French Open Women's Quarter-final Preview

With the exit of her vanquisher in last year's final, Dinara Safina now stands as the firm favourite to win her first Grand slam. However, the experience of Serena Williams, Svetlana Kuznetsova and possibly even Maria Sharapova may still have a say.

Dinara Safina vs. Victoria Azarenka

The joke going around is that once Dinara is on court at the French Open, the players scheduled next are already in the waiting area after half an hour. Such has been the sheer dominance of World No.1, that she is the overwhelming favourite to win. Yet to lose more than 5 games in the tournament, simply no words can do justice to describe her game now.

What is certain though, is that Victoria Azarenka will probably win 5 games against Safina by herself. The Belorussian youngster is the rising star of Women's tennis, and her consistency in the first half of the season would suggest that her beating of the champion in the last round was hardly an upset. An intelligent mind coupled with the ability to string winners consistently makes Azarenka a treat to watch. Its just unfortunate that she is in Safina's half of the draw.

Prediction: Azarenka's time will come very soon at a Grand Slam. However, the current moment belongs to Dinara Safina. It won't be done in 50 minutes, but Safina will win in straight sets.

Dominika Cibulkova vs. Maria Sharapova

One player has confounded expectations by reaching this stage in a Grand Slam for the first time. The other has confounded expectations by reaching this stage in a Grand Slam despite being out of the game for more than a year.

For both, this tournament is already a huge success. Tactics are almost irrelevant in this match. It is the mental aspect, where this game is going to be won. Expect Cibulkova to be a bundle of nerves. Despite going the distance in all her matches so far, Sharapova should have the experience to pull through.

Prediction: Cibulkova seems to be another rising star in the WTA. Yet Maria Sharapova seems to have the mental tenacity and will power to win these matches, along with the momentum. It won't be a classic, but Sharapova to win in 3 again.

Sorana Cirstea vs. Samantha Stosur

Yet another match-up between two players who have done remarkably well just to get to this stage in the tournament. In beating Jelena Jankovic and Elena Dementieva, Cirstea and Stosur respectively have shown that they aren't afraid to play in the big games.

It seems only natural that there will be lots more seen from the Romanian teenager in the future. For the veteran Stosur, this is a phenomenal effort after years of success on the doubles circuit.

Prediction: Cirstea certainly seems to have the better all-round game. However, Stosur has the experience, and fatigue might also be a factor against Cirstea after her marathon against Jankovic. A calm Strosur to win in two tight sets.

Serena Williams vs. Svetlana Kuznetsova

While Dinara Safina has been gathering all the plaudits, Serena Williams has been doing her job quietly and effectively. While she struggled a bit in the early rounds, Serena's demolition of Alexandria Wozniak was an ominous sign for her opponents. Yet one can't help but feel Serena is most vulnerable on clay than on any other surface.

Despite a tricky encounter against Radwanska in the round of 16, Svetlana Kuznetsova has probably played the best tennis on the women's side after Safina. Kuznetsova's forehand remains as formidable as ever, and the ease with which she has moved forward to finish points has been excellent. For Kuznetsova, it really is a matter of holding nerves against Serena.

Prediction: Serena has played just well enough to reach the quarters. There is no doubt that she has to raise the level of her game for this match. However, even that may not be enough, against an opponent who is certainly better on clay. Kuznetsova to win in 2 extremely close sets.