Aug 2, 2012; London, United Kingdom; Serena Williams (USA) reacts to defeating Caroline Wozniacki (DEN) in the women's singles quarterfinals during the London 2012 Olympic Games at Wimbledon. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kryger-USA TODAY Sports
With just three days remaining in the Olympic tennis event, just three men and three women will walk away from the tournament in singles with medals. Serena Williams would certainly like to be one of those ladies, but Victoria Azarenka-and the expectations of Belarussia-are in her way.
See a full lineup of American matches for the day, plus other clashes to watch for around the grounds on day seven.
[1] Victoria Azarenka (BLR) vs. [4] Serena WIlliams (USA), second match, Centre Court
Serena is a step closer to winning her first-ever medal in singles though world No. 1 Victoria Azarenka stands in her way. Just a month ago Williams beat Azarenka in the semifinals of Wimbledon and did the same at the U.S. Open last summer, giving the American the mental edge in confidence coming in. Judging by the way they've played here so far (Vika has struggled at times, Serena has been on fire), the American should have more belief that this is her match to win. But if Vika can contain Serena's serve a bit and hit through the court with her flat strokes, she has a fighting chance.
[1] Bob Bryan and Mike Bryan (USA) vs. Julien Benneteau/Richard Gasquet (FRA), first match, Court 2
The Bryans are the most prominent doubles team left in the draw, though that doesn't mean they can relax with two matches to go. Benneteau and Gasquet present a mix of power and craft on the doubles court, the Frenchmen having beaten two seeded teams in straight sets to get to the semifinals. Focus will continue to be a factor for the brothers, who have had lapses in their first three matches, though they've gone 5-1 in six breakers, where they've proved their doubles worth against pairs that aren't as familiar with one another.
[1] Liezel Huber/Lisa Raymond (USA) vs. [4] Lucie Hradecka/Andrea Hlavackova (CZE), first match, Court 1
Hradecka and Hlavackova are a force to be reckoned with for the No. 1 U.S. team, both possessing weapons off the ground and at the net. They Czech girls hit the ball hard, meaning Huber/Raymond must use their heads to win points.
[3] Maria Kirilenko/Nadia Petrova (RUS) vs. Venus Williams and Serena Williams (USA), fourth match, Centre Court
After drubbing the No. 2 seeds in the semifinals, the American sisters are confident. They'll have to be against Petrova/Kirilenko, who gave them their tightest test at Wimbledon, Venus and Serena winning 3-6, 6-3, 9-7 in the second round. Petrova and Venus will be the fresher of the four players as Kirilenko is still in the singles along with Serena. Watch for Maria to have a little bit of a mental letdown, especially if she loses her singles to Sharapova.
[3] Lisa Raymond/Mike Bryan (USA) vs. Gisela Dulko/Juan Martin del Potro (ARG), third match, Court 2
The American doubles experts hope to avoid the fate that awaited their partners Wednesday when Bob Bryan and Liezel Huber lost on this very court. Juan Martin del Potro has to start the day with a tougher task, as well: Roger Federer in singles. Bob and Raymond had to overcome the tough doubles duo of Sara Errani and Andreas Seppi, so as long as they can handle up the chewed-up Court 2 (it's been run down this week!) they should be into the medal round.
Other matches to watch:
Roger Federer opens the day against Juan Martin del Potro and should close the book on the Argentine's Olympics, beating the 2009 U.S. Open champion for the sixth time this year. It's just too hard to think of del Potro beating Federer on grass. Though, if the 6-foot-6 baller channels his inner Rosol, he certainly has an outside shot. ... The setting is sure to be electric on Centre Court for Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray. The place will be packed and raucous. Can we hope for anything more? Not really. ... The two Marias-Kirilenko and Maria Sharapova-get somewhat of a shaft for playing on Centre Court (meaning Kirilenko could be an Olympic finalist without having played on Centre) with their Court 1 placement, especially seeing that they have a history of hard fought, balls-to-the-wall battles. Sharapova should take it, if she keeps her serve in check.
Nicholas McCarvel, NBCOlympics.com