By Kamakshi Tandon

Maria Sharapova (RUS) [5] vs. Jelena Jankovic (SRB) [3] Rod Laver Arena – 1:30 pm
Head-to-head 

“It was her day and probably her tournament.” That’s what Justine Henin said about Maria Sharapova after being pummeled in their quarterfinal match, and who would disagree?

The only danger for Sharapova is a letdown – after hitting such a high level against Henin there may be nowhere to go but down. If she can maintain that form, however, she’ll hit right through Jelena Jankovic and probably whoever she meets in the final.

Jankovic is in danger of a bit of a letdown herself after pulling out a win against Serena Williams, and most of her major body parts are aching. Having said that, she’ll still get her racquet on a lot of balls and will get Sharapova on the move if the rallies start to go long. That would spell trouble for the Russian, so she’ll be looking to dominate every point from the get-go.

It should be a competitive match, but unless Sharapova just starts spraying the ball or they play in very unsettled conditions (some blustery weather is expected) – Henin’s comment should continue to hold true.

Prediction: Sharapova

Ana Ivanovic (SRB) [4] vs. Daniela Hantuchova (SVK) [9] Rod Laver Arena – 3rd match
Head-to-head

Ana Ivanovic came through a clutch match against Venus Williams in her previous match while Daniela Hantuchova hasn’t yet had to play anyone in the top 25. This represents a breakthrough for the 24-year-old Slovak, whose previous best Grand Slam result was an Australian Open quarterfinal in 2003. She’s acknowledged she’s been lucky with her draw and even in this semifinal match, is probably happier to be facing Ivanovic than Venus Williams. Nevertheless, chances are her luck ends here.

Ivanovic is more battle-tested and has a bigger game, so a respectable performance should be all she needs to come through.

Prediction: Ivanovic

Jo-Wilfried Tsonga (FRA) vs. Rafael Nadal (ESP) [2] Rod Laver Arena – 7:30 pm
Head-to-head

It figures. We had Fernando Gonzalez last year, Marcos Baghdatis the year before. Is Jo-Wilfried Tsonga going to be this year’s surprise finalist?

But while it’s true that Tsonga is another huge ball-striking darkhorse who’s riding a hot streak, he’s got a much tougher task than either Gonzalez or even Baghdatis had in their semis. In a sense, the outcome of this match is mostly up to him. If his serve and forehand aren't clicking and he's making errors, he'll get steamrolled. If he gives the kind of inspired performances he's been giving so far at this event, he could put the Spaniard in defensive mode and take over the match. Nadal has been pleased with the way he's been hitting his forehand, but still betrays a little lack of confidence which Tsonga could expose if he gets on top early on.

In a best-of-five situation, however, it'll be tough for 'Ali' to float and sting long enough to get the better of Nadal.

Prediction: Nadal