find her clay feet in the initial two rounds, Maria Kirilenko would be a huge test in the third round or Petkovic in the fourth round.

In conclusion, it’s truly a tossup as to which player will emerge as the conqueror at Roland Garros. If Wozniacki wants to live up to her ranking and end her drought at the majors, she will have to stray from her comfort zone and rely more on offense rather than defense.

Sharapova and Kvitova with their titles on clay have shown that big hitters who are not necessarily graceful on this surface can overpower their rivals come away with the big prize.

With the unpredictability in the ladies’ game, it would not be surprising to see Clijsters carry the French Open despite no real play on clay for five years. The drama unfolds in a less than a day.

Clijsters and Martinez Sanchez were all squared in the break department until Clijsters broke for a second time which made the difference in the first set.

Martinez Sanchez captured an early break in the second set, but Clijsters found the means to level the set. Still at 4 all, Martinez Sanchez fired a winner for double break point. When Clijsters’ forehand landed long, the Spaniard went ahead 5-4.

Subsequently, with a volley winner, Martinez Sanchez arrived at double set point and converted when Clijsters’ return traveled long.

In the deciding set, Clijsters secured a quick break and consolidated to move in front 3-0. However, when Clijsters flubbed a pass, Martinez Sanchez had her second break opportunity of the game. With Clijsters netting a backhand, Martinez Sanchez was gifted the break.

Yet, with a double fault on break point, Martinez Sanchez handed Clijsters a 4-2 edge. Clijsters was able to consolidate. Then with triple match point, Clijsters struck a forehand up the line winner to bed the proceedings.

Martinez Sanchez is not a garden variety player. As such, MiamiTennisNews.com asked Clijsters what she found difficult about facing such an opponent: “she’s a lefty. That’s always a little bit tougher. . . Just the way she played, as well, she reminded me [of Alize] Cornet at the Australian Open. . . She had a really flat backhand and a forehand she hits with some more topspin. It’s always a little hard when you have a player who plays two totally different shots on each side”.

Further, Clijsters explained “[at times], my footwork wasn’t right and I was not playing the game that I should be playing. I’m the one who should be going for the lines and being aggressive and stepping into the court. A couple of times I felt like I was in a backhand rally with her that she was dictating a lot of the points. That’s obviously not the right thing to do against somebody like her”.

At Indian Wells, due to a shoulder injury, Clijsters had problems with her serve and was forced to retire in her match against Marion Bartoli. Thus, MiamiTennisNews.com inquired as to the status of that shoulder. Clijsters replied: “I’m very relieved that it is getting better, because I was really worried there. . . It takes a lot of work and I have to focus a lot of my attention and my time on my shoulder. But, I know if I can do that, it will stay stable. That’s what I’m hoping for”.

Ana Ivanovic came through against veteran Virginie Razzano. Ivanovic progressed 2-6, 6-2, 3-0 as Razzano retired with a left thigh strain. For the first time in three years, Ivanovic is into the fourth round in Miami and will battle Clijsters for a quarterfinal berth.

In terms of that match-up, Clijsters expressed “I always root for her. . .It’s so nice to see that she’s doing well and that she’s happy and playing well. But, obviously tomorrow night I will just try and do what I do well and what I have done well against her in the past, and that’s . . . be really aggressive and go for the lines”.

Francesca Schiavone is also into the fourth round. Schiavone defeated Lourdes Dominguez Lino 6-4, 7-6. Agnieszka Radwanska will be Schiavone’s counterpart in the next round. Radwanska ousted Maria Kirilenko 7-6, 6-3.

Third seed, Vera Zvonareva beat Jarmila Groth in straight sets while Bartoli pounced Ekaterina Makarova 6-0, 6-2. This sets up a fourth round match between the two winners.

Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova downed Petra Kvitova in three sets. The Russian will face the winner of the Victoria Azarenka/ Dominika Cibulkova which takes place in the night session.

In the top half of the draw, world number one Wozniacki coasted into the round of 16.   Despite difficult challenges from Gisela Dulko and Dominika Cibulkova, the Dane has yet to drop a set.  Wozniacki will battle Latvian talent 20 year old Anastasija Sevastova  who stunned Yanina Wickmayer in the second round.

On the other hand, Henin, a finalist last year, was dismissed in the third round by Svetlana Kuznetsova.  The 2009 French Open champion who appears to be fitter than ever will face reigning French Open victor Francesca Schiavone in the fourth round.  The latter needed three sets in each of her first two rounds.

There will be no Williams hoisting the prize this year.  Venus was forced to retire one game into her third round match with Andrea Petkovic due to a pelvic muscle injury.  Consequently, Petkovic will clash with Maria Sharapova in the round of 16. Sharapova scraped by Julia Goerges in the previous round.  With Sharapova’s serve a continual sore spot, Petkovic has a golden opportunity to reach her first quarterfinal at a major.

Both Li Na and Victoria Azarenka have been unforgiving thus far with straight sets victories to get to the round of 16.  These two will now collide for a place in the quarterfinals.

In the bottom half of the draw, two big names are absent.  In the second round, Jelena Jankovic, the seventh seed, was ousted by Shuai Peng.  With a fourth round showing, this is Peng’s best performance at a major to date. The Chinese woman battles Agnieszka Radwanska next.  Radwanska overcame a tough first round tussle with Kimiko Date-Krumm.  For Radwanska and Peng, this will be a rematch of their 2010 U.S. Open second round where the latter was the winner.

The second player to make a shocking exit in that section was Samantha Stosur.  The Aussie who appeared unstoppable in her first two rounds was taken out by Petra Kvitova.  Kvitova will subsequently compete against Flavia Pennetta for a slot in the quarterfinals.

Despite being tested, world number two Vera Zvonareva remains in the hunt for her first major.  In the round of 16, Zvonareva will play veteran Iveta Benesova who downed teenager Anastasia Pavlyuchenckova in the prior round.

After serving a bagel to former world number one Dinara Safina, Clijsters sailed through her second round encounter.  In the third round, Clijsters overcame resistance from Alize Cornet, pulling out a two sets win despite 13 winners and 41 errors.  In the round of 16, Clijsters should be back in cruise control as she squares off against Ekaterina Makarova who terminated Ana Ivanovic’s Australian Open hopes in the first round.

In spite of the mentioned third round lull, Clijsters is the favorite.  Wozniacki is a certain contender and has a good chance of seizing the big prize.  Two other candidates to strongly consider as possible trophy holders are Kuznetsova and Azarenka.  The dispute for the quarterfinal spots start tonight.

Imagine needing to conquer Gisela Dulko in the first round, Dominika Cibulkova in the third round and either Justine Henin or Francesca Schiavone just to get to the quarterfinals.  This is the precise task which probably awaits Wozniacki.  Moreover, in the semifinals, the Dane could clash with either Venus, whom she has never beaten, Victoria Azarenka or Maria Sharapova.  In light of the treacherous road ahead, Wozniacki has her work cut out for her in trying to survive the first week and retain the number one ranking.

Since her 2010 Wimbledon injury, this will be Henin’s first major.  After months of noncompetitive play, Henin performed well at the Hopman Cup.  In Melbourne, a possible third round encounter with Svetlana Kuznetsova will be her first true challenge.  Last year, Henin battled her way to the final after an almost two year sabbatical. Consequently, if the Belgian successfully navigates the first week, she could duplicate her feat of a year ago.

If healthy, Venus should reach the round of 16 with ease.  At that stage, the 2003 Australian Open finalist could be tested, if the draw holds true to form, by the 2008 Australian Open champion, Sharapova. The Russian’s last major was in Melbourne.  Subsequent to shoulder surgery a couple of years ago, Sharapova appears finally at full steam.  That type of encounter could be a shot in the arm for Sharapova and push her back into the top ten.

2010 semifinalist Na Li is hoping to become the first Chinese person to advance to the final of a major.  In Sydney recently, Li defeated Clijsters to bank the title which is undoubtedly a confidence builder.  A third round match-up with Aravane Rezai, a round of 16 possible encounter with Victoria Azarenka may present some issues for Li.  The Chinese woman ousted Venus in the quarterfinals last season and could see the American or Sharapova in that round this year.  Having never battled Henin and with a slim edge in her head to head with Wozniacki, in a semifinal bout with either woman, Li could pull off the upset and become a surprising finalist.

In the bottom half of the draw, Vera Zvonareva, the world number two should sail smoothly into the round of 16.  At that point, Zvonareva will need to guard against fellow Russians Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova and Maria Kirilenko.  In the quarterfinals for Zvonareva, Aussie Samantha Stosur and 2010 Wimbledon semifinalist Petra Kvitova could be a challenge; especially the latter, who commenced 2011 with a title in Brisbane.

Considering her unforeseen dismissal by Nadia Petrova last year, Clijsters leaves room for doubt.  Still, Clijsters could get the opportunity to avenge that beat down in the round of 16.  Rather than Petrova, Ana Ivanovic would like to be the one to have a crack at stopping Clijsters in the fourth round.

In many respects, Clijsters seems to be holding all the cards.  With only one loss to Jelena Jankovic in eight meetings and a recent win over Alisa Kleybanova in Sydney, it’s tough to conjure up a case against Clijsters not reaching the semifinals.  Moreover, in the U.S. Open final, Clijsters trashed Zvonareva and against Stosur, the Belgian hold a 5-0 record. As such, in a semifinal versus either woman, Clijsters will have the edge.  As a result, if Clijsters stays focused the entire two weeks, she will win her first non U.S. Open major.

With Serena Williams out of the running, one established truism at this year’s U.S. Open was that the list of potential champions had expanded.  Yet, Caroline Wozniacki’s form the first three rounds is giving many room for pause as she is invariably validating her top billing.  With the initial week of competition concluded, here’s a recapitulation of the event thus far and a peak at what’s ahead.

Wozniacki has permitted her opponents only three games on her way to booking her spot into the round of 16.  Although Maria Sharapova needed three sets in the first round against Jarmila Groth, since then she has also been stingy. Sharapova allowed Beatrice Capra, the 18 year old American who upended 18th seed Aravane Rezai, just one game in their third round match.  As a result, the much anticipated  fourth round match between Sharapova and Wozniacki will take place on Monday.

After scraping by to reach the third round, Jelena Jankovic, the 4th seed, had her progress halted by Kaia Kanepi, the 31st seed.  Therefore, for Jankovic, the disappointment at the majors go on.  Kanepi will face Yanina Wickmayer, the 15th seed and 2009 U.S. Open semifinalist, in the round of 16.

Vera Zvonareva, the 7th seed, has been keeping a low profile while calmly taking care of business.  Without dropping a set, Zvonareva is now in the fourth round where she will battle Andrea Petkovic.  Zvonareva is clearly the favorite in that clash and with Jankovic ousted, she has a great chance to earn a berth in the semifinals.

Na Li, the 8th seed, and Agnieszka Radwanska, the 9th seed, were booted in the first and second round respectively.  With Li sent packing, Dominika Cibulkova was the beneficiary.  Cibulkova is alive for the first time in the fourth round at the U.S. Open and will face Svetlana Kuznetsova.  Since falling under the tutelage of Amelie Mauresmo’s former coach, Kuznetsova has rediscovered the road to success.  Kuznetsova should have no trouble punching her ticket to the quarterfinals for a date with either Sharapova or Wozniacki.

In the bottom half of the draw, Melanie Oudin, last year’s American darling, was bounced in the second round.  Franscesca Schiavone, the 6th seed  and reigning French Open champion, has finally found her game on hardcourt.  The Italian heads to the round of 16 having yet to surrender a set.  Schiavone’s next obstacle will be 19 year old Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova.  The Russian’s third round showdown with one of the favorites for the title Victoria Azarenka never came to fruition.  In her second round match, Azarenka collapsed and was forced to retire.  Initially, the problem was ascribed to the scorching temperatures.  Later on, the news was released that Azarenka had suffered a mild concussion prior to taking the court which was the culprit for her abrupt egress.  With Pavlyuchenkova dominant on hardcourt this season, it will be fascinating to see whether teenage fearlessness or experience wins out.

Sam Stosur, the French Open finalist and 5th seed, seems to have regained the shape which led to her spectacular run in Paris.  In the fourth round, Stosur will duke it out with Elena Dementieva who is always a tough competitor.  The two last met a year ago and Dementieva has a 4-1 advantage in their head to head. Without question, this will be an intriguing contest.

Although Venus Williams has prevailed in straight sets, considering the caliber of her three opponents, there’s room for improvement.  Venus’ subsequent test will be Shahar Peer.  With the knee still an issue, despite a 5-0 record against Peer, Williams will have to bring her A game if she plans to move on to the next stage.  As a 2007 quarterfinalist at this venue, Peer knows what success tastes like and an injured Williams presents a great opening.

Ana Ivanovic is going through a revival this summer and her fortunes have extended to this tournament. Ivanovic has equaled her best results in New York which was a fourth round placement in 2007.  Ivanovic will clash with Kim Clijsters in the round of 16.  Although Clijsters has carried her encounters in two sets, she has shown moments of vulnerability.  These two had a semifinal encounter in Cincinnati cut short by Ivanovic’s foot injury.  Thus, for Ivanovic, this will be a veritable measure of where her game is while for Clijsters a chance to further distinguish herself from her peers in her section.

In the top half of the draw, with Wozniacki and Sharapova unmerciful towards their rivals, one has to think that whoever wins that encounter will be the finalist.  In the bottom section, as a two time and defending champion, Clijsters has a slender edge as a top choice.  However, with Stosur’s and Schiavone’s results at the French Open and the fact they are playing well, they cannot be overlooked.  Moreover, Venus as a holder of seven majors once into the second week raises her level.  In her sister’s absence, there’s additional pressure for Venus to be flag bearer for the Williams clan, the snag could be her knee.  Still, the surprise semifinalist out of that region could be Pavlyuchenkova.  The teenager is sizzling on hardcourt this year and has beaten Venus twice in her budding career.  Therefore, a Clijsters-Pavlyuchenkova semifinal is a concrete possibility.

With the biggest title of her career at the Rogers Cup earlier this week, Wozniacki heads into New York with a wealth of confidence.  But, being the top seed at a major is an unfamiliar status for the Dane, how she handles the pressure will be key.  Wozniacki may need every ounce of mental fortitude to get through the round of 16 where 2007 U.S. Open winner Sharapova will be her likely adversary.  In Cincinnati, Sharapova suffered a foot injury.  If Sharapova is at full capacity, Wozniacki could find her claim to her first major postponed another year.

After a difficult few months whereby her ranking dropped outside the top 10, Kuznetsova’s game appears to be clicking again as evidenced by a recent title in San Diego.  As a potential quarterfinal opponent for Sharapova or Wozniacki, the 2004 U.S. Open champion is someone to keep an eye on in the top half of the draw.

The same applies for 2010 Australian Open semifinalist Na Li who will be searching to go one step further at the U.S. Open.  For that to happen, Li may have to knock out Kuznetsova in the round of 16 and stop either Sharapova or Wozniacki in the quarterfinals.  Also, Maria Kirilenko and Aravane Rezai are two dangerous competitors who may prevent any of these players from advancing to the quarterfinals.

In the bottom part of the top half of the draw, if the script follows the seeding, Vera Zvonareva and Jankovic will face off in the quarterfinals.  Lately though, Jankovic has been plagued by a myriad of injuries resulting in her downfall in the early rounds at the warm-up events.  Thus, the Serbian could be ousted in the primary stages by 2009 U.S. Open semifinalist Yanina Wickmayer or 2010 Wimbledon quarterfinalist Kaia Kanepi.

Being a Wimbledon finalist in Zvonareva’s case could be a blessing or a curse.  In light of that experience, the Russian should have the belief to foil any potential upset in the round of 16 by rivals such as Nadia Petrova or Agnieszka Radwanska. Conversely, Zvonareva’s desire to erase that disappointment could lead to additional pressure and open the door for her counterparts.

If the results of the recent tournaments are any indication, it will be a Wozniacki versus Zvonareva semifinal or an all Russian affair, Zvonareva versus Sharapova.  Since Wozniacki defeated Zvonareva in Montreal, the Dane would have the edge.  If it comes down to a test of wills between Sharapova and Zvonareva, the former would have the upper hand.

The outcome of the bottom half of the draw hinges on the health of Clijsters’ hip.  With her come from behind victory in the Cincinnati final, Clijsters demonstrated she was ready to capture consecutive U.S. Open titles.  But since Montreal, Clijsters’ dream is in doubt because of the hip issue.  If Clijsters hip is at 100%, she should sail into the quarterfinals.

Sam Stosur, the fifth seed, is a possible quarterfinal match-up for Clijsters.  Yet, the French Open finalist’s results have been poor the last few months.  Therefore, with Alisa Kleybanova, Elena Vesnina or Dementieva as potential challengers in the beginning rounds, Stosur may be sent packing sooner than later.  If she makes it through, Dementieva is equipped with the game which can trouble Clijsters in the quarterfinals.

French Open champion Francesca Schiavone, the sixth seed, has had a tough time translating her clay success to the hardcourt.  On the other hand, with a semifinal showing at the Rogers Cup and the Stanford title under her belt, Azarenka is peaking at the right moment.  Thus, in a round of 16 meeting between these two, Azarenka would be the favorite.  Still, Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova is another name to ponder in that section since the Russian has the best record on hardcourt to date.  A projected third round rival for Azarenka, Pavlyuchenkova has put in the work which could get her to the quarterfinals or beyond.

Venus, the third seed, has not seen any action since July because of a knee injury.  Despite excelling on hardcourt earlier this year, Venus’ lack of play recently will be a factor.  In the third round, Venus could collide with Tsvetana Pironkova who defeated her in the quarterfinals at Wimbledon while Shahar Peer or Flavia Pennetta loom in the round of 16.   As a result, the prospect of Venus ending her nine year title drought at the U.S. Open does seem bleak.  In fact, Clijsters or Dementieva moving on to the semifinals against either Azarenka or Pavlyuchenkova rather than a Clijsters-Venus semifinal appears a better deduction on that side of the draw.

In conclusion, a back to back Wozniacki versus Clijsters final is not out of the question.  However, Sharapova, Azarenka and Dementieva also seem to have one hand on the trophy.  Consequently, it’s safe to surmise that within this lot lies the ultimate proprietor.  Although, it’s difficult to picture exactly who it may be at this point.

Although Clijsters had a slim edge over Sharapova in their head to head at 4-3, the latter had prevailed at their ultimate three meetings.  However, a lot had taken place since the 2007 Australian Open semifinal, the last time Clijsters and Sharapova clashed.  For Clijsters, the wanting of a family and marriage pushed her away from competition for almost two years.  Yet, in the summer of 2009, Clijsters marked her returned on tour in grand style with the title at the U.S. Open.  Sharapova had a near 10 month absence from the game due to shoulder surgery.  Since getting back in May 2009, Sharapova’s serve, one of the principle components which propelled her to three major titles, has been unpredictable.

Strangely enough, it was Clijsters’ serve which was her Achilles heel from the outset.  After being ahead 40-15 in the first game, Clijsters double faulted to give Sharapova break point.  Despite recovering and salvaging a 0-40 game subsequently, Clijsters could not find any answers to an attacking and aggressive Sharapova.  After fighting off two break points to arrive at 2 all, from 15-40, Sharapova aided by miscues from Clijsters got to deuce.  Then, when Clijsters’ backhand crosscourt sailed long, Sharapova had her fifth break point.  The Russian banked the break when Clijsters committed her fourth double fault.  After consolidating for 4-2, Sharapova’s provoked three consecutive backhand mistakes from Clijsters to obtain a second break.  Next, with a love game, Sharapova closed out the set.

Clijsters opened the second set with a love hold.  Once Sharapova netted a backhand, Clijsters had break point.  With a backhand return winner, Clijsters capitalized for a 2-0 lead.  But, with two errors and a double fault, Clijsters faced triple break point.  With another Clijsters’ backhand going out of play, Sharapova was back on serve.  Later, on a deep return by Sharapova, Clijsters dumped her next stroke into the net handing Sharapova double break point. As a result of Clijsters’ forehand up the line landing wide, Sharapova captured the break for 4-3 and went on to consolidate for 5-3.   By unleashing on a forehand return, Sharapova struck a winner for match point.  With Sharapova sending a forehand crosscourt long, Clijsters got to deuce.  Two more championship points followed for Sharapova with Clijsters successfully salvaging both.  On the game’s fourth deuce, the rain intensified causing play to be stopped.

When the women took the court after the weather interruption, a new Clijsters quickly guarded serve for 4-5.  With Sharapova serving for the title, Clijsters coaxed the Russian into two backhand errors to earn double break point.  Thanks to a couple of big second serves, Sharapova brushed those aside for deuce.  However, another backhand miscue by Sharapova led to break point for Clijsters.  As a result of a double fault, Clijsters leveled the set at 5 all.   The second set was decided by a tiebreaker.

By double faulting on the initial point, Clijsters gifted Sharapova a mini-break.  The Russian went on to take a 3-0 lead.  Because of mistakes by Sharapova including a double fault, Clijsters seized the next five points.  After Sharapova erased the mini-break advantage, she double faulted to give Clijsters a 6-4 edge.  As Sharapova misfired with the backhand crosscourt on set point, Clijsters was back in contention.

Following a comfortable hold by both players, a double fault and two more backhand flubs gave Clijsters triple break point.  The Belgian pocketed the break for 2-1 when Sharapova double faulted.  At this point, Sharapova summoned the trainer.  Unbeknownst, in the second game, Sharapova misstepped and sustained a foot injury.  After Clijsters consolidated, Sharapova had difficulty serving and stared at triple break point.  With a backhand winner, Clijsters bagged the break and with a love game stretched her lead to 5-1.  Sharapova continued to battle after maintaining serve, effacing triple match point and fabricating a break point.  But, limited by injury, Sharapova could not do much.  On her fifth championship point, Clijsters watched Sharapova’s stroke travel long and claimed her 38th career title.

In spite of the disappointing ending, for Sharapova, as the U.S. Open nears, the hope is that her foot issue is only minor because she is once again a threat.  Sharapova’s ranking will improve from 15 to 12.  Cincinnati is Clijsters’ third title of the year and her second premier trophy of 2010, the maiden one was at the Sony Ericsson Open.  On Monday, Clijsters’ ranking will go from number 7 back into the top four.

Since claiming the French Open championship in 2008, Ana Ivanovic has made a mad dash toward the bottom of the sport.  From a ceiling at number one two years ago, Ivanovic’s ranking has been heading in the direction of the cellar this year.  Entering this tournament, Ivanovic was the world number 62.  However, things appeared on the upswing for the Serbian.

Just a couple of games from defeat in the first round, Ivanovic rebounded to steal the match from 9th seed and 2010 Stanford champion Victoria Azarenka.  That victory was followed by straight set wins over Yaroslava Shvedova in the second round, Elena Vesnina in the third round and Akgul Amanmuradova in the quarterfinals.  But, in the semifinals, Ivanovic suffered another setback.  Simply three games into the match against Clijsters, Ivanovic experienced pain in her left foot.  After being attended by the trainer, Ivanovic proceeded back on court.  One point later, unable to move, Ivanovic threw in the towel.

Ivanovic’s countrywoman and defending champion, Jelena Jankovic was ousted by qualifier Amanmuradova in the third round. Jankovic, the top seed, was not the only surprise departure in that round.  Caroline Wozniacki, the second seed, also went out.  Reigning French Open champion and fifth seed Francesca Schiavone was sent packing in the second round by Vesnina.

Along with Sharapova, Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova  was another Russian who made headlines in Cincinnati this week.  Pavlyuchenkova, the world number 25, quickly adjusted back to the hardcourt after her clay court title in Istanbul two weeks ago bouncing Daniela Hantuchova in the first round and dispatching third seed Elena Demetieva in the second.  Then, the teenager fought off 13th seed Shahar Peer and 12th seed Yanina Wickmayer in the third round and quarterfinals respectively before being edged out by Sharapova.  With 28 wins and her first WTA career title in Monterrey,  Pavlyuchenkova leads the tour in hardcourt victories.  At the upcoming U.S. Open, Pavlyuchenkova will undoubtedly be a headache for her peers.

Neither Serena nor Venus Williams participated at this event.  Moreover, these two will be absent next week in Montreal.  Serena is still recuperating from foot surgery while Venus is nursing a right knee problem.  As the women sharpen their game on route to New York, one wonders how much of a factor the Williams sisters will be following a two month break.

The sun has set on a the first week at the French Open.  As usual there were upsets, many of them expected.  However, Serena Williams and Justine Henin, two pre-tournament  favorites, have not disappointed.  As such, the much touted quarterfinal encounter between these rivals is one round away.  Here is a synopsis of the main developments of the initial days.

A bunch of big names took a tumble in the bottom section of the draw.  Leading the pack was Svetlana Kuznetsova, the defending champion.  After a miserable tune-up, Kuznetsova looked every bit the champion in the first round.  Moreover, with her back against the wall in the second round, Kuznetsova salvaged four match points against Andrea Petkovic to advance.  But, by the third round, Kuznetsova had utilized all her life lines.  She was taken down in three sets by Maria Kirilenko.

Victoria Azarenka, the 9th seed, has had a tough year.  The 2009 Sony Ericsson champ was schooled by Gisela Dulko, exiting in the first round.  But, in the next round, Dulko was herself stunned by South African qualifier Channelle Scheepers.  Scheepers reached the fourth round where she was stopped by Elena Dementieva.  Another surprise was Maria Jose Martinez Sanchez, the winner in Rome, also going out in the first round.

As the newly re-minted number two and a finalist in Madrid, expectations were high that Venus Williams would at least make the semifinals.  In the first three rounds, Venus forged a statement not only with her attire, but with her play by bouncing her adversaries in straight sets.  Yet, in the round of 16, Venus’ game went through a transformation.  Although this was their first meeting on clay, Venus had a  4-0 record against Nadia Petrova.  Still, Petrova, a 2005 semifinalist, pulled off a straight sets victory.  As such, for the fourth consecutive year, Venus was booted prior to the quarterfinals.

A combination of rain and obscurity resulted in a few matches being played over two days. When Aravane Rezai and Petrova resumed their third round with the third set leveled at 7, the French crowd was disenchanted as Petrova walked away with the win.  Later that day, France’s last hope, Marion Bartoli, in the top half of the draw, was eliminated in the fourth round by Shahar Peer.

After fighting through Aleksandra Wozniak in the third round and an easy fourth round win, 2004 finalist Dementieva is unquestionably a contender for the finals.  Caroline Wozniacki, the third seed, is another.  Following two uncomplicated rounds, Wozniacki was severely tested by Alexandra Dulgheru and still captured her third match in straight sets. Then, in the round of 16, warrior Wozniacki bested Flavia Pennetta in a three hour duel to move on to her first quarterfinal in Paris.  Bothered by an ankle injury, as Wozniacki faces scrappy Fransceca Schiavone, who booted Kirilenko, she may need to duplicated her last performance

Turning to the top half of the draw, Serena cruised through her first and second round.  In the third round, a bout of dizziness almost derailed the world number one.  However, Serena stuck with it and defeated Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova.  In the fourth round, Serena battles Peer.  If Serena carries the match, she will meet either Samantha Stosur, a 2009 semifinalist, or Henin.

Although Henin has won her first two encounters in two sets, they were not calisthenics.  Despite staring down Maria Sharapova in the third round, for Henin, there is obvious room for improvement.  Therefore, Stosur who lost to Henin in Stuttgart recently may prove a hard kill.

Dinara Safina, a finalist the last two years, was halted in the first round by Kimiko Date-Krumm.  The 39 year old overcame injury and a colossal third set deficit to steal the victory from the former world number one.  By the next round, Date-Krumm’s tank was empty; she was given her pink slip by Jarmila Groth.  Groth continued to build on her success, she is in the round of 16 for the first time at a  major.  Groth will take on another newcomer to that stage Yaroslva Shvedova.  Subsequent to Aleysa Kleybanova thumping Ana Ivanovic in the second round, Shvedova surprised her in the third round. The prior round, 22 year old  Shvedova terminated Agnieszka Radwanska, the 8th seed.  As a result, either Groth or Shvedova will make her first quarterfinal appearance at a major against either Jelena Jankovic or Daniela Hantuchova.

Following a commanding first round match, Jankovic’s second and the third rounds required a lot more effort.  In the fourth round, Jankovic collides with Hantuchova who has yet to surrender a set.  Although their head to head is knotted at 3 apiece, Hantuchova captured both meetings this year and on clay.  Thus, if Hantuchova is mentally firm, she may disillusion her rival and reach her first French Open quarterfinal.

Five of the top ten women have survived through to the second week.  Of these, Serena is still the one with the greatest chance of seizing the trophy.  Regardless, Henin, the four time champion, may have a part to play in that outcome.  If these two progress to a quarterfinal meeting, Henin has the odds skewed in favor.  No disrespect meant to the rest of the field, but, such a match will decide the eventual owner of the trophy.