TENNIS.com Tuesday picks:

Justine Henin (BEL)[1] v. Serena Williams (USA)[8]Arthur Ashe Stadium – 7:00 pm

Is this essentially the final? Venus Williams might have something to say about that, but most would say the title race is between those three. Henin has been cruising through in her clinical, professional style, while Serena has been slowly rounding into form after not playing since Wimbledon because of a thumb injury.

This is the rivalry in women’s tennis at the moment, revived this season after a four-year break. Some of the old matches were fractious, especially the 2003 French Open semifinal, played in front of a very pro-Henin crowd – at on point, Henin did not tell the umpire she had raised her hand as Serena began to serve, leading Serena to afterwards accuse the Belgian of “lying and fabricating.” Now, both say the rancour is gone and all that remains is mutual respect for each other’s abilities and fighting spirit.

This match will be their third straight in Grand Slam quarterfinals, and the fourth meeting this year. Serena won the first meeting of the year in the Miami final, staging a comeback after Henin served for the match in the second set. Henin won the next two, at the French and Wimbledon. Now they’re back on American hardcourts – which could be a crucial factor.

Based on performances so far at this tournament, Henin would be a slight favorite. But she’s admitted she doesn’t like the vibe at this event, while Serena loves playing under the bright lights at night with the home crowd cheering her on. The surface is also to Serena's advantage. So give her the edge, but the only real surprise in this match would be if it wasn’t a fight.

Prediction: Serena Williams

David Ferrer (ESP)[15] v. Rafael Nadal (ESP)[2]Arthur Ashe Stadium – 5th match

Ferreira, Ferrero, Ferrer – everyone watch out if a player named Ferre ever shows up. Ferrer has been on a tear of late, defeating both John Isner and Andy Roddick this summer and pulling out a brutal five-setter over David Nalbandian in his previous match at this event. Early in his career, he was strictly a claycourt player, but in recent years has picked up his hardcourt results.

Nadal says his knee is feeling better, though he still feels it on some shots. Expect it to be thoroughly tested in this encounter, but if it stands up to the test, Nadal will advance – he can grind even better than his compatriot and rip the ball with more authority.

Prediction: Nadal

Yung-Jan Chan (TPE)[5]/Chia-Jung Chuang (TPE)[5] v. Bethanie Mattek (USA)[16]/Sania Mirza (IND)[16]Louis Armstrong Stadium – 3rd match

Mattek and Mirza upset the powerhouse team of Lisa Raymond and Samantha Stosur in the previous round, but the result was completely overshadowed by Mattek’s eye-popping outfit. Even lower-cut than some of her creations for singles and accompanied by a belt-like skirt, she was quite a contrast to the conservatively-dressed Mirza. Their pre-match conversation went something like this: “Are you going to spill out?” asked Mirza. “No,” said Mattek. “Okay,” said Mirza.

Whether they go down or triumph against the Taiwanese, the photographers will be out in morbid force.

Prediction: Mattek/Mirza