WTA US Open 2011 Preview: Serena Williams vs. Michaella Krajicek

Serena Williams will do battle with Michaella Krajicek on Thursday for a place in round three of the U.S Open.

Serena Williams made a near perfect start to this year’s U.S Open, cruising past rising star Bojana Jovanovski in just under an hour. The former world No. 1 didn’t even face a break point, despite only managing to get 51 percent of her first serves within the lines. Williams eventually left the court with a 6-1, 6-1 success, and the other contenders for the title here will be aware that she means business.

Next up for Williams will be Michaella Krajicek of the Netherlands. Krajicek had been destined for stardom years ago, but injury problems plagued her fledgling career, and she’s currently the world No. 183. Krajicek is only 22 years old, and has time to get her career back on track. That said, she’s likely to be out of her depth on Thursday against Williams, and she’ll do well not to lose in straight sets.

Following a pair of meetings in 2007, Williams has a 2-0 head to head record against Krajicek. This time around, the American is very likely to succeed again, and it will take a special performance from Krajicek to upset the odds. Williams should be able to wrap up another straightforward victory here.