By Kamakshi Tandon

Ivan Ljubicic [8] vs. Andy Roddick [3] Stadium 1 – 7:00 pm

How’s this for a match-up with a little history? In their second-round meeting at the 2003 U.S. Open, Ljubicic (in)famously accused Roddick of egging on the crowd and said the American was unpopular in the locker room. Roddick, of course, got the last laugh by winning the match and the tournament. But he wasn’t laughing when he fell to Ljubicic in Davis Cup two years later, when the Croatian almost single-handedly defeated a top-notch U.S. team on American soil. The two have met nine times, with Roddick holding a 6-3 edge.

Expect a tough fight and at least one tiebreak, but Roddick has been playing solidly in his last couple of matches. He’ll be looking to take advantage of the American crowd (again) and give himself a chance to capitalize on Roger Federer’s early departure here.

Winner: Roddick

Nicole Vaidisova [6] vs. Svetlana Kuznetsova [2] Stadium 1 – 11:00 am

The next highest seed left in the women’s draw after these two is No. 13 Tatiana Golovin, which just shows how upset-ridden the event has been. Kuznetsova came into the event feeling good about her form and is now the favorite to win this event but – unless an inspired Daniela Hantuchova manages to find some more gas in her tank – Vaidisova is probably the most dangerous opponent she’ll face from here on in.

For the 17-year-old Vaidisova, the wide open draw is an opportunity to show that she can step up her game in big matches, but she actually doesn’t defeat top ten players that often.

Kuznetsova has won both their previous encounters, but it’s been a battle each time – expect much the same result on Thursday.

Winner: Kuznetsova

Jonas Bjorkman/Max Mirnyi [1] vs. Tim Henman/Andy Murray Stadium 2 – 12:30 pm

Most eyes will be on the Rafael Nadal vs. Juan Igancio Chela match that will be taking place at the same time – Nadal has been looking very sharp this week – but this match should definitely have its fun moments. One of the most established and successful doubles teams will be taking on a couple of singles players who’ve only played together once before, in Monte Carlo last year.

Henman and Murray have all the makings of a good duo – Murray’s anticipation and variety combined with Henman’s ability at net, not to mention the fact that they get along well. They should be capable of pulling off an upset, but let’s go with Bjorkman and Mirnyi just because the regular partnerships have tended to beat the casual pairings this week. Murray will also be mindful that he has to play a singles quarterfinal on the next day.

Winner: Bjorkman/Mirnyi