Hello everyone. Thursday concluded with ultimately the biggest shock at Wimbledon so far. Karolina Sprem beat Venus Williams in two tiebreaks. I'm not going to get caught up in the politics of the bad umpiring...Sprem played phenomenal and Venus just didn't take her chances. Venus had set points in BOTH sets but didn't win. This was a big match for Sprem and Venus was gracious in defeat. Next up for Sprem is either Shaughnessy or Llagostera Vives who are locked at 8-8 in the third set (even though Llagostera Vives had 0-40 at 8-7 on Meghannn's serve!). Another big story was Martina Navratilova's loss to her French Open foe, Gisela Dulko. It was a back and forth match but Martina couldn't hang on. Sharapova is also through after a solid win over British number one Keothavong. The props for yesterday goes toTatiana Golovin for grinding out a 6-4 7-6 win over Jidkova. I give her this because she lost in two tiebreakers at the French and this win helped her move into the second round for the second time in a Slam this year/career. Last time she advanced to the round of 64, she reached the last 16! She has a tough match against Schiavone but may have a chance as the Italian played a long three setter yesterday. Enjoy!

Marion Bartoli versus Ai Sugiyama

Well, all I can say about Marion is wow! 2 weeks ago in Birmingham, there were talks about the end of Bartoli's career, as she took a tumble on the grass and had to be taken off by stretcher. The tennis community held its breath as Marion was fortunately cleared of any problems and came to Wimbledon a little anxious. In the first round Marion played Chanda Rubin. Rubin led 5-1 in the first set before Marion stormed back to take the set in a tiebreak. She then ran out the second set 6-3. Marion gained revenge for a whipping last year that Rubin administered her at Indian Wells. Her second round opponent was Maria Elena Camerin, the woman who conquered her 6-3 6-3 in Estoril this spring. Could the revenge artist strike again? Yes. Bartoli beat the Italian by the same score in Estoril, sealing her way into the third round. By reaching the last 32, Marion tied her career best Slam showing. The last time she found herself in the third round was in the 2002 U.S. Open when she beat Arantxa Sanchez-Vicario and Neffa-de-Los-Rios before being thrashed by eventual semifinalist Davenport. Her third round opponent is Ai Sugiyama. Marion is licking her lips at the chance to gain revenge over the woman who caused her heartbreak by beating her 7-5 in the third set at the '02 French Open and also at this years French Open. If the X factor stays true to form, Bartoli should be in the 4th round. In this match look for Bartoli to jump on Ai's second serves and attack the net. She will also be looking to hit her big forehand whenever possible.

Weakness: Playing 2 days in a row may affect Bartoli.

Ai Sugiyama is a seasoned veteran on the Tour and knows her way around the lawns of Wimbledon. She is aiming to reach the fourth round for the second straight year. Last year she beat Ahl, Fislova, and Dechy before being schooled by doubles partner Clijsters. Speaking of the Belgian, Ai and Kim reached the finals in the doubles in 2001 as well. This year for Sugiyama has been very up and down. She started off by capturing the Gold Coast title over Petrova, and then lost in the first round of Sydney to Dechy. Things looked good for "Sugi" as she headed to Melbourne, but after beating Panova (who by the way plays Davenport in the 3rd round), she was stunned by countrywoman Saori Obata. Her next best event was in Dubai where she reached the semis before being romped by Kuznetsova. Then, a couple of months went by before she was in the headlines, as she made the quarters of Strasbourg before narrowly beaing beaten by Schaul. After the appearance in Strasbourg, Ai expected to do well in Paris but after beating our girl Bartoli, she lost a three setter to Ruano Pascual. Since then she hasn't played but showed up at Wimbledon a little rusty. British girl Amanda Janes almost ended her tournament before Ai showed experience that was admirable. Then yesterday she struggled but overcame s'Hertogenbosch finalist Koukalova. In this match, look for Ai to definitley try and get Bartoli moving early and will utilise her net abilities handily. She should also throw in some high balls to Bartoli's backhand and attack the short ball.

Weakness: The way Bartoli's playing, Ai may be rolled off the court.

Who has the Edge?

Serve- Bartoli

Groundies- Sugiyama due to consistency

Movement- Sugiyama

Intangibles- Bartoli (REVENGE!)

Volley- Sugiyama narrowly

This match should be a treat for the British fans after the action packed day 4. For Marion, make sure you take your chances and come in as much as possible. For Ai, use your experience to fool Marion into false security.

Matt's Pick: Marion will beat Sugiyama 6-4 7-5.

Thanks

GO MARION!!!!!!