WTA US Open 2011 Preview: Vera Zvonareva vs. Anabel Medina Garrigues

Vera Zvonareva faces a tricky third round clash at the U.S Open on Friday against Anabel Medina Garrigues.

Vera Zvonareva didn’t have everything her own way on Wednesday against Kateryna Bondarenko, but managed to eventually prevail with a 7-5, 3-6, 6-3 victory. The second seed will be aiming to step up her game in a big way after this close contest, as she could do without another matchup that lasts for more than two hours.

The Russian should still be considered as a title contender though, and we may see much more of what she’s capable of in round three, where she’ll take on Anabel Medina Garrigues. Medina Garrigues was involved in a lengthy three-setter in round one, but she was on song in round two against Laura Robson. The Spaniard defeated Robson comfortably in straight sets (6-2, 6-3).

Zvonareva currently holds a 3-1 head to head record against Medina Garrigues, and all three of her wins were easily wrapped up in two sets. She had to retire in her most recent contest against Medina Garrigues, and was trailing 6-3, 3-0 when she left the court.

The pairing haven’t met competitively since 2008 though, so it’s not easy to assess how Friday’s matchup will pan out. Zvonareva is considered the favourite, but she may have to dig deep to achieve another win against the world No. 33 here in New York.