[bebeacc]

The (seemingly) more competitve of the two scheduled semi finals for the ladies tomorrow.

Venus Williams. 4 Time Wimbledon champion. Written off so many times, by so many. Even just a couple of weeks ago, with an early dismissal at the French. Just seems like it gave her a little more time to prep for her single favorite event of the year. Hasn't dropped a set yet, through 5 matches.

Elena Dementieva. Another player who, just when it seems the luster was beginning to come off, has made 2008 a reminder of all that is good about her game. Since a 4th round dismissal at the AO at the beginning of the year, her tournament record is Semi - Title- Quarter - Semi - Final - Final - Quarter - Semi. Not bad for an 8 tounament run, that ha encompassed three different surfaces (four, if you split the difference between red and green clay). And you have to wonder, after the huge 3rd set comeback over Nadia, if Elena may have finally vanquished some demons, and is hungry enough for that 1st Slam title.

Career H2H - 5-2, dating back to 1999! Both of Lena's wins have been 3 setters, that went to tiebreaks in the third set. 4 of Vee's 5 wins were 2 setters, where she pretty much had her way with Elena. They have never played on grass before

[bWxNFI3c]

Venus rolls, as does her sister.
They meet saturday, and I think Vee takes her 5th

[Roorseprate]

Ok, so I'll start by saying that it was me who chose Elena in three (just in case this thread closes with no one else picking her and someone asks later).
Why? Well, reason number 1 is obvious, she's my favorite... but apart from that, I think that the scenario is not that far-fetched: she managed to put herself together in that QF match, her season has been great in every surface and she may be willing to prove that RG 08 was not her last chance at a Slam, as many have said. Plus, what were the odds of Marion beating JH last year? and the Maid had much less arguments on her side... I'm thinking that a scenario where Elena comes on court thinking that she has nothing to lose and much to win and Venus is just a little off is not impossible, so I'm hoping for an upset.

[Riprincattiva]

I love both of them, but the only way Elena wins is if Venus has a serious injury.

[Zpxbawtz]

It's difficult to imagine how Elena could beat Venus on grass...

But if she somehow does I will have her as my avatar for a month

[Roorseprate]

But if she somehow does I will have her as my avatar for a month

I'll hold you to that, and I'll send you ten pictures, so that you can use a different one every three days...

[maxuilg]

I give this...to Venus in three because...


Following history, h2h and tradition, Venus will take the first set easy. Then, her game will go to he** and she will give a big opening to Demetieva who, will jump in and take the second.

Then, once again, following history and tradition, Elena will have a chance to take the third, choke in a major way and Venus will dig deep and dig herself out of the hole she dug to win the Semi's and Elena will be singing....

Oooops! I did it again!

Venus in three!

[EntectCelpelm]

The (seemingly) more competitve of the two scheduled semi finals for the ladies tomorrow.

I actually think Zheng has a better shot at the final.

I picked Venus in three. I think she drops a sloppy set and wins the third easily, 6-1 or 6-2.

[bomondus]

I actually think Zheng has a better shot at the final.

I picked Venus in three. I think she drops a sloppy set and wins the third easily, 6-1 or 6-2.

You have word of a secret Serena injury?

[ultimda horaf]

I'm taking a vacation day to watch me some Venus, so she had better effing win.

[EntectCelpelm]

You have word of a secret Serena injury?

Nah. I think Zheng will be less terrified and Serena has a higher chance of losing concentration. I'm certainly not going to pick Zheng to win.

Actually, I think I would pick Serena in straights, but I still think Zheng has a better shot then Dementieva. I guess I'm thinking Serena will win something like 6-3 7-6(7) and Venus will win something like 6-3 3-6 6-1.

I don't think Serena will drop a set, but doing so would have a better chance at derailing her. I'm still picking an all Williams final.

[EntectCelpelm]

You have word of a secret Serena injury?

Alternate response: no, I don't think she's going to lose. If she wasn't such a big favorite, I'm sure there would be all kinds of secret medical emergencies that should could only talk about if she lost. (Sorry, fans!)

[downtowndude]

Elena if and only IF she gets Venus serve back deep into her forehand.
And it won't happen.
Elena can rally with her, but with that serve, Venus will get too many free points.

[huylibizonoff]

Not to mention.....and I love Elena and all.....but, if all else fails, Venus ain't the one who's gonna be chokin'......

[bebeacc]

Not to mention.....and I love Elena and all.....but, if all else fails, Venus ain't the one who's gonna be chokin'......

If Vee does, I hope someone tells her that "oops I did it again" has allready been taken. Twice.

[seodiary]

Venus in straight sets. Maybe a break for Elena, but more from Venus.

[Falik]

Not to mention.....and I love Elena and all.....but, if all else fails, Venus ain't the one who's gonna be chokin'......

I agree with this. Even if Dementieva plays great and is in position to win, I just can't see her finishing it off against Venus

[bomondus]

I think, in general, both of them are very capable of choking. Venus just happens to be a much better grass player and have a 5-2 record and 4 Wimbledon titles, which should get her to de-choke if need arises.

[huylibizonoff]

I think, in general, both of them are very capable of choking. Venus just happens to be a much better grass player and have a 5-2 record and 4 Wimbledon titles, which should get her to de-choke if need arises.

EVERY player has choked at times in their careers. And, again, I repeat- I love Elena.

But- REALLY now. In addition to the 4 Wimbledon titles, I also think that Venus' 2 Open titles, Olympic gold medals and doubles/mixed Slam titles also will be some comfort to her during the inevitable Venus shaky-second-serve-and-forehand moments. Venus ain't never been in the neighborhood of the Elena Chokes. Although, to be fair, Elena can be VERY dangerous in the Semis of Slams, as opposed to finals. But, still- this thread is as intriguing as the Nadal/Murray thread....Elena will choke if she even gets a whiff of a win. Which ain't likely. (Saw some of V and Seren'a doubles win today BTW- which cast aside any doubts I had about Venus' potential injury status. Which would have to be Elena's greatest chance- if V were not at 100% (or at least 80%) of her physical best.

[viagraman]

I think Elena's chances are much better than Murray's were yesterday.
Saw Venus against Tanasugarn and I was not very impressed.
Elena can play as well as Tanasugarn in the rallies, but she returns serves a lot better than Tamarine. And she will also hit return winners of Venus' 2nd serves.
If Venus doesn't play better than she did on Tuesday, then she could easily be in trouble.
Lot will depend how Elena holds serve to hold on to the breaks she WILL get...

I don't think she will choke as badly as in the match against Petrova.
Dementieva doesn't like to be the favorite in a high stakes match, she usually plays better in the underdog role.. as she will be today..

If Dementieva is to win this match, then it will probably be in 2 sets. If it goes 3 sets then Venus having been in the finals so many times will become a major advantage.
So I have voted Elena in 2...