It's going to be very tough...Elena is a clear favorite, she is No.6
in the world, Daniela No. 31. Daniela is two years younger, 8 kilos
lighter and 1cm taller. They met seven times and score is 5:2 for
teh Russian - Elena won their first three matches, Dani next two (on
hard and carpet) and Elena won their last two matches - both
quarterfinals - on carpet and clay. Their last match was in 2003 in
Amelia Island on clay and Elena won 6:0, 6:1 - it was probably the
most humiliating defeat of Daniela in her career. But it's a long
time ago and so many things have happened since then.
Daniela played definitely her best match of the year in the
previous match against Barbara Schett - unfortunately, she is not
capable of playing such high level tennis constantly. It would be
great if she could repeat such a performance against Elena, but even
in that case, Elena is not Barbara and I don't think Elena would
lose all those deuce games as Barbara did - I would rather expect
opposite to happen. I guess there is always a chance to beat your
opponent. The main difference between them is in physical condition -
Elena has an unbelievable energy and she is one of the best on the
tour in this matter - she will not run out of steam, even if not
100% fit. Her real weakeness is her serve, especially second serve
and I think here is the chance for Daniela - to attack it with
minimal amount of unforced errors. Otherwise, the match will last
less than an hour and the winner will be another Russian player.
Daniela for sure knows what to play and she knows that everybody is
beatable...Daniela GO GO GO !!! Pome!!!