Kuznetsova vs Jankovic

WTA, FED Cup, semi-final, Russia - Serbia (1-1 current score)

 

Surface - Clay court

 

Svetlana Kuznetsova (RUS) - Jelena Jankovic (SER)

 

(22) ranking (15)

 

(5) previous meetings (5)

 

This is probably my the most risky bet for today, but still I believe this match could end with more than 21 total games played. After yesterday's matches played, I can say that I was very impressed by tennis from Svetlana Kuznetsova. On the other hand Jelena Jankovic won in straight sets against Pavlyuchenkova but still we couldn't see too much good from Serbian player. Obviously that Jankovic is still in crisis and recent SF in Copenhagen was more consequence of weak competition there. Still, she could be better today against Kuznetsova. Jankovic knows very well this oponent. After all there were even 10 head to head so far with five wins each. Also I doubt that Russian player can repeat such good performance from yesterday since she also for long time is not top player. Sometimes in the past she was one of world best, but at this point Kuznetsova is even out of top 20. Her problem is consistency. Even yesterday when she has played great match against Ana Ivanovic, Kuznetsova had some empty minutes in second set what Ivanovic used and won it easily 6-2.

 

Also important for today could be fact that Serbia almost for sure before this match will have 2-1 lead so, it will be big pressure on Kuznetsova in this must win match for Russian team. Jankovic should use this fact and with the experience that she has I expect to Serbian player stay close in this match.