Australian Open 2009 Fearless Forecast - Women's Draw

The first week of the Australian Open is almost over and by tomorrow, the tournament should be on its fourth round already. I have seen most of the top players already and the shape they are in and I'm making here some fearless forecasts for this year's first Grand Slam. I'll begin with the women first.

Upper Draw Semi's: Jankovic (SRB) vs. Safina (RUS)

Jelena has not really been tested yet but should face two tough matches before she gets her semi slots, Bartoli whom she plays next should make her run around more, and let's see how she tries to get over Zvonareva, who is in renaissance mode right now, after being runner-up to Venus at last year's year-end championships.

Safina should get her semi slot much easier as she should battle past the talented newcomer, Cornet and a probable QF encounter with the resurgent Dokic.

Lower Draw Semi's: Dementieva (RUS) vs. Williams, Serena (USA)

Elena, who comes here with two titles already, should be able to go past Cibulkova and Venus-slayer, Suarez Navarro. I haven't seen her play yet, so I hope she's not too tired after all those tournaments before this. She has not been pushed too either so, she has definitely reserved some strength for the second week. Serena, although looking heavy and sluggish, is not always easy to put down, especially here in the Aussie Open, as she has won every other year since 2003, if I'm not mistaken. If she gets past Azarenka, another talented newcomer, Kuznetsova should be easier to defeat.

Prediction to Meet in the Final: Safina (RUS) vs. Dementieva (RUS)

It should be an all-Russian final and even at that, it's a tough call to say who will win. Safina should already have sufficient prowess and mental toughness to get over Jankovic, who, although, number one, does not have the power game. I think Dinara should be able to overcome Jankovic's tenacity this time as they have played each other several times last year. Dementieva is due for another Grand Slam finals appearance and should be able to get over Serena again this time, as she did a week ago in an earlier tournament.

Both these ladies are overdue for a slam already and I would be very happy to see any one of them get the crown this year. Even for Jankovic! She just defends so well, it would be probably the first time I'd see a woman's player who defends so well, to win a slam. Most slam champions are attackers by nature, and Jelena does not really fit that bill to a T.