Sony Ericsson Open 2012 Day 5 Preview: Americans John Isner And Venus Williams Headline

American John Isner is making headlines.

After making last week’s final in Indian Wells, Isner is now officially in the ranks of the top 10 for the first time in his young ATP career.

The Georgia Bulldog is playing in his first match since his loss to Roger Federer last Friday against Nikolay Davydenko.

Davydenko is coming off a three-set victory over Isner’s countryman James Blake. Davydenko beat Blake 4-6, 6-4, 6-4 to draw a second-round match against 6-foot-9 Isner. The 26-year-old American is 14-5 this season.

Then there’s Venus Williams. She’s also making headlines for her big smiles and big game returning to the women’s tournament. Williams will be playing in her second match since August on Friday. She will face tournament No. 3 seed Petra Kvitova. Williams is a wild card entry.

The last time the two WTA power house players faced each other was in 2008 in Memphis. Kvitova won that match in three sets. Much has changed since then. Kvitova ranked No. 44 in 2008. Williams was No. 6.

As of March 19, 2012, Kvitova ranked No. 3 and, following an illness that caused her fatigue and joint pain, Williams has dropped to No. 134.

Regardless, both Americans should bring some top tennis to Day 5 at the Sony Ericsson.

For Friday’s full schedule, visit the tournament’s official site.