Hey guys,
Sorry for the delay between posts. Both Kevin and I have been away and unable to connect. However, both of us are backhand ready to entertain you with our thoughts. With Miami already raging this week I'm going to be posting a preview of the tournament but from its current situation. Miami is always an interesting time of year because we have transitioned to the US, players will often be tried because of the Indian Wells tournament the week before, and the conditions in Miami are drastically different than those in the desert out in California. This makes it very difficult to win the Indian Wells/Miami double for the ladies, and the feat has only been accomplished by two women in the past. With all this in mind, the draw has shaped into something of a shock already and has the potential for a few more.
1st Quarter-- Serena's Quarter
At then beginning of the week, it would have felt like Serena was having de ja vu. Her draw looked incredibly similar to the one she had in Indian Wells just a week before. In fact, Serena is to open against Monica Niculescu again this week and would have had to face the same third round opponent too (Zarina Diyas) if it were not for 15 year old phenom, Cici Bellis. Serena, as everyone knows, is struggling with an inflamed knee and a question mark is still hanging over how she will be able to perform here in Miami. If the knee is sufficiently healed, and she is in full flow, it is difficult to see anyone else coming through and winning this title. Serena, although not a sure win, loves Miami as is clear from her 7 titles here, and she will be aching for another one. Her section of the draw is packed with potential threats though and it should be interesting to see how the top seed fares here. A third round match up Bellis should be an exciting affair for the youngster, but Serena should progress with ease until her 4th round match up with Angie Kerber. This match has the potential to bother Serena if Angie can get her game going. however, the quarterfinals should be where a potential upset could loom. Ana Ivanovic, Garbine Muguruza, and a recently resurgent Sabine Lisicki have all beaten the world number 1 at slams in recent years and have thus provide they have what it takes to beat Serena. Whoever reaches the quarters here should be able to give Serena a run for her money, and give the crowd their money's worth. This is perhaps the most exciting quarter of the tournament because of the "rivalries" with Serena. We know that she hates to lose and thus having lost to all three already, she will undoubtedly come out ready to win.
Quarterfinal prediction
(1) Serena Williams vs (21) Garbine Muguruza
2nd Quarter-- Halep's Quarter
Simona Halep looks like the player to beat this year at the Miami Open. Having won her biggest title to date, in Indian wells less than a week ago, Halep should be full of confidence and desire to keep adding to her trophy cabinet. As previously mentioned thought, not many women have been able to adjust to the fast turn around between the two tournaments, and Halep will have to perform incredibly to pull of the double this week. The draw has not done the Romanian any favors either: in the fourth round she is scheduled to meet the ever dangerous and unseeded Vika Azarenka. Vika has been on a major upswing this year, having reached the finals in Doha with some inspired tennis. While the winner of that round of 16 battle will likely be the favorite to progress from this quarter, the dismissal of Eugenie Bouchard has left a wide open door for the suddenly dangerous again home favorite: Sloane Stevens. Stephens, on her day, can challenge anyone on tour with her ferocious forehand and unrivaled movement. Although Azarenka has never been challenged by the young American, Halep and Sloane's head to head is completely even at 2-2. Being in America, this could go either way if it gets there.
Quarterfinal prediction
Victoria Azarenka vs. Sloane Stevens
3rd Quarter-- Radwanska's and Venus's Quarter
This is a really interesting draw that has three "real" contenders on paper. Radwanska is always an underlying threat to the draw with her unique and unorthodox play, but she has been in somewhat of a slump of late. Caroline Wozniacki is back in the worlds top 5 and has been posting some very impressive results of late, however, she still has the ability to lose early with uncharacteristic poor and erratic play. In Indian Wells she played a poor match to youngster Belinda Bencic and was sent packing in straight sets. She has been playing better tennis so far in Miami but could run into the in form Venus Williams in the fourth round. The head-to-head between these two is decisively one sided in favor of Venus. In fact, Caro has only ever taken one set off of Venus, and it was in Auckland this year. Should they square off in the 4th, it would be a tough ask for Wozniacki to get passed Williams. Venus is scheduled to take on Sam Stosur in the third round, and according to their head to head she should progress safely through. However, Sam is a mercurial talent and can show up on a whim wither bludgeoning forehand and booming serve. This Quarter poses a lot of questions: will Aga's continue to slump or will her form lift in time for the business end of the tournament? Will Caroline be able to overcome a 6-0 head-to-head against Venus? Will Venus continue her good form and march through to the quarters? Finally, if Venus faces Aga, will she be able to make it three in a row?
Quarterfinal prediction
(7) Agnieszka Radwanska vs (16) Venus Williams
4th Quarter-- Pliskova's draw?
The bottom section of the draw has really opened up with the sick exit of Maria Sharapova. Her conqueror (Daria Gavrilova) will have to continue to play inspired tennis to have a chance of a repeat upset against Pliskova. Pliskova is having a fantastic year so far. She has reached the final in Dubai, falling to Halep. In Indian Wells, she again lost to the in form Romanian, but Pliskova has unassuming power and athleticism, making her a danger to anyone in the draw. On the opposite side of the quarter, Makarova and Petkovic have a 4th round date set and that should be a very exciting affair indeed. The last tim the played, Petko squeaked it out in a tense three-setter. Whoever plays more aggressive on the day will surely prevail but it should be exciting. Either of those players should be a great challenge for Pliskova and the quarter should be a great exhibition of tennis. Above all though, all of these players have been presented a great opportunity with Sharapova's exit.
Quarterfinal prediction
(8) Ekaterina Makarova vs (14) Karolina Pliskova
Semifinals
Azarenka def Muguruza
Venus Williams def Makarova
Final
Williams def Azarenka
Long shot for Venus to win but i think that in her current form and with the draw falling the way it has, she has a good chance to progress really deep and threaten for the title.
Saturday, March 28, 2015
Friday, February 27, 2015
Acceptable and Unacceptable
Not Just Another Vika Noise Complaint
So Victoria Azarenka displayed some impressive tennis in a thrilling three-set match against Venus Williams today. The conversation about Azarenka's shriek is nothing new. However, I have been noticing something in the matches this past week that has been bothering me.
Take a look at the shot of the day and see if you notice it too.
http://www.wtatennis.com/videos/article/4523026/title/doha-shot-of-the-day-friday
During the last down the line shot, Azarenka makes a noise that differs from her normal shriek and signifies that she thinks her ball is going out. I am not arguing that Venus would have made it to the ball, but I do think that she stopped playing because the off-noise was the equivalent of an out call.
The argument can be made that she made the noise not because she hit the ball poorly but because she fell. I have two comments to that. 1). If this were a one time offense I would not have such a large problem with it; however, I have noticed it in several of Azarenka's matches this week against Kerber and Wozniacki. It bothered me during both of those matches, but then when I saw it happen against Venus and I started to feel as though its becoming more a form of purposeful gamesmanship. [We all know that Azarenka is not below going to those measures to win a match - IE - Australian Open Semi-Final 2013 vs. Sloane Stephens]. 2). If, as a player, you are choosing to have such a pronounced [and controversial grunt] the grunt should remain consistent and if it does not it should be considered a form of player interference. If Serena Williams can get an interference violation [2011 US Open vs. Stosur] for shouting encouragingly during a point, then this should definitely be considered a distraction. With so much discussion about ways to regulate grunts, regulating that they stay consistent and do not interfere with the opponents play by being inconsistent is an easy way to begin creating changes. Point being, this tactic of throwing off opponents and then winning the point is not acceptable and something needs to be done so that it stops.
In any case, it is not hard to imagine who I am rooting for in the final tomorrow.
Prediction:
Azarenka v. Safarova
Safarova has been playing incredible tennis lately, in part because she has worked to add spin to her traditionally flat game. That being said, this match-up strongly favors Azarenka as she leads the head-to-head 6-0. The strange part about this head-to-head is that for two veteran players who have played so many times, they have not played since 2011. Their last match in 2011 was on clay and did go three sets. Additionally, they were different players at the time. Azarenka was ranked 5th in the world while Safarova was drifting in the low 30's. Now, Safarova is a consistent top 20 player fighting her way towards the top 10 and Azarenka is just coming back from injury. Is this new Safarova mature enough to defeat Azarenka? It is clear to say that I hope so, but I also think that Azarenka is playing amazing tennis and it will be a difficult task.
How will the fact that this is a final effect things? Safarova is a nervous 5-7 in WTA Finals while Azarenka is a much more experienced 17-15 [but an impressive 16-8 on hard courts].
Prediction: Azarenka defeats Safarova in three sets.
So Victoria Azarenka displayed some impressive tennis in a thrilling three-set match against Venus Williams today. The conversation about Azarenka's shriek is nothing new. However, I have been noticing something in the matches this past week that has been bothering me.
Take a look at the shot of the day and see if you notice it too.
http://www.wtatennis.com/videos/article/4523026/title/doha-shot-of-the-day-friday
During the last down the line shot, Azarenka makes a noise that differs from her normal shriek and signifies that she thinks her ball is going out. I am not arguing that Venus would have made it to the ball, but I do think that she stopped playing because the off-noise was the equivalent of an out call.
The argument can be made that she made the noise not because she hit the ball poorly but because she fell. I have two comments to that. 1). If this were a one time offense I would not have such a large problem with it; however, I have noticed it in several of Azarenka's matches this week against Kerber and Wozniacki. It bothered me during both of those matches, but then when I saw it happen against Venus and I started to feel as though its becoming more a form of purposeful gamesmanship. [We all know that Azarenka is not below going to those measures to win a match - IE - Australian Open Semi-Final 2013 vs. Sloane Stephens]. 2). If, as a player, you are choosing to have such a pronounced [and controversial grunt] the grunt should remain consistent and if it does not it should be considered a form of player interference. If Serena Williams can get an interference violation [2011 US Open vs. Stosur] for shouting encouragingly during a point, then this should definitely be considered a distraction. With so much discussion about ways to regulate grunts, regulating that they stay consistent and do not interfere with the opponents play by being inconsistent is an easy way to begin creating changes. Point being, this tactic of throwing off opponents and then winning the point is not acceptable and something needs to be done so that it stops.
In any case, it is not hard to imagine who I am rooting for in the final tomorrow.
Prediction:
Azarenka v. Safarova
Safarova has been playing incredible tennis lately, in part because she has worked to add spin to her traditionally flat game. That being said, this match-up strongly favors Azarenka as she leads the head-to-head 6-0. The strange part about this head-to-head is that for two veteran players who have played so many times, they have not played since 2011. Their last match in 2011 was on clay and did go three sets. Additionally, they were different players at the time. Azarenka was ranked 5th in the world while Safarova was drifting in the low 30's. Now, Safarova is a consistent top 20 player fighting her way towards the top 10 and Azarenka is just coming back from injury. Is this new Safarova mature enough to defeat Azarenka? It is clear to say that I hope so, but I also think that Azarenka is playing amazing tennis and it will be a difficult task.
How will the fact that this is a final effect things? Safarova is a nervous 5-7 in WTA Finals while Azarenka is a much more experienced 17-15 [but an impressive 16-8 on hard courts].
Prediction: Azarenka defeats Safarova in three sets.
Thursday, February 26, 2015
Quick Pick
Short post today.
Recap. Venus beat Radwanska in a very high quality match, Azarenka swept by a plan-less Wozniacki, Kvitova once again self-imploded against Suarez Navarro, and an incredibly impressive Safarova overturned her head-to-head against Petkovic and bashed by her in straight sets.
The semi-finals are two match-ups that are very one sided. Lets take a look.
Match to Watch
Safarova v. Suarez Navarro
These two players have not played since 2012, but Safarova leads their head-to-head 2-0. In fact, Suarez Navarro has never taken more than 4 games in a set off of her. With the way that Safarova has been playing [which is incredibly well!] I think this history will continue.
Prediction: Safarova defeats Suarez Navarro in straight sets.
Popcorn Match
Azarenka v. Venus Williams
This match-up is another one sided head-to-head with Venus owning the head-to-head 4-0 with Azarenka having never taken a set of Venus. That being said, this will be a match to watch with two opponents that are on fire. Venus is an incredible 15-2, while Azarenka is an impressive 6-2 on the year an both players have displayed incredible tennis this week. That being said, I think this is a difficult match-up for Azarenka and after coming back from match-point against Zahlavova Strycova earlier in the week I think Venus is ready.
Prediction: Venus defeats Azarenka in straight sets.
Recap. Venus beat Radwanska in a very high quality match, Azarenka swept by a plan-less Wozniacki, Kvitova once again self-imploded against Suarez Navarro, and an incredibly impressive Safarova overturned her head-to-head against Petkovic and bashed by her in straight sets.
The semi-finals are two match-ups that are very one sided. Lets take a look.
Match to Watch
Safarova v. Suarez Navarro
These two players have not played since 2012, but Safarova leads their head-to-head 2-0. In fact, Suarez Navarro has never taken more than 4 games in a set off of her. With the way that Safarova has been playing [which is incredibly well!] I think this history will continue.
Prediction: Safarova defeats Suarez Navarro in straight sets.
Popcorn Match
Azarenka v. Venus Williams
This match-up is another one sided head-to-head with Venus owning the head-to-head 4-0 with Azarenka having never taken a set of Venus. That being said, this will be a match to watch with two opponents that are on fire. Venus is an incredible 15-2, while Azarenka is an impressive 6-2 on the year an both players have displayed incredible tennis this week. That being said, I think this is a difficult match-up for Azarenka and after coming back from match-point against Zahlavova Strycova earlier in the week I think Venus is ready.
Prediction: Venus defeats Azarenka in straight sets.
Super Semis
Quarterfinal Recap
The first Quarterfinal of the day was arguably the highest quality too. Venus Williams put paid to Aga Radwanska's quest in the desert with a high quality three set win. Both players managed a high quality first set with Williams coming through with a single break of serve. In the second, Aga stepped up her game considerably. Williams found herself constantly out of position and Aga ended points with precision. In the third, Williams found another gear. Aga had no response to the onslaught of winners and the barrage of power coming her way, managing only a brief comeback before Williams put her to bed with one more glorious forehand winner. The second Quarterfinal was another rematch from the Australian open as Azarenka took on Wozniacki. Everyone, including me, expected Wozniacki to put up a lot of resistance here. Instead, she came out with no game plan and no conceivable idea of how to play against the Belarusian, resulting in a lopsided disappointment. Carla Suarez Navarro did Spain proud for the second week in a row, beating Petra Kvitova in three sets again in a very perplexing match. Suarez Navarro won 15 of the last 20 points as Kvitova fell off the wagon and seemingly rolled around in the dirt. Finally, Safarova kept up her extraordinary 2015 form as she blew Andrea Petkovic in straight sets. With the semis set, who can find that extra magic and secure their place in the final?
Match to watch
Carla Suarez Navarro vs Lucie Safarova- Its hard to argue with form, and while Suarez Navarro has been playing at a consistently high level in weeks past, Safarova has been in simply scintillating form. Carla has shown that she not only has the ability to hang with the big hitters, but that she can indeed beat them. Having beaten arguably the hardest hitting women on tour, two weeks in a row, she should be ready for the pace of ball that Lucie will be delivering. The big difference between Lucie this year and Petra, is simply the amount of errors they have been playing. In the quarterfinal Petra simply dissolved into a bundle of errors, and Carla did exactly what she needed to in order to advance. Lucie simply won't give her as many free points, and as their head to head illustrates, she likes the ball that Suarez Navarro sends her way. She has time to tee up her strokes, wail on the ball, and watch as they sting Carla like an angry bee. Carla needs to move exquisitely, dictate by moving Lucie around, and most of all: hope for a few free points.
Prediction: Safarova def Suarez Navarro in straight sets.
Popcorn Match
Venus Williams vs Victoria Azarenka- Both women have had solid weeks, but have reached the semis in seemingly contrasting fashions. Azarenka has almost breezed through, with the exception of her match against Svitolina, and should be fresh and ready to compete at the highest level. Venus has been made to work extremely hard for every match win. She has been pushed to three sets in all of her matches and several of them have neared three hours. Hopefully she has some energy in reserve for this match or she will be left wanting as Azarenka jumps on every opportunity to change direction and push her opponents around the court. Venus has never lost to Azarenka, infact she has never lost a set to her, and so I believe this match will be on her racquet. I think that she is hungry for more titles and if her body plays ball then she should be able to outmaneuver the Belarusian tomorrow, if not then Azarenka should be able to take advantage of a lackluster Venus to score her first victory over the American.
Prediction: Venus Williams def Azarenka in two sets.
Thanks for reading, please comment guys...:)
The first Quarterfinal of the day was arguably the highest quality too. Venus Williams put paid to Aga Radwanska's quest in the desert with a high quality three set win. Both players managed a high quality first set with Williams coming through with a single break of serve. In the second, Aga stepped up her game considerably. Williams found herself constantly out of position and Aga ended points with precision. In the third, Williams found another gear. Aga had no response to the onslaught of winners and the barrage of power coming her way, managing only a brief comeback before Williams put her to bed with one more glorious forehand winner. The second Quarterfinal was another rematch from the Australian open as Azarenka took on Wozniacki. Everyone, including me, expected Wozniacki to put up a lot of resistance here. Instead, she came out with no game plan and no conceivable idea of how to play against the Belarusian, resulting in a lopsided disappointment. Carla Suarez Navarro did Spain proud for the second week in a row, beating Petra Kvitova in three sets again in a very perplexing match. Suarez Navarro won 15 of the last 20 points as Kvitova fell off the wagon and seemingly rolled around in the dirt. Finally, Safarova kept up her extraordinary 2015 form as she blew Andrea Petkovic in straight sets. With the semis set, who can find that extra magic and secure their place in the final?
Match to watch
Carla Suarez Navarro vs Lucie Safarova- Its hard to argue with form, and while Suarez Navarro has been playing at a consistently high level in weeks past, Safarova has been in simply scintillating form. Carla has shown that she not only has the ability to hang with the big hitters, but that she can indeed beat them. Having beaten arguably the hardest hitting women on tour, two weeks in a row, she should be ready for the pace of ball that Lucie will be delivering. The big difference between Lucie this year and Petra, is simply the amount of errors they have been playing. In the quarterfinal Petra simply dissolved into a bundle of errors, and Carla did exactly what she needed to in order to advance. Lucie simply won't give her as many free points, and as their head to head illustrates, she likes the ball that Suarez Navarro sends her way. She has time to tee up her strokes, wail on the ball, and watch as they sting Carla like an angry bee. Carla needs to move exquisitely, dictate by moving Lucie around, and most of all: hope for a few free points.
Prediction: Safarova def Suarez Navarro in straight sets.
Popcorn Match
Venus Williams vs Victoria Azarenka- Both women have had solid weeks, but have reached the semis in seemingly contrasting fashions. Azarenka has almost breezed through, with the exception of her match against Svitolina, and should be fresh and ready to compete at the highest level. Venus has been made to work extremely hard for every match win. She has been pushed to three sets in all of her matches and several of them have neared three hours. Hopefully she has some energy in reserve for this match or she will be left wanting as Azarenka jumps on every opportunity to change direction and push her opponents around the court. Venus has never lost to Azarenka, infact she has never lost a set to her, and so I believe this match will be on her racquet. I think that she is hungry for more titles and if her body plays ball then she should be able to outmaneuver the Belarusian tomorrow, if not then Azarenka should be able to take advantage of a lackluster Venus to score her first victory over the American.
Prediction: Venus Williams def Azarenka in two sets.
Thanks for reading, please comment guys...:)
Wednesday, February 25, 2015
Doha Quarters: A Tale of Rematches
Rematch Galore
Today was full of general disappointment. Jankovic and Dulgheru retired after losing their first set and Pennetta, who had been on two match winning streak against Radwanska went down 1 & 1 barely putting up a fight. Pliskova fell to Suarez Navarro in straight sets again. It just seems odd to me that Pliskova is waltzing past big players - Muguruza, Safarova, Ivanovic, Kerber - and yet she struggles with the mundanely consistent Suarez Navarro. One match did show continued glances of magic and that was Safarova's defeat of Makarova.
Focusing our energy forward, lets look at the upcoming quarterfinal matches. Three out of the four quarter-final matches are match-ups that we have already seen this year [Venus v Rawanska in the Australian 4th Rnd, Azarenka v Wozniacki in the Australian Open 2nd Rnd, & Suarez Navarro v Kvitova in Dubai 2nd Rnd]. What makes these rematches particularly juicy is that in all three of the original matches the lesser ranked opponent came out on top. I won't go as far as to say they were necessarily upsets because I would never consider a win by Venus or Azarenka to be an upset; none the less, the matches did not follow current rankings.
Let's make predictions! Also, please comment! We can see you're reading but haven't had one comment and we'd love to hear what you think about what we think!
Matches to Watch
Venus Williams [7] v. Agnieszka Radwanska [4]
Venus leads this head-to-head 6-4; however, Radwanska has won 3 of their last 4 meetings. That being said Venus won their most recent meeting at the Australian Open. I think Radwanska is playing well with a 6-4 record on the year and an impressive win over Pennetta yesterday. However, with all that has been going on it is easy to forget just how good of a year Venus is having with an incredible 14-2 on the year. What strikes me as the most important attribute that Venus has demonstrated this year is her heart. Over the past couple of years we have seen her lose so many matches in a tight third set, but this year she has shown remarkable tenacity in third sets. This was demonstrated on Monday when she fought off a match point against Zahlavova Strycova in a way that was reminiscent of young Venus. I think she came out with a great game plan against Radwanska at the Australian and we will see her do the same thing to come out on top again.
Prediction: Venus Williams defeats Radwanska in three sets
Popcorn Match
Victoria Azarenka [wc] v. Carolina Wozniacki [3]
These ladies have a head-to-head tied at 4 all. Both of these women have impeccable movement and counter-punching abilities. While Azarenka has more fire power in her arsenal she can have a Murray-like mentality where something is always hurting, nothing ever goes her way, etc. Meanwhile, Wozniacki has one of the best on court attitudes and a willingness to fight for every point that is unmatched. The thing about this match up is that after having played 8 times you would think that Wozniacki would have a solid game plan for facing Azarenka, but at the Australian she looked like she had no idea what to do. For that reason, I think Azarenka has a competitive edge.
Prediction: Azarenka defeats Wozniacki in straight sets
Other Predictions
Petkovic [6] def. Safarova in three sets
Kvitova [1] def. Suarez Navarro [9] in three sets- I am refusing to comment on this one because I feel like it should be so straight forward and never is. IF you want my thoughts go back to the post on their match up in Dubai.
Today was full of general disappointment. Jankovic and Dulgheru retired after losing their first set and Pennetta, who had been on two match winning streak against Radwanska went down 1 & 1 barely putting up a fight. Pliskova fell to Suarez Navarro in straight sets again. It just seems odd to me that Pliskova is waltzing past big players - Muguruza, Safarova, Ivanovic, Kerber - and yet she struggles with the mundanely consistent Suarez Navarro. One match did show continued glances of magic and that was Safarova's defeat of Makarova.
Focusing our energy forward, lets look at the upcoming quarterfinal matches. Three out of the four quarter-final matches are match-ups that we have already seen this year [Venus v Rawanska in the Australian 4th Rnd, Azarenka v Wozniacki in the Australian Open 2nd Rnd, & Suarez Navarro v Kvitova in Dubai 2nd Rnd]. What makes these rematches particularly juicy is that in all three of the original matches the lesser ranked opponent came out on top. I won't go as far as to say they were necessarily upsets because I would never consider a win by Venus or Azarenka to be an upset; none the less, the matches did not follow current rankings.
Let's make predictions! Also, please comment! We can see you're reading but haven't had one comment and we'd love to hear what you think about what we think!
Matches to Watch
Venus Williams [7] v. Agnieszka Radwanska [4]
Venus leads this head-to-head 6-4; however, Radwanska has won 3 of their last 4 meetings. That being said Venus won their most recent meeting at the Australian Open. I think Radwanska is playing well with a 6-4 record on the year and an impressive win over Pennetta yesterday. However, with all that has been going on it is easy to forget just how good of a year Venus is having with an incredible 14-2 on the year. What strikes me as the most important attribute that Venus has demonstrated this year is her heart. Over the past couple of years we have seen her lose so many matches in a tight third set, but this year she has shown remarkable tenacity in third sets. This was demonstrated on Monday when she fought off a match point against Zahlavova Strycova in a way that was reminiscent of young Venus. I think she came out with a great game plan against Radwanska at the Australian and we will see her do the same thing to come out on top again.
Prediction: Venus Williams defeats Radwanska in three sets
Popcorn Match
Victoria Azarenka [wc] v. Carolina Wozniacki [3]
These ladies have a head-to-head tied at 4 all. Both of these women have impeccable movement and counter-punching abilities. While Azarenka has more fire power in her arsenal she can have a Murray-like mentality where something is always hurting, nothing ever goes her way, etc. Meanwhile, Wozniacki has one of the best on court attitudes and a willingness to fight for every point that is unmatched. The thing about this match up is that after having played 8 times you would think that Wozniacki would have a solid game plan for facing Azarenka, but at the Australian she looked like she had no idea what to do. For that reason, I think Azarenka has a competitive edge.
Prediction: Azarenka defeats Wozniacki in straight sets
Other Predictions
Petkovic [6] def. Safarova in three sets
Kvitova [1] def. Suarez Navarro [9] in three sets- I am refusing to comment on this one because I feel like it should be so straight forward and never is. IF you want my thoughts go back to the post on their match up in Dubai.
It's a Desert Delight
Round of 16 recap
The third round in Doha was completed on Wednesday with three exceptionally close affairs, and three extremely disappointing matches. Lucie Safarova started things off in a fiery fashion, she bludgeoned her way through the first set against Makarova before the Russian used her steady play to snatch a tense second, Safarova then steadied the ship, going back to her hit harder than hard tactics and sweeping the third. Suarez Navarro edged an exhausted looking Pliskova in two tight sets, Petkovic exacted revenge on a shell shocked Zarina Diyas, and Victoria Azarenak's resurgence continued as she played some superb tennis to become the first person outside of the top 10 to beat Svitolina in 2015.
While Kvitova will be happy to have progressed to the last 8, the crowd was certainly left wanting more as Jelena Jankovic was forced to retire while trailing 3-6 1-1. Similarly, Wozniacki was handed a free pass into the quarters when Dulgheru pulled out down 3-0 in the second, and Radwanska outclassed Pennetta in just 46 minutes, turning what had been one of the most anticipated matches of the tournament into a lopsided dull affair.
Lets hope that the quarterfinals produce high quality matches all round, with that said, here are my matches to watch.
Match to watch
Petra Kvitova vs Carla Suarez Navarro- Kvitova continues to perplex everyone in the tennis world. She strikes the ball about as hard as anyone on tour, produces some of the most exquisite angles off both wings, serves with an extreme sting, and has consistently bettered her movement. Yet just when you think that she is poised to take the reigns from Serena and become a dominant force on the WTA tour, she manages to kind of slip into a state of perpetual self-destruction, losing matches to players she shouldn't even break a sweat against. Now don't get me wrong, I am not for a moment suggesting that Carla Suarez Navarro is a player that Kvitova should sweep under a rug, but she does not have the requisite weapons to blast Petra off the court either. Carla's game plan is always the same: get the ball back, construct the point, and attack when given a chance. Usually I would say that Petra would thrive against a ball like Carla's. She should be able to tee up her shots and swat winners like shilling peas. However, Carla has proved, as recently as last week, that she can stay in the points long enough to frustrate Petra and everyone knows that a frustrated Petra can resemble a drunk archer aiming at an apple. Carla is going to try to exploit Petra's movement and keep her off balance, and above all she is going to hope that Petra isn't hitting the bullseye with every swing of her racquet.
Prediction: Petra Kvitova in two tight sets.
Popcorn Match
Venus Williams vs. Agnieszka Radwanska- If you are looking for two players with contrasting styles, look no further. In Venus we have the perennial power player; she likes to hit and she likes to hit hard. Couple that with fantastic movement around the court and an astonishingly accomplished net game and you have one of the most formidable players in tennis history. Radwanska is a thinker on the court... she has very little power but she does have plenty of guile. She chops and changes the pace, throws her opponents off their games, and moves them around like a puppeteer controlling her puppets. Radwanska has had an extremely accomplished career given that she is in an era dominated by power and athleticism. Yet there is one type of player that always ends up unseating her pursuit of glory--along the way, Aga seems to run into a power player that is striking the ball at the top of her game. When this happens, Aga's attempts to thwart the power seems as if she is banging her head against a wall. A few years ago, Venus was a player that would bash Aga off court without a second thought, but those years are gone. Venus has since been diagnosed with Sjogren's syndrome, and she sometimes comes out listless and unable to compete at the top of her game. Venus is still a huge threat playing below her normal self, but it allows players like Aga a chance to impose their playing style. If Venus comes out on form, she will be able to hit through Aga... If she is missing her target then Aga will be able to exploit her tired demeanor and grind out a win. Look for lots of interesting rallies and plenty of urgency in this match.
Prediction: Venus Williams def Radwanska in three exhilarating sets.
Other Predictions
Victoria Azarenka def Caroline Wozniacki (3 sets)
Lucie Safarova def Andrea Petkovic (2 sets)
Thanks for reading, please post your thoughts :)
The third round in Doha was completed on Wednesday with three exceptionally close affairs, and three extremely disappointing matches. Lucie Safarova started things off in a fiery fashion, she bludgeoned her way through the first set against Makarova before the Russian used her steady play to snatch a tense second, Safarova then steadied the ship, going back to her hit harder than hard tactics and sweeping the third. Suarez Navarro edged an exhausted looking Pliskova in two tight sets, Petkovic exacted revenge on a shell shocked Zarina Diyas, and Victoria Azarenak's resurgence continued as she played some superb tennis to become the first person outside of the top 10 to beat Svitolina in 2015.
While Kvitova will be happy to have progressed to the last 8, the crowd was certainly left wanting more as Jelena Jankovic was forced to retire while trailing 3-6 1-1. Similarly, Wozniacki was handed a free pass into the quarters when Dulgheru pulled out down 3-0 in the second, and Radwanska outclassed Pennetta in just 46 minutes, turning what had been one of the most anticipated matches of the tournament into a lopsided dull affair.
Lets hope that the quarterfinals produce high quality matches all round, with that said, here are my matches to watch.
Match to watch
Petra Kvitova vs Carla Suarez Navarro- Kvitova continues to perplex everyone in the tennis world. She strikes the ball about as hard as anyone on tour, produces some of the most exquisite angles off both wings, serves with an extreme sting, and has consistently bettered her movement. Yet just when you think that she is poised to take the reigns from Serena and become a dominant force on the WTA tour, she manages to kind of slip into a state of perpetual self-destruction, losing matches to players she shouldn't even break a sweat against. Now don't get me wrong, I am not for a moment suggesting that Carla Suarez Navarro is a player that Kvitova should sweep under a rug, but she does not have the requisite weapons to blast Petra off the court either. Carla's game plan is always the same: get the ball back, construct the point, and attack when given a chance. Usually I would say that Petra would thrive against a ball like Carla's. She should be able to tee up her shots and swat winners like shilling peas. However, Carla has proved, as recently as last week, that she can stay in the points long enough to frustrate Petra and everyone knows that a frustrated Petra can resemble a drunk archer aiming at an apple. Carla is going to try to exploit Petra's movement and keep her off balance, and above all she is going to hope that Petra isn't hitting the bullseye with every swing of her racquet.
Prediction: Petra Kvitova in two tight sets.
Popcorn Match
Venus Williams vs. Agnieszka Radwanska- If you are looking for two players with contrasting styles, look no further. In Venus we have the perennial power player; she likes to hit and she likes to hit hard. Couple that with fantastic movement around the court and an astonishingly accomplished net game and you have one of the most formidable players in tennis history. Radwanska is a thinker on the court... she has very little power but she does have plenty of guile. She chops and changes the pace, throws her opponents off their games, and moves them around like a puppeteer controlling her puppets. Radwanska has had an extremely accomplished career given that she is in an era dominated by power and athleticism. Yet there is one type of player that always ends up unseating her pursuit of glory--along the way, Aga seems to run into a power player that is striking the ball at the top of her game. When this happens, Aga's attempts to thwart the power seems as if she is banging her head against a wall. A few years ago, Venus was a player that would bash Aga off court without a second thought, but those years are gone. Venus has since been diagnosed with Sjogren's syndrome, and she sometimes comes out listless and unable to compete at the top of her game. Venus is still a huge threat playing below her normal self, but it allows players like Aga a chance to impose their playing style. If Venus comes out on form, she will be able to hit through Aga... If she is missing her target then Aga will be able to exploit her tired demeanor and grind out a win. Look for lots of interesting rallies and plenty of urgency in this match.
Prediction: Venus Williams def Radwanska in three exhilarating sets.
Other Predictions
Victoria Azarenka def Caroline Wozniacki (3 sets)
Lucie Safarova def Andrea Petkovic (2 sets)
Thanks for reading, please post your thoughts :)
Monday, February 23, 2015
Its Chilly In The Desert.
Recap
The main draw kicked off in Doha on Monday with 5 first round matches taking to the court, and with the temperature drastically cooler than in Dubai last week, players tried to keep warm with towels draped over them during change overs. Kicking things off in the dry desert air was a highly anticipated match between the backboard Flavia Pennetta and the ever erratic Svetlana Kuznetsova; Pennetta managed to grind out a tough three set win. Second up was a match that was expected to create some extreme fireworks. Angie Kerber vs. Azarenka had the potential to be a thriller. Unfortunately, it fizzled into a one-sided affair as Kerber never managed to lift herself out of the slump that she has been stuck in all year. Venus Williams turned around a one set deficit and beat Casey Dellacqua by wining 12 of the last 14 games, and Zahlavova Strycova defeated the hapless (except at Wimbledon) Sabine Lisicki in two sets. Tomorrow will be the last of the first rounds and some of the second. Here are some to look out for.
Matches of the day
Karolina Pliskova vs Stephanie Voegele- This would not usually be a match to watch for me, at least not with the form that Pliskova has been in this year. However, having reached her first premiere final just last week in Dubai, I am interested to see how her body will hold up. Voegele is a player that has few weapons but she does have the ability to stay in points and frustrate opponents. If she can absorb some of the pace that Pliskova is throwing her way then she may be able to make a match of this one. Pliskova though has proved that she is definitely not a one trick pony, she has a serve that is behind only the Williams sisters, she slaps winners from both sides, and she has a strong desire to win. I think that at some point this week Pliskova will run out of steam, sadly for Voegele, I don't think that this is that time. Look for a closer match than anticipated but for Pliskova to bludgeon her way into the second round.
Prediction: Pliskova def Voegele in two sets (1 tight, 1 easy)
Ons Jabeur vs Zarina Diyas- I had to pick this match simply because I'm African and there is an African involved. Ons Jabeur is a young Tunisian with a bright future: she doesn't hit the ball with too much pace but she is dangerous off both wings. What could hurt her in this match is the consistency and experience of Zarina Diyas. The Kazakstan native is not a new face to the top 50 and she has a lot to admire about her game. While she may not be the biggest hitter, or the smartest player, she does have a great understanding of tennis and what it takes to win on the court. Using all areas of the court and moving the ball from side to side, she has managed to build up an impressive haul of ranking points with very solid results. These two are very similar players and while I would love to call this one for Africa, I am going to have to say that experience will win out tomorrow, as Diyas will do more on the important points, and be more confident in the tense moments.
Predictions: Diyas def Jabeur in two tight sets.
Popcorn match
Carla Suarez Navarro vs. Garbine Muguruza- This should undoubtedly be the best match of the day. These two are friends, country women, and doubles teammates. They play very different games and it makes for a very entertaining contest. Last week in Dubai, it was Suarez Navarro who started better but it was Muguruza who finished the stronger of the two: winning the tie in three tough sets. Muguruza is definitely a player that has been on my radar for several years and she is finally living up to her potential. She is hitting the ball extremely clean, blasting winners, and serving super solid. However, she is slightly lackluster between points on the best of days, and so this match is going to be tough for her. She made the semifinals in Dubai, and played several long matches. Suarez Navarro is not a player that is going to let up or give up many free points and because of this I feel that Muguruza may struggle with fatigue in this match, and Suarez Navarro will eat it up like an ant on a sugar cube.
Prediction: Suarez Navarro def Muguruza in three sets (1 tight, Last two relatively easy)
Other Predictions:
Petkovic def Flipkens (2 sets)
Cornet def Dulgheru (2 sets)
Svitolina def Gavrilova (2 sets)
Jankovic def Zheng (3 sets)
V. Williams def Zahlavova Strycova (2 sets)
The main draw kicked off in Doha on Monday with 5 first round matches taking to the court, and with the temperature drastically cooler than in Dubai last week, players tried to keep warm with towels draped over them during change overs. Kicking things off in the dry desert air was a highly anticipated match between the backboard Flavia Pennetta and the ever erratic Svetlana Kuznetsova; Pennetta managed to grind out a tough three set win. Second up was a match that was expected to create some extreme fireworks. Angie Kerber vs. Azarenka had the potential to be a thriller. Unfortunately, it fizzled into a one-sided affair as Kerber never managed to lift herself out of the slump that she has been stuck in all year. Venus Williams turned around a one set deficit and beat Casey Dellacqua by wining 12 of the last 14 games, and Zahlavova Strycova defeated the hapless (except at Wimbledon) Sabine Lisicki in two sets. Tomorrow will be the last of the first rounds and some of the second. Here are some to look out for.
Matches of the day
Karolina Pliskova vs Stephanie Voegele- This would not usually be a match to watch for me, at least not with the form that Pliskova has been in this year. However, having reached her first premiere final just last week in Dubai, I am interested to see how her body will hold up. Voegele is a player that has few weapons but she does have the ability to stay in points and frustrate opponents. If she can absorb some of the pace that Pliskova is throwing her way then she may be able to make a match of this one. Pliskova though has proved that she is definitely not a one trick pony, she has a serve that is behind only the Williams sisters, she slaps winners from both sides, and she has a strong desire to win. I think that at some point this week Pliskova will run out of steam, sadly for Voegele, I don't think that this is that time. Look for a closer match than anticipated but for Pliskova to bludgeon her way into the second round.
Prediction: Pliskova def Voegele in two sets (1 tight, 1 easy)
Ons Jabeur vs Zarina Diyas- I had to pick this match simply because I'm African and there is an African involved. Ons Jabeur is a young Tunisian with a bright future: she doesn't hit the ball with too much pace but she is dangerous off both wings. What could hurt her in this match is the consistency and experience of Zarina Diyas. The Kazakstan native is not a new face to the top 50 and she has a lot to admire about her game. While she may not be the biggest hitter, or the smartest player, she does have a great understanding of tennis and what it takes to win on the court. Using all areas of the court and moving the ball from side to side, she has managed to build up an impressive haul of ranking points with very solid results. These two are very similar players and while I would love to call this one for Africa, I am going to have to say that experience will win out tomorrow, as Diyas will do more on the important points, and be more confident in the tense moments.
Predictions: Diyas def Jabeur in two tight sets.
Popcorn match
Carla Suarez Navarro vs. Garbine Muguruza- This should undoubtedly be the best match of the day. These two are friends, country women, and doubles teammates. They play very different games and it makes for a very entertaining contest. Last week in Dubai, it was Suarez Navarro who started better but it was Muguruza who finished the stronger of the two: winning the tie in three tough sets. Muguruza is definitely a player that has been on my radar for several years and she is finally living up to her potential. She is hitting the ball extremely clean, blasting winners, and serving super solid. However, she is slightly lackluster between points on the best of days, and so this match is going to be tough for her. She made the semifinals in Dubai, and played several long matches. Suarez Navarro is not a player that is going to let up or give up many free points and because of this I feel that Muguruza may struggle with fatigue in this match, and Suarez Navarro will eat it up like an ant on a sugar cube.
Prediction: Suarez Navarro def Muguruza in three sets (1 tight, Last two relatively easy)
Other Predictions:
Petkovic def Flipkens (2 sets)
Cornet def Dulgheru (2 sets)
Svitolina def Gavrilova (2 sets)
Jankovic def Zheng (3 sets)
V. Williams def Zahlavova Strycova (2 sets)
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