The form players at the US Open
there was nothing she could do to stop Serena at Wimbledon – Serena was just outplaying her. But I believe she has a big chance against Venus. Venus has looked slightly vulnerable as the tournament has progressed and although she won easily over Seles in the quarter finals, it remains to be seen whether Mauresmo’s variety of shot, athleticism and speed will force Venus into making more mistakes.
SEMI FINAL PREDICTIONS
SERENA WILLIAMS versus LINDSAY DAVENPORT
They both hit hard from the forehand and backhand, they both penetrate with power from the baseline and can hit accurately down the line, cross court, acutely angled or deep. Both serve with variety, excellent placement, good power and have perhaps the best second serves in the game.
So what separates them?
If we go by previous head-to-head results, then a lot! Serena has dominated this rivalry from the outset and it is a clear fact that Serena is Lindsay's jinx player on the tour. As hard as Lindsay hits, she just doesn't have the athleticism nor the foot speed to match it with Serena who is just phenomenal in this department.
It is hard for Lindsay to get the first strike against Serena who serves impeccably on the first and second serve and who dominates on the groundstrokes. Even when Lindsay does, Serena gets to the shot and can turn defence into attack, exposing Lindsay's lack of foot speed.
This fact has weighed on Lindsay's mind and forces her to go for too much. With forcing comes the errors. Given the fact that they've played nine times in the past and Serena has won seven, it does not bode well for Lindsay's confidence and her self-belief, especially during the tight moments of the match.
Lindsay has the tools to beat Serena if she serves well, keeps a high percentage of first serves coming and is on top of the return. But more importantly she needs to have the mentality that she can do so. That remains to be seen.
I say S. WILLIAMS defeats DAVENPORT 6-2 7-5.
VENUS WILLIAMS versus AMELIE MAURESMO
I am impressed with the way Mauresmo has fought through some very tough matches which she could have just as easily lost. She won 4-6 6-3 7-5 over Kim Clijsters and 4-6 7-6 6-3 over Capriati. It signals to me that she is ready to take her game to the higher echelons.
I'm equally impressed with Williams's
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