Predicted Winners in BOLD

2 Maria Sharapova vs. 18 Jelena Jankovic

Hopefully my picks are better than they were for the other quarterfinal matches.  The defending champion faces a tricky veteren in Jankovic.  If Jelena can make Maria move and make footing and footwork an issue, an upset if quite possible.  Jankovic’s problem is that her serve is not strong enough to make a few shaky serve games from Sharapova matter too much.  I think Sharapova wins in straight sets with one set being close.

3 Victoria Azarenka vs. 12 Maria Kirilenko

Vika is the only player on tour who could win a calendar year slam, but is flying under the radar due to Serena’s dominant form and her own questionable history on clay.  I think Kirilenko will win a set in this match, but Azarenka is likely to overcome some surface aversion and advance.  Azarenka setting up a match with Sharapova would be akin to a ladder match determining who is number two on a tennis team.