US Open 2013: Ladies' 4th round preview

As we enter the big second week of the US Open, the road gets tougher and the opponents become even more challenging for the title contenders.

The fourth round is officially the time from which the most enthralling matches get started and this year is no exception either. The ladies’ round of 16 promises to light up the Labor Day weekend with some of the most intriguing battle on the cards.

Serena Williams (1) v Sloane Stephens (15) (Head-to-head: Tied 1-1)

Serena Williams (facing) and Sloane Stephens at the net after the latter beat her senior at the Australian Open

It’s the grudge match, the one match that had everyone talking since the draw came out. The American no. 1 takes on the American no. 2 with an eye on exacting revenge in America’s home Slam during the Labor Day weekend. Can the setting be more dramatic?

Sloane, the precocious 20-year-old, has been one of the most impressive youngsters on the Tour, especially on the elite stage. A great baseline game and lightning speed have given her the enviable record of 15-3 in majors this year but nothing was more memorable than her unbelievable Australian Open campaign when she showed the exit to the queen and title favourite, Serena, in the quarter-finals.

Seven months later, an imperious Serena gets her chance to obliterate those memories. Since then, a lot has been talked about their mutual relationship.

More importantly, Serena simply hasn’t stopped winning. With eight titles this year, she looks seriously set upon adding her 17th major.

Prediction: Serena wins in straight sets.