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)
Predictable
Going Strong
Yesterday's results are what I can only describe as predictable since I got all of the winners correct. Sadly, Angelique Kerber continues to look listless on court. Kerber is one of my favorite players, so watching her struggle is rough. What I find most frustrating is that it doesn't appear to be her tennis that is struggling but rather her motivation. Her usual ability to dig in and grind points, and anticipate just does not seem to be there at the moment. I hope she takes some time off, maybe even skipping Indian Wells and gets some rest and recharge.
Lets now take a look at tomorrow.
Matches to Watch
Pliskova v Voegele
I was not planning to pick this match up as a Match to Watch, but as I was going through to make my predictions this head to head caught me off guard. They have played 4 times and Voegele has won 3 of their 4 meetings but Pliskova won their last meeting in three sets. This is a story of 1 of 2 things. Either, their meetings came when Pliskova was not playing the same level of tennis; or, Voegele knows Pliskova's game well and knows how to beat her. This could be straight forward, but I think the fact that they have played so much could make this a different match then the recent ones shes played. That's not to say she wont come out on top, but it can at least be interesting.
Prediction: Pliskova in three sets
Muguruza v. Suarez Navarro
These two doubles players are playing for the second time in two weeks. Muguruza won last time and I hope that she will win again. However, their last match was a tough three setter, and that time Suarez Navarro had just made the finals of Antwerp and was tired. This time, Muguruza will be the more tired player having just made the semi's in Dubai. I think that if Suarez Navarro can stick in long enough and make Muguruza run a lot she has a chance to get some payback or at least make it interesting, but she will have her work cut out for her.
Prediction: Muguruza in three sets
Popcorn Match
Jankovic v. Saisai ZhengI chose this as an interest match up because of the extreme juxtaposition of the ranking compared to their head-to-head and year-to-date record. Jankovic is currently ranked 23rd while Saisai Zheng is ranked way down at 77th. So while this should be a straight forward win, Saisai Zheng beat Jankovic in their only match up just last fall. Additionally, year-to-date Saisai Zheng is an impressive 6-5; whereas, Jankovic is a dismal 1-3 on the year. The last thing that I think will tilt this in the direction of Zheng is that she is a lucky loser, which means that she has already lost and has nothing to lose.
Prediction: Saisai Zheng in three sets.
Other Predictions:
Petkovic def. Flipkens in straight sets
Cornet def. Dulgheru in straight sets
Svitolina def. Gavrilova in straight sets
Diyas def. Jabeur in three sets
Venus Williams def. Zahlavova Strycova in three sets
Yesterday's results are what I can only describe as predictable since I got all of the winners correct. Sadly, Angelique Kerber continues to look listless on court. Kerber is one of my favorite players, so watching her struggle is rough. What I find most frustrating is that it doesn't appear to be her tennis that is struggling but rather her motivation. Her usual ability to dig in and grind points, and anticipate just does not seem to be there at the moment. I hope she takes some time off, maybe even skipping Indian Wells and gets some rest and recharge.
Lets now take a look at tomorrow.
Matches to Watch
Pliskova v Voegele
I was not planning to pick this match up as a Match to Watch, but as I was going through to make my predictions this head to head caught me off guard. They have played 4 times and Voegele has won 3 of their 4 meetings but Pliskova won their last meeting in three sets. This is a story of 1 of 2 things. Either, their meetings came when Pliskova was not playing the same level of tennis; or, Voegele knows Pliskova's game well and knows how to beat her. This could be straight forward, but I think the fact that they have played so much could make this a different match then the recent ones shes played. That's not to say she wont come out on top, but it can at least be interesting.
Prediction: Pliskova in three sets
Muguruza v. Suarez Navarro
These two doubles players are playing for the second time in two weeks. Muguruza won last time and I hope that she will win again. However, their last match was a tough three setter, and that time Suarez Navarro had just made the finals of Antwerp and was tired. This time, Muguruza will be the more tired player having just made the semi's in Dubai. I think that if Suarez Navarro can stick in long enough and make Muguruza run a lot she has a chance to get some payback or at least make it interesting, but she will have her work cut out for her.
Prediction: Muguruza in three sets
Popcorn Match
Jankovic v. Saisai ZhengI chose this as an interest match up because of the extreme juxtaposition of the ranking compared to their head-to-head and year-to-date record. Jankovic is currently ranked 23rd while Saisai Zheng is ranked way down at 77th. So while this should be a straight forward win, Saisai Zheng beat Jankovic in their only match up just last fall. Additionally, year-to-date Saisai Zheng is an impressive 6-5; whereas, Jankovic is a dismal 1-3 on the year. The last thing that I think will tilt this in the direction of Zheng is that she is a lucky loser, which means that she has already lost and has nothing to lose.
Prediction: Saisai Zheng in three sets.
Other Predictions:
Petkovic def. Flipkens in straight sets
Cornet def. Dulgheru in straight sets
Svitolina def. Gavrilova in straight sets
Diyas def. Jabeur in three sets
Venus Williams def. Zahlavova Strycova in three sets
Sunday, February 22, 2015
Middle Eastern Magic to continue in Doha
Recap
Top seed, Simona Halep, capped off an incredible week in Dubai with a hard fought straight sets win over rising WTA star; Karolina Pliskova. Halep played inspired tennis this week and thoroughly deserved to win her biggest title to date. Dubai certainly had one of the most packed fields outside of the slams and Halep proved, just as much to herself as she did to the rest of the world, that she is capable winning big titles. As we move forward to Doha this week, Halep made a late withdrawal, but the field still boasts 5 of the top ten women and several more that are in the top 20.
Doha preview
Dubai featured so many upsets that I would wage a few dollars that this week will bring a little more normality back to the tour. Look for familiar faces in the latter stages this week. Venus will have a few things to prove after falling early to Safarova last week, Wozniacki will also be looking to better her semifinal finish, and Petra Kvitova will be hoping to snatch the title with some more convincing performances then she had in Dubai. This week is looking like another week of spectacular tennis in the Middle East so look out for some early pops and some late bangs in this tournament.
Match to watch
Lucie Safarova vs. Sam Stosur- Lucie Safarova is such a perennial talent in the women's game that I half expect her to win every tournament she enters. She strikes with such ferocity off both wings that it sometimes appears as if she is trying to burst the poor little yellow ball. Her results though just don't mimic her talent. She has a tendency to play one brilliant match and then deflate and play a poor one with errors flying around like gnats on a humid day. Sam Stosur will be hoping for just such a day from Safarova. Her game is a mixture of extreme extreme aggression and perplexing passive play. She has also had mixed success; winning a slam with an incredible performance but also losing to unranked opponents in low end tournaments. If Stosur can keep the ball deep and heavy, Safarova will find it difficult to maintain her extreme aggression and will capitulate in a mound of errors. However, if Safarova comes out hitting the balls like she did against a lack luster Venus Williams in Dubai, Stosur will struggle to keep up with the pace and will be stranded watching as winners race past her on both sides.
Prediction: Safarova def Stosur in straight sets.
Popcorn Match
Angelique Kerber vs. Victoria Azarenka- This is an unfortunate match in so many ways. Both of these players are so great to watch (if you have the television on mute for VIKA), they each have their own amazing talents. Vika has the most mental fortitude on tour, barring Maria Sharapova, she fights for every point on the court and can turn even the most desperate looking point back in her favor. Kerber on the other hand, has an uncanny ability to use every dimension of the court. She moves her opponents around, using short angles, before flattening out her forehand down the line. When she is confident, she is outstanding to watch, perhaps possessing one of the most accurate shots off her forehand wing. Unfortunately for Kerber, her year hasn't been exceptionally special. She fell last week to an inspired Flavia Pennetta, but for the rest of the year she has looked flat an unmotivated. Vika, on the rise back from injury, will have nothing but motivation in this match. the last two times these two have played has produced very special tennis indeed. Can this match live upto the tennis they have produced in the past? Somehow I doubt that this will be as good a match as the past two, but look for tension, desperation, and some stunning shot making.
Prediction: Azarenka def Kerber in three sets.
Other Predictions
Venus Williams def Casey Dellacqua (2 sets)
Svetlana Kuznetsova def Flavia Pennetta (3 sets)
Zahlavova Strycova def Sabine Lisicki (2 Sets)
Top seed, Simona Halep, capped off an incredible week in Dubai with a hard fought straight sets win over rising WTA star; Karolina Pliskova. Halep played inspired tennis this week and thoroughly deserved to win her biggest title to date. Dubai certainly had one of the most packed fields outside of the slams and Halep proved, just as much to herself as she did to the rest of the world, that she is capable winning big titles. As we move forward to Doha this week, Halep made a late withdrawal, but the field still boasts 5 of the top ten women and several more that are in the top 20.
Doha preview
Dubai featured so many upsets that I would wage a few dollars that this week will bring a little more normality back to the tour. Look for familiar faces in the latter stages this week. Venus will have a few things to prove after falling early to Safarova last week, Wozniacki will also be looking to better her semifinal finish, and Petra Kvitova will be hoping to snatch the title with some more convincing performances then she had in Dubai. This week is looking like another week of spectacular tennis in the Middle East so look out for some early pops and some late bangs in this tournament.
Match to watch
Lucie Safarova vs. Sam Stosur- Lucie Safarova is such a perennial talent in the women's game that I half expect her to win every tournament she enters. She strikes with such ferocity off both wings that it sometimes appears as if she is trying to burst the poor little yellow ball. Her results though just don't mimic her talent. She has a tendency to play one brilliant match and then deflate and play a poor one with errors flying around like gnats on a humid day. Sam Stosur will be hoping for just such a day from Safarova. Her game is a mixture of extreme extreme aggression and perplexing passive play. She has also had mixed success; winning a slam with an incredible performance but also losing to unranked opponents in low end tournaments. If Stosur can keep the ball deep and heavy, Safarova will find it difficult to maintain her extreme aggression and will capitulate in a mound of errors. However, if Safarova comes out hitting the balls like she did against a lack luster Venus Williams in Dubai, Stosur will struggle to keep up with the pace and will be stranded watching as winners race past her on both sides.
Prediction: Safarova def Stosur in straight sets.
Popcorn Match
Angelique Kerber vs. Victoria Azarenka- This is an unfortunate match in so many ways. Both of these players are so great to watch (if you have the television on mute for VIKA), they each have their own amazing talents. Vika has the most mental fortitude on tour, barring Maria Sharapova, she fights for every point on the court and can turn even the most desperate looking point back in her favor. Kerber on the other hand, has an uncanny ability to use every dimension of the court. She moves her opponents around, using short angles, before flattening out her forehand down the line. When she is confident, she is outstanding to watch, perhaps possessing one of the most accurate shots off her forehand wing. Unfortunately for Kerber, her year hasn't been exceptionally special. She fell last week to an inspired Flavia Pennetta, but for the rest of the year she has looked flat an unmotivated. Vika, on the rise back from injury, will have nothing but motivation in this match. the last two times these two have played has produced very special tennis indeed. Can this match live upto the tennis they have produced in the past? Somehow I doubt that this will be as good a match as the past two, but look for tension, desperation, and some stunning shot making.
Prediction: Azarenka def Kerber in three sets.
Other Predictions
Venus Williams def Casey Dellacqua (2 sets)
Svetlana Kuznetsova def Flavia Pennetta (3 sets)
Zahlavova Strycova def Sabine Lisicki (2 Sets)
Star Studded Doha
Doha Draw
The Doha draw is strong and, as with every draw, some people have really gotten the short end of the stick. Halep has pulled out after her excellent but clearly exhausting week in Dubai. This was probably for the best but it has shuffled things around last minute. Wozniacki is now the second highest seed for the event, and Makarova will no longer have to play Muguruza in the first round [I would hate for one of them to have to lose in the first round but I was really looking forward to this match up]. There are a number of really interesting and intense first round matches and it appears as though the tournament directors wanted to feature all of the good matches on the first day.
Here is my outlook for tomorrows scheduled main draw matches.
Matches to Watch
Svetlana Kuznetsova v. Flavia Pennetta
Kuznetsova beat Pennetta the first five times that they played. However, the last time Kuznetsova beat Pennetta was in 2011. Their most recent match went the way of Pennetta at this past years US Open. Pennetta won 75, 61. While Pennetta has not had the strongest start to the year, Kuznetsova's start has been fairly dismal. Kuznetsova is a big 2-4 on the year, with one of her two wins coming from a retirement. Pennetta's results are not that much better, with a flat 3-3 on the year; however, all three of her wins came at Doha which means that they are recent and that she is rounding in to better form. The most demonstrative stat to exemplify just how they are playing is that they both played Angelique Kerber last week. Kuznetsova lost in straights while Pennetta won in three. I think this display of form will come to play and force this match-up to go against their head-to-head.
Prediction: Pennetta in straight sets.
Popcorn Match
Angelique Kerber [8] v. Victoria Azarenka [wc]
Kerber has had a tough start to the year, and her draws have not been of any help. This week she had the opportunity to get lucky by facing a wildcard in the first round. Yet her misfortune continued as that wild card turned out to be former #1 Victoria Azarenka, an opponent who she has brought to match point yet never beaten. Kerber, while not always a crowd favorite, has put together an impressive collection of wins against fellow top 10 players including Serena, Venus, Sharapova, Clijsters, Kvitova, Radwanska, Wozniacki, Bouchard, Halep, and Jankovic; however, for whatever reason Azarenka seems to be, thus far, an unconquerable task. That being said, all of their 3 meetings came in 2012 and, at the moment, Azarenka is still a shadow of her old self. Additionally, Azarenka has not played a match since her loss to Cibulkova at the Australian Open a month ago and is a measly 3-2 on the year. In fact, Azarenka has only played 7 matches since the US Open. That being said, she has a great record in Doha and is currently on a 10-match win streak at the tournament. Kerber on the hand has played many more matches this year but has put together a shaky 7-6 record. I think Kerber's match play may enable her to grit out a set, but ultimately I think Azarenka's consistency and movement frustrate Kerber too much and we will likely see history repeat itself.
Prediction: Azarenka in three sets.
Other Predictions
Safarova def. Stosur in straight sets
Venus Williams def. Dellacqua in straight sets
Zahlavova Strycova def. Lisicki in three sets.
The Doha draw is strong and, as with every draw, some people have really gotten the short end of the stick. Halep has pulled out after her excellent but clearly exhausting week in Dubai. This was probably for the best but it has shuffled things around last minute. Wozniacki is now the second highest seed for the event, and Makarova will no longer have to play Muguruza in the first round [I would hate for one of them to have to lose in the first round but I was really looking forward to this match up]. There are a number of really interesting and intense first round matches and it appears as though the tournament directors wanted to feature all of the good matches on the first day.
Here is my outlook for tomorrows scheduled main draw matches.
Matches to Watch
Svetlana Kuznetsova v. Flavia Pennetta
Kuznetsova beat Pennetta the first five times that they played. However, the last time Kuznetsova beat Pennetta was in 2011. Their most recent match went the way of Pennetta at this past years US Open. Pennetta won 75, 61. While Pennetta has not had the strongest start to the year, Kuznetsova's start has been fairly dismal. Kuznetsova is a big 2-4 on the year, with one of her two wins coming from a retirement. Pennetta's results are not that much better, with a flat 3-3 on the year; however, all three of her wins came at Doha which means that they are recent and that she is rounding in to better form. The most demonstrative stat to exemplify just how they are playing is that they both played Angelique Kerber last week. Kuznetsova lost in straights while Pennetta won in three. I think this display of form will come to play and force this match-up to go against their head-to-head.
Prediction: Pennetta in straight sets.
Popcorn Match
Angelique Kerber [8] v. Victoria Azarenka [wc]
Kerber has had a tough start to the year, and her draws have not been of any help. This week she had the opportunity to get lucky by facing a wildcard in the first round. Yet her misfortune continued as that wild card turned out to be former #1 Victoria Azarenka, an opponent who she has brought to match point yet never beaten. Kerber, while not always a crowd favorite, has put together an impressive collection of wins against fellow top 10 players including Serena, Venus, Sharapova, Clijsters, Kvitova, Radwanska, Wozniacki, Bouchard, Halep, and Jankovic; however, for whatever reason Azarenka seems to be, thus far, an unconquerable task. That being said, all of their 3 meetings came in 2012 and, at the moment, Azarenka is still a shadow of her old self. Additionally, Azarenka has not played a match since her loss to Cibulkova at the Australian Open a month ago and is a measly 3-2 on the year. In fact, Azarenka has only played 7 matches since the US Open. That being said, she has a great record in Doha and is currently on a 10-match win streak at the tournament. Kerber on the hand has played many more matches this year but has put together a shaky 7-6 record. I think Kerber's match play may enable her to grit out a set, but ultimately I think Azarenka's consistency and movement frustrate Kerber too much and we will likely see history repeat itself.
Prediction: Azarenka in three sets.
Other Predictions
Safarova def. Stosur in straight sets
Venus Williams def. Dellacqua in straight sets
Zahlavova Strycova def. Lisicki in three sets.
Friday, February 20, 2015
Dubai Semi-Finals
Dubai Semi's
So the semi-finals went pretty much as I predicted with the exception of Pliskova who squeaked by a disgruntled Safarova. That leads me to the real issue plaguing Dubai this year. I have never seen a tournament with such horrific line calling and umpire decisions. I have seen at least one match each day where the line calls and umpire decisions have come at very significant times, and have negatively impacted the match. The match with Petkovic v. Diyas, an AWFUL line call [or lack of call in this case] on a court with no hawk-eye that gave Diyas a set point. In Safarova v Venus, there was a break point with a ball that was called out, the call was overturned by hawk-eye and the point was given to Safarova even though Venus not only had a play on the ball but hit the ball. Yesterday, there was a call in the Safarova v. Pliskova match where there was an out call that was overturned by hawk eye but Safarova not only played the ball but got it in and the umpire gave Pliskova the point which gave Pliskova a hold point instead of a break point. This call clearly affected Safarova as the match was extremely close up until then, and then Safarova won two games afterwards. The WTA needs to create a better way to review these points, and a more processed way for players to challenge an umpires ruling without having a shouting match on the courts. More importantly, when it seems to be a repeated issue at a tournament, there needs to be a way of fixing the problem. I also think these issues exemplify why the Grand Slams need to start having hawk-eye on every court and not just the main courts.
Anyway, Shifting back to the semi-finals. The semi-finals pits two great counterpunchers against each other and two big hitters against each other to battle it out for a spot in the final. Here is my outlook:
Match to Watch:
Muguruza v. Pliskova [17]
There only other meeting was way back in 2013 and on the red clay of Roland Garros, so it basically gives us very little insight as to how this will play out. However, that previous match was won by Muguruza in three sets. Both women played three set matches in their quarterfinal match ups and defeated players ranked above them. In fact, this week Pliskova has taken out the 4 and 11 seeds, and Muguruza has taken out the 12, 5, and 13 seeds. Pliskova has the edge with her serve, but Muguruza has the edge with her movement and groundstrokes. I really love watching Muguruza play and think she can be a grand slam contender, so this prediction is undoubtedly biased.
Prediction: Muguruza in three sets
Popcorn Match:
Halep [1] v. Wozniacki [3]
This head-to-head is tied 1 win each; however, their last match was in 2013 when Halep was rising and Wozniacki was struggling. With both players in good form this could prove to be a very interesting match of players who use similar tactics of moving their opponents around and their own foot speed to win points. Halep definitely has the edge in firepower, but I think that Wozniacki has the edge in speed. One thing is for sure, this match will feature A LOT of long rallies and extended points. If Wozniacki can stay in the points long enough I think she will have the edge because I think she has the better mental game of the two and that can give her the extra push she needs to win but I think it will be close regardless of the outcome. I think going to three sets would favor the energizer bunny Wozniacki; whereas, if Halep is hitting well enough to hit through Wozniacki she will want to do it in straights.
Prediction: Halep in straight sets
So the semi-finals went pretty much as I predicted with the exception of Pliskova who squeaked by a disgruntled Safarova. That leads me to the real issue plaguing Dubai this year. I have never seen a tournament with such horrific line calling and umpire decisions. I have seen at least one match each day where the line calls and umpire decisions have come at very significant times, and have negatively impacted the match. The match with Petkovic v. Diyas, an AWFUL line call [or lack of call in this case] on a court with no hawk-eye that gave Diyas a set point. In Safarova v Venus, there was a break point with a ball that was called out, the call was overturned by hawk-eye and the point was given to Safarova even though Venus not only had a play on the ball but hit the ball. Yesterday, there was a call in the Safarova v. Pliskova match where there was an out call that was overturned by hawk eye but Safarova not only played the ball but got it in and the umpire gave Pliskova the point which gave Pliskova a hold point instead of a break point. This call clearly affected Safarova as the match was extremely close up until then, and then Safarova won two games afterwards. The WTA needs to create a better way to review these points, and a more processed way for players to challenge an umpires ruling without having a shouting match on the courts. More importantly, when it seems to be a repeated issue at a tournament, there needs to be a way of fixing the problem. I also think these issues exemplify why the Grand Slams need to start having hawk-eye on every court and not just the main courts.
Anyway, Shifting back to the semi-finals. The semi-finals pits two great counterpunchers against each other and two big hitters against each other to battle it out for a spot in the final. Here is my outlook:
Match to Watch:
Muguruza v. Pliskova [17]
There only other meeting was way back in 2013 and on the red clay of Roland Garros, so it basically gives us very little insight as to how this will play out. However, that previous match was won by Muguruza in three sets. Both women played three set matches in their quarterfinal match ups and defeated players ranked above them. In fact, this week Pliskova has taken out the 4 and 11 seeds, and Muguruza has taken out the 12, 5, and 13 seeds. Pliskova has the edge with her serve, but Muguruza has the edge with her movement and groundstrokes. I really love watching Muguruza play and think she can be a grand slam contender, so this prediction is undoubtedly biased.
Prediction: Muguruza in three sets
Popcorn Match:
Halep [1] v. Wozniacki [3]
This head-to-head is tied 1 win each; however, their last match was in 2013 when Halep was rising and Wozniacki was struggling. With both players in good form this could prove to be a very interesting match of players who use similar tactics of moving their opponents around and their own foot speed to win points. Halep definitely has the edge in firepower, but I think that Wozniacki has the edge in speed. One thing is for sure, this match will feature A LOT of long rallies and extended points. If Wozniacki can stay in the points long enough I think she will have the edge because I think she has the better mental game of the two and that can give her the extra push she needs to win but I think it will be close regardless of the outcome. I think going to three sets would favor the energizer bunny Wozniacki; whereas, if Halep is hitting well enough to hit through Wozniacki she will want to do it in straights.
Prediction: Halep in straight sets
Its a mad dash for the final in Dubai
Recap
The final 8 women in Dubai put on a great showcase, but only 4 survived to fight for a final spot on Friday. Three of the quarterfinals went the distance, with only Wozniacki's swift defeat of Pennetta a slight disappointment. Lucie Safarova came into her Quarterfinal against Karolina Pliskova in red hot form, having dispatched Venus Williams in the last round, and for a set and a half that form continued. Sadly for Safarova, thats where it all went wrong-- A bad call from the umpire solidified a momentum swing and Pliskova ran away with the third, the Czech into her first premier level 5 semi-final. Next up was a match of high drama, but not because of the players dislike for one another. Rather the match took on a new tone, as countrywomen, doubles partners, and good friends fought for bragging rights. Garbine Muguruza secured those rights with a hard fought three setter against a valiant Suarez Navarro. Finally, Simona Halep secured the last semifinal spot winning a match that always had the motif of revenge boiling beneath its surface. Makarova had beaten Halep in the quarters at the Australian open and she tried everything she could to repeat that result here. Halep though had just enough, and I use the word just sparingly here, to inch past the resilient Russian and set up a clash against Wozniacki. These four women have played superb tennis thus far and thoroughly deserve to be in the semis; however, only two will remain after tomorrow. Lets have a look at whats in store on Friday in Dubai.
Match to watch
Caroline Wozniacki [3] vs Simona Halep [1]- Many of the matches this week in Dubai have featured players with extremely contrasting games: counter-punchers played power players, craftswomen played all-rounders, and big servers played extreme athletes. In Wozniacki and Halep however, we have very few contrasts. Both players like to extend the rallies, both like to move around the court, both like to turn defense into offense, and both have an air of well deserved cockiness about them. The similarities seem to translate into their matches as their head-to-head stands at 1-1. Wozniacki will be hoping to frustrate her opponent into unnecessary errors, as she has managed to do all week. The only problem is, well Halep will be hoping for the same thing. Both of their previous matches have been won in the first set-- it seems that the player who is more willing to attack, and attack early, is able to get on top of the others game and hold on for a straight set victory. I don't see this match being any different: the first set will create the tone for the match and whoever is able and willing to depart from her normal game-play and be more aggressive will snatch a Dubai Final from the other. Wozniacki had been more willing to come forward and change the dynamic this week, Halep is playing well but has reached this point with her same counter-punching style. Look for Wozniacki to throw her off with a few different looks on the ball.
Prediction: Wozniacki defeats Halep in two.
Popcorn Match
Karolina Pliskova [17] vs Garbine Muguruza- While Halep and Wozniacki gently counter-punch each other into oblivion, Muguruza and Pliskova will be trying to skin the balls with their blistering pace. Pliskova was steady enough in her attacking to take down Safarova and that match should help her deal with the spaniards pace here. She needs to look to move the young Spaniard around and get her off balance, if she can do that then she could be smiling her way into her first large final. Muguruza though is a different beast than Safarova; she has more variety, more confidence, and a desire to win that rivals the best, While she may lope around the court between points, once they begin she gallops like a show horse: elegant yet surprisingly quick. Muguruza has shown why she is such a strong prospect in the women's game this week by building with each match. She is uninhibited, free swinging, and oh so determined. This match could hinge on who gets the first strike and my gut tells me that Pliskova is going to feel like she is running with the bulls in Pamplona, trying to save herself from being dismantled by Muguruza's raging strikes.
Prediction: Muguruza def Pliskova in two.
The final 8 women in Dubai put on a great showcase, but only 4 survived to fight for a final spot on Friday. Three of the quarterfinals went the distance, with only Wozniacki's swift defeat of Pennetta a slight disappointment. Lucie Safarova came into her Quarterfinal against Karolina Pliskova in red hot form, having dispatched Venus Williams in the last round, and for a set and a half that form continued. Sadly for Safarova, thats where it all went wrong-- A bad call from the umpire solidified a momentum swing and Pliskova ran away with the third, the Czech into her first premier level 5 semi-final. Next up was a match of high drama, but not because of the players dislike for one another. Rather the match took on a new tone, as countrywomen, doubles partners, and good friends fought for bragging rights. Garbine Muguruza secured those rights with a hard fought three setter against a valiant Suarez Navarro. Finally, Simona Halep secured the last semifinal spot winning a match that always had the motif of revenge boiling beneath its surface. Makarova had beaten Halep in the quarters at the Australian open and she tried everything she could to repeat that result here. Halep though had just enough, and I use the word just sparingly here, to inch past the resilient Russian and set up a clash against Wozniacki. These four women have played superb tennis thus far and thoroughly deserve to be in the semis; however, only two will remain after tomorrow. Lets have a look at whats in store on Friday in Dubai.
Match to watch
Caroline Wozniacki [3] vs Simona Halep [1]- Many of the matches this week in Dubai have featured players with extremely contrasting games: counter-punchers played power players, craftswomen played all-rounders, and big servers played extreme athletes. In Wozniacki and Halep however, we have very few contrasts. Both players like to extend the rallies, both like to move around the court, both like to turn defense into offense, and both have an air of well deserved cockiness about them. The similarities seem to translate into their matches as their head-to-head stands at 1-1. Wozniacki will be hoping to frustrate her opponent into unnecessary errors, as she has managed to do all week. The only problem is, well Halep will be hoping for the same thing. Both of their previous matches have been won in the first set-- it seems that the player who is more willing to attack, and attack early, is able to get on top of the others game and hold on for a straight set victory. I don't see this match being any different: the first set will create the tone for the match and whoever is able and willing to depart from her normal game-play and be more aggressive will snatch a Dubai Final from the other. Wozniacki had been more willing to come forward and change the dynamic this week, Halep is playing well but has reached this point with her same counter-punching style. Look for Wozniacki to throw her off with a few different looks on the ball.
Prediction: Wozniacki defeats Halep in two.
Popcorn Match
Karolina Pliskova [17] vs Garbine Muguruza- While Halep and Wozniacki gently counter-punch each other into oblivion, Muguruza and Pliskova will be trying to skin the balls with their blistering pace. Pliskova was steady enough in her attacking to take down Safarova and that match should help her deal with the spaniards pace here. She needs to look to move the young Spaniard around and get her off balance, if she can do that then she could be smiling her way into her first large final. Muguruza though is a different beast than Safarova; she has more variety, more confidence, and a desire to win that rivals the best, While she may lope around the court between points, once they begin she gallops like a show horse: elegant yet surprisingly quick. Muguruza has shown why she is such a strong prospect in the women's game this week by building with each match. She is uninhibited, free swinging, and oh so determined. This match could hinge on who gets the first strike and my gut tells me that Pliskova is going to feel like she is running with the bulls in Pamplona, trying to save herself from being dismantled by Muguruza's raging strikes.
Prediction: Muguruza def Pliskova in two.
Thursday, February 19, 2015
And its down to 8!
Recap
The 3rd round wrapped up in extraordinary fashion. Seed after seed fell faster than rain drops in a monsoon. The biggest upset of the day was arguably Lucie Safarova's defeat of defending champion Venus Williams, even more shocking than the result was the relative ease of the score. Less shocking was Petra Kvitova's exit. She fell to the same opponent that she did last year; Carla Suarez Navarro came out and did just enough to topple the second seed. Ana Ivanovic was also sent tumbling from the event by a star on the rise. Karolina Pliskova out hit and out maneuvered Ivanovic and thrilled the crowd with a three set victory. Finally, Angelique Kerber played a fantastic second set but was thoroughly outplayed in the third as Flavia Pennetta showed glimpses of the tennis that took her to the US open Semifinals in 2013. After the shock and awe of the third round, the quarterfinals have taken on a rather different look than many would have expected at the beginning of the tournament. Here are the matches to watch.
Match to watch
Lucie Safarova [11] vs Karolina Pliskova [17]- Safarova scraped past Casey Dellacqua in the first round, and for all practical purposes Venus Williams was a favorite to blow past her in the second. Safarova though had different ideas-came out swinging for the hills, and it worked. Everything Safarova hit, turned to gold. Venus was left stranded time and time again. Conversely, Pliskova had a much harder route to the quarters, Ana Ivanovic put up a huge fight but Pliskova had all the answers. She served well, moved well, countered Ana's power with her own, and put shots constantly close to the lines. Having played against a player that strikes the ball as hard as Ana should help Pliskova deal with Safarova's ferocious groundstrokes. This match will be highly entertaining if, and ONLY if, Safarova can keep up the form she displayed against Venus. If her form drops, her errors will be exactly what Pliskova will be looking for. More than likely Pliskova will have a little too much consistency for the up and down Safarova to handle.
Prediction: Pliskova def Safarova in three sets.
Popcorn Match
Simona Halep [1] vs Ekaterina Makarova [6]- I am not a huge fan of either of these woman. However, I cannot argue against the facts, and the facts show that both of them were on fire in 2014. Halep was a standout player on the WTA tour last year, winning 6 tournaments and finishing the year at number 2. Makanrova also had a strong season, progressing to her first grand slam semifinal at the US Open. It is very difficult to separate these two players. Makarova is slightly more aggressive, Halep is slightly more consistent. Both have their respective weapons, and both have their weaknesses. Makarova used her strengths to perfection in Australia, peppering a vulnerable looking Halep with deep and penetrating ground strokes that kept Halep off balance and unsure of what to do. Unless Halep can control the tempo, move Makarova around, and take the initiative in this match, Makarova will continue to plug away at Halep's game, causing her to implode in a miserable plethora of errors.
Prediction: Makarova def Halep in three sets.
Other predictions
Muguruza def Suarez Navarro (3 sets)
Wozniacki def Pennetta (2 tight sets)
The 3rd round wrapped up in extraordinary fashion. Seed after seed fell faster than rain drops in a monsoon. The biggest upset of the day was arguably Lucie Safarova's defeat of defending champion Venus Williams, even more shocking than the result was the relative ease of the score. Less shocking was Petra Kvitova's exit. She fell to the same opponent that she did last year; Carla Suarez Navarro came out and did just enough to topple the second seed. Ana Ivanovic was also sent tumbling from the event by a star on the rise. Karolina Pliskova out hit and out maneuvered Ivanovic and thrilled the crowd with a three set victory. Finally, Angelique Kerber played a fantastic second set but was thoroughly outplayed in the third as Flavia Pennetta showed glimpses of the tennis that took her to the US open Semifinals in 2013. After the shock and awe of the third round, the quarterfinals have taken on a rather different look than many would have expected at the beginning of the tournament. Here are the matches to watch.
Match to watch
Lucie Safarova [11] vs Karolina Pliskova [17]- Safarova scraped past Casey Dellacqua in the first round, and for all practical purposes Venus Williams was a favorite to blow past her in the second. Safarova though had different ideas-came out swinging for the hills, and it worked. Everything Safarova hit, turned to gold. Venus was left stranded time and time again. Conversely, Pliskova had a much harder route to the quarters, Ana Ivanovic put up a huge fight but Pliskova had all the answers. She served well, moved well, countered Ana's power with her own, and put shots constantly close to the lines. Having played against a player that strikes the ball as hard as Ana should help Pliskova deal with Safarova's ferocious groundstrokes. This match will be highly entertaining if, and ONLY if, Safarova can keep up the form she displayed against Venus. If her form drops, her errors will be exactly what Pliskova will be looking for. More than likely Pliskova will have a little too much consistency for the up and down Safarova to handle.
Prediction: Pliskova def Safarova in three sets.
Popcorn Match
Simona Halep [1] vs Ekaterina Makarova [6]- I am not a huge fan of either of these woman. However, I cannot argue against the facts, and the facts show that both of them were on fire in 2014. Halep was a standout player on the WTA tour last year, winning 6 tournaments and finishing the year at number 2. Makanrova also had a strong season, progressing to her first grand slam semifinal at the US Open. It is very difficult to separate these two players. Makarova is slightly more aggressive, Halep is slightly more consistent. Both have their respective weapons, and both have their weaknesses. Makarova used her strengths to perfection in Australia, peppering a vulnerable looking Halep with deep and penetrating ground strokes that kept Halep off balance and unsure of what to do. Unless Halep can control the tempo, move Makarova around, and take the initiative in this match, Makarova will continue to plug away at Halep's game, causing her to implode in a miserable plethora of errors.
Prediction: Makarova def Halep in three sets.
Other predictions
Muguruza def Suarez Navarro (3 sets)
Wozniacki def Pennetta (2 tight sets)
Day of Upsets
3R Review and QF Outlook
3rd Round action in Dubai saw an assortment of not so shocking upsets, and two more surprising upsets. The biggest shock for me was the way that Kvitova lost to Suarez Navarro again! I need to stop being surprised when Kvitova loses, but I was really thinking that Kvitova was starting to develop a game that could lead her to the top of the women's game. The other shocking upset of the day was Lucie Safarova's confident dismantling of Venus Williams, ending the elder Williams sister's 16 match Dubai win streak. Less shocking [because I predicted them], was Muruguza's win over Radwanska and Pliskova's win over Ivanovic. I was wrong with my prediction about the winner of the Pennetta/Kerber match, but I was right in saying that it would be close match with two not in-form players duking it out. It was a tough three setter that saw Pennetta raise her level and start to really follow through on her shots.
Match to Watch:
Safarova [11] v. Pliskova [17]
This all Czech match up is an interesting dynamic for a few reason. For one, while they have a 1-1 head-to-head, Pliskova defeated Safarova last week in Antwerp 76,63. Safarova lost that match and only faced 1 break point in the entire match. The match finished with Pliskova winning 65 points and Safarova winning 64 points. Basically, it was as close as can be and Pliskova squeaked by. The question is, does that give Pliskova added confidence? Does it make Safarova want revenge? What added factors might play a role: time on court and confidence. Yesterday, Pliskova spent two hours getting past Ivanovic, while Safarova defeated Williams in just over an hour. Safarova played first, so she spent less time on court and has had more time to recover. Going into their last meeting Safarova's confidence was struggling having won only 1 match during the year. Since then, Safarova has turned her year to date from 1-3 to 4-3 with the added confidence of beating Venus.
Prediction: Safarova in three tight sets.
Popcorn Match:
Halep [1] v Makarova [6]
This match-up just played in the Australian Open Quarter-finals and saw Makarova come out on top in convincing fashion. Many people felt after that match that Halep let the situation get to her. Halep has a better year-to-date record with 12-2 compared to Makarova's 8-2. In their only previous meeting in 2013, Halep came out on top in straight sets. So far this week, neither player has dropped a set. The two players have a similar game relying on counterpunching and movement. With both players in good form, if they both show up to play, this could be a highly entertaining match.
Prediction: Halep in three sets
Other Predictions:
3rd Round action in Dubai saw an assortment of not so shocking upsets, and two more surprising upsets. The biggest shock for me was the way that Kvitova lost to Suarez Navarro again! I need to stop being surprised when Kvitova loses, but I was really thinking that Kvitova was starting to develop a game that could lead her to the top of the women's game. The other shocking upset of the day was Lucie Safarova's confident dismantling of Venus Williams, ending the elder Williams sister's 16 match Dubai win streak. Less shocking [because I predicted them], was Muruguza's win over Radwanska and Pliskova's win over Ivanovic. I was wrong with my prediction about the winner of the Pennetta/Kerber match, but I was right in saying that it would be close match with two not in-form players duking it out. It was a tough three setter that saw Pennetta raise her level and start to really follow through on her shots.
Match to Watch:
Safarova [11] v. Pliskova [17]
This all Czech match up is an interesting dynamic for a few reason. For one, while they have a 1-1 head-to-head, Pliskova defeated Safarova last week in Antwerp 76,63. Safarova lost that match and only faced 1 break point in the entire match. The match finished with Pliskova winning 65 points and Safarova winning 64 points. Basically, it was as close as can be and Pliskova squeaked by. The question is, does that give Pliskova added confidence? Does it make Safarova want revenge? What added factors might play a role: time on court and confidence. Yesterday, Pliskova spent two hours getting past Ivanovic, while Safarova defeated Williams in just over an hour. Safarova played first, so she spent less time on court and has had more time to recover. Going into their last meeting Safarova's confidence was struggling having won only 1 match during the year. Since then, Safarova has turned her year to date from 1-3 to 4-3 with the added confidence of beating Venus.
Prediction: Safarova in three tight sets.
Popcorn Match:
Halep [1] v Makarova [6]
This match-up just played in the Australian Open Quarter-finals and saw Makarova come out on top in convincing fashion. Many people felt after that match that Halep let the situation get to her. Halep has a better year-to-date record with 12-2 compared to Makarova's 8-2. In their only previous meeting in 2013, Halep came out on top in straight sets. So far this week, neither player has dropped a set. The two players have a similar game relying on counterpunching and movement. With both players in good form, if they both show up to play, this could be a highly entertaining match.
Prediction: Halep in three sets
Other Predictions:
Muguruza defeats Suarez Navarro [13] in three sets
Wozniacki [3] defeats Pennetta [10] in straight sets
Tuesday, February 17, 2015
Dubai R3
R2 Recap:
Yesterday saw a sprinkling of upsets but the majority of the matches were far less surprising. Pironkova upset Peng in a third set tie break [doesn't she realize she is not on grass?] while Diyas defeated a worn down Petkovic in straight sets. If anything, what I found most shocking was what little resistance some players put up. Lisicki managed to take only 3 games off of Ivanovic [apparently she isn't drinking the same thing that Pironkova is], an in form Hantuchova took only 2 games off Halep, the seeded Jankovic took only 4 games off Muguruza, and Giorgi managed only 7 games against a recovering Suarez Navarro. All that being said, with so many of the seeds prevailing there are some exciting 3R match ups happening tomorrow. Here is a look at my predictions.
Matches to Watch:
Radwanska [5] v. Muguruza
While Radwanska leads their head-to-head 2-1, the win by Muguruza came earlier this year in Sydney. Radwanska spent 1 hour and 55 minutes on court in her last round, meanwhile Muguruza was on court for only 1 hour and 1 minute. While Radwanska can beat the consistent power players like Sharapova, Kvitova, and Serena she has only done it on 4 out of 29 occasions. I think that Muguruza is shaping up to be one of the next great power players and has the ability to consistently hit through Radwanska
Prediction: Muguruza in three sets
Kerber [7] v. Pennetta [10]
Pennetta leads their head-to-head 3-2 and leads their hard court head-to-head 2-1. While Kerber's performance as of late has not been at the same level as she has shown in the past several years, she showed good grit and fight in her win against Kuznetsova and maintains a positive 7-5 year-to-date win/loss record. Meanwhile, Pennetta has managed to put together her first two wins of the year in making it to the third round. This will really be a battle of grit, determination, and court smart from two players who are not playing their best but have an opportunity by facing another unconfident opponent.
Prediction: Kerber in three sets
Kvitova [2] v. Suarez Navarro [13]
The only reason I put this match in the matches to watch is because Suarez Navarro defeated Kvitova here in the first round last year. Kvitova leads their head-to-head 5-2 and wants revenge from the loss here last year. While Suarez Navarro has put together an impressive 8-4 record on the year, Kvitova is working with an even more impressive 10-2 record on the year. I mentioned in my post about Kvitova v. Svitolina that I think Kvitova has been working on bringing a plan B to the court when her A game is not working. She reverted to her Plan B yesterday in her Match against Svitolina to give her the win and I think she will be able to do the same thing, but I think that when Kvitova is ready and really wants it her A game will be on. Like I said, she wants revenge and I think she will be ready.
Prediction: Kvitova in straights
Popcorn Match:
Pliskova [17] v. Ivanovic [4]
Trying to pick the match that I wanted to watch the most today was really difficult; however, after some deliberation I decided that it would have to be the match that pairs off two players who are relatively similar in their approach. Both have big serves, big forehands, and have improved their movement in the past year. Believe it or not, their head-to-head favors Pliskova 1-0. Pliskova won that match in straight sets and only faced four break points in the whole match. Meanwhile, Ivanovic faced 13 break points. All that being said, Ivanovic kept it close by saving all but 5 of those break points [62%] while converting 3 of those 4 break points [75%]. Last year, Pliskova served the second most aces on the WTA, but in their previous match Ivanovic out aced Pliskova 8 to 7, but she had nearly double the number of double faults 7 to 3. Pliskova has a year-to-date tour leading 14 wins to only 4 losses while Ivanovic is 4-2. What I think defines this match is the dynamic between the players. While Ivanovic has a great serve, it can also be a trouble for her and that weakness comes out when she has difficulty returning her opponents serve resulting in pressure on her own serve. On the other hand, Ivanovic may come out with a new game plan and seeking revenge.
Prediction: Pliskova in straight sets.
Other Predictions:
Venus defeats Safarova in straight sets
Halep defeats Pironkova in straight sets
Wozniacki defeats Cornet in straight sets
Makarova defeats Diyas in straight sets
Yesterday saw a sprinkling of upsets but the majority of the matches were far less surprising. Pironkova upset Peng in a third set tie break [doesn't she realize she is not on grass?] while Diyas defeated a worn down Petkovic in straight sets. If anything, what I found most shocking was what little resistance some players put up. Lisicki managed to take only 3 games off of Ivanovic [apparently she isn't drinking the same thing that Pironkova is], an in form Hantuchova took only 2 games off Halep, the seeded Jankovic took only 4 games off Muguruza, and Giorgi managed only 7 games against a recovering Suarez Navarro. All that being said, with so many of the seeds prevailing there are some exciting 3R match ups happening tomorrow. Here is a look at my predictions.
Matches to Watch:
Radwanska [5] v. Muguruza
While Radwanska leads their head-to-head 2-1, the win by Muguruza came earlier this year in Sydney. Radwanska spent 1 hour and 55 minutes on court in her last round, meanwhile Muguruza was on court for only 1 hour and 1 minute. While Radwanska can beat the consistent power players like Sharapova, Kvitova, and Serena she has only done it on 4 out of 29 occasions. I think that Muguruza is shaping up to be one of the next great power players and has the ability to consistently hit through Radwanska
Prediction: Muguruza in three sets
Kerber [7] v. Pennetta [10]
Pennetta leads their head-to-head 3-2 and leads their hard court head-to-head 2-1. While Kerber's performance as of late has not been at the same level as she has shown in the past several years, she showed good grit and fight in her win against Kuznetsova and maintains a positive 7-5 year-to-date win/loss record. Meanwhile, Pennetta has managed to put together her first two wins of the year in making it to the third round. This will really be a battle of grit, determination, and court smart from two players who are not playing their best but have an opportunity by facing another unconfident opponent.
Prediction: Kerber in three sets
Kvitova [2] v. Suarez Navarro [13]
The only reason I put this match in the matches to watch is because Suarez Navarro defeated Kvitova here in the first round last year. Kvitova leads their head-to-head 5-2 and wants revenge from the loss here last year. While Suarez Navarro has put together an impressive 8-4 record on the year, Kvitova is working with an even more impressive 10-2 record on the year. I mentioned in my post about Kvitova v. Svitolina that I think Kvitova has been working on bringing a plan B to the court when her A game is not working. She reverted to her Plan B yesterday in her Match against Svitolina to give her the win and I think she will be able to do the same thing, but I think that when Kvitova is ready and really wants it her A game will be on. Like I said, she wants revenge and I think she will be ready.
Prediction: Kvitova in straights
Popcorn Match:
Pliskova [17] v. Ivanovic [4]
Trying to pick the match that I wanted to watch the most today was really difficult; however, after some deliberation I decided that it would have to be the match that pairs off two players who are relatively similar in their approach. Both have big serves, big forehands, and have improved their movement in the past year. Believe it or not, their head-to-head favors Pliskova 1-0. Pliskova won that match in straight sets and only faced four break points in the whole match. Meanwhile, Ivanovic faced 13 break points. All that being said, Ivanovic kept it close by saving all but 5 of those break points [62%] while converting 3 of those 4 break points [75%]. Last year, Pliskova served the second most aces on the WTA, but in their previous match Ivanovic out aced Pliskova 8 to 7, but she had nearly double the number of double faults 7 to 3. Pliskova has a year-to-date tour leading 14 wins to only 4 losses while Ivanovic is 4-2. What I think defines this match is the dynamic between the players. While Ivanovic has a great serve, it can also be a trouble for her and that weakness comes out when she has difficulty returning her opponents serve resulting in pressure on her own serve. On the other hand, Ivanovic may come out with a new game plan and seeking revenge.
Prediction: Pliskova in straight sets.
Other Predictions:
Venus defeats Safarova in straight sets
Halep defeats Pironkova in straight sets
Wozniacki defeats Cornet in straight sets
Makarova defeats Diyas in straight sets
Heat continues to rise in Dubai
Recap of day
Many of the seeds were in action today in Dubai, with all but three progressing to the third round. Shaui Peng, the 16th seed, came up just short against Pironkova; while Jelena Jankovic, seeded 12th, feel to rising young gun: Garbine Muguruza in straights. We bid a sad farewell to 9th seed: Andrea Petkovic. The German star put up a decent fight against Zarina Diyaz before fatigue set in and she bowed out in two tight sets. The year has been good to Petko so far, and here is to hoping she can maintain her form for the rest of the season. As for the rest of the field, the book-keepers must have been happy with the outcome as seed after seed sailed through. Top seed Simona Halep had little difficulty dispatching an exhausted looking Daniela Hantuchova; Petra Kvitova, the second seed, displayed her fighting spirit as she had a come from behind win against Elina Svitolina, and 7th seed Angelique Kerber survived a nervous looking slug fest against the ever talented Svetlana Kuznetsova. Day 3 saw the last of the second round matches completed and set us up for a roller coaster day 4 in Dubai, here are the matches to watch.
Matches to watch
Carla Suarez Navarro [13] vs. Petra Kvitova [2]- I just can't seem to make up my mind about this match... My brain is telling me that Petra will have too much fire power for the energetic Spaniard, but my heart is telling me that Carla may just have the staying power to wear Petra out. The last match they played was here in Dubai, exactly 1 year ago, and Carla pulled out a stunning upset by beating Petra in a third set tiebreak. Is it unfathomable to think that she could do it again? Petra seemed a little off her game in her first match against Svitolina, but still managed to pull through. Could this form carry into her match with Carla? With any other player I would say yes... but this is Petra Kvitova, and her form is about as streaky as the fattiest kind of bacon- one day she can blast you off the court, and the next she will blast herself off the court. In order to win, Carla will have to keep as many balls in court as possible, and attack when presented with a short ball. If she drops anything short, Petra will pounce and destroy her.
Prediction: Petra Kvitova def Carla Suarez Navarro in three.
Agnieszka Radwanska [5] vs. Garbine Muguruza- Muguruza is a player that is on the rise, she is definitely someone that has all the necessary weapons to get right to the top of the game. The question is: how soon will she reach the summit? Dubai could be a huge step in the right direction for her. Standing in her way is the ever tricky Aga Radwanska. Once again, this is a classic case of a big hitter verses a crafty counter-puncher. My pick in this one is easy... based on form, Muguruza is on the rise and Aga has been in something of a slump. If Muguruza can hit out on her shots, she will be able to dictate the play and finish of the points quickly. However, if she allows Aga to control the flow of the match, she will quickly be driven up the wall and into unnecessary errors.
Prediction: Garbine Muguruza def Agnieszka Radwanska in straights.
Carolina Wozniacki [3] vs. Alize Cornet [15]- Alize was the only woman to beat Serena Williams more than once last year, while Wozniacki lost every match against Serena in 2014. If I were to base this prediction on only this stat then Cornet would undoubtedly sweep Wozniacki off the court. However, both players have a very similar style. Both play with spin, both counter-punch, and both move very well. I think this will be a long match with very extended rallies, however, I think that Caro will have just a little too much panache for the mentally fragile Frenchwoman.
Prediction: Caroline Wozniacki def Alize Cornet in straights.
Popcorn Match
Karolina Pliskova [17] vs. Ana Ivanovic [4]- Ivanovic is a very perplexing player. She has every capability to remain in the top 5 in the world and challenge for slam titles again. For all practical purposes, Ana was a favorite going into the Australian open 2015. However, she fell in the first round-- partially due to her opponents inspired play, and partially due to her own lackluster performance. There is not logical reason for her to lose some of the matches that she does, and yet she does manage to lose them. Pliskova, in contrast, is a steady player on the rise. She has very heavy strokes off both sides, moves solidly, and has one of the most vicious serves on tour-- which when added together makes a lethal combination. Even with all of Pliskova's weapons, this match is completely on Ana's racquet. She will be the one dictating play and the outcome will depend entirely on whether her shots are landing or missing.
Prediction: Ana Ivanovic def Pliskova in three.
Other predictions
Venus def Safarova (2 sets)
Halep def Pironkova (2 sets)
Makarova def Diyas (2 sets)
Kerber def Pennetta (3 sets)
Matches to watch
Carla Suarez Navarro [13] vs. Petra Kvitova [2]- I just can't seem to make up my mind about this match... My brain is telling me that Petra will have too much fire power for the energetic Spaniard, but my heart is telling me that Carla may just have the staying power to wear Petra out. The last match they played was here in Dubai, exactly 1 year ago, and Carla pulled out a stunning upset by beating Petra in a third set tiebreak. Is it unfathomable to think that she could do it again? Petra seemed a little off her game in her first match against Svitolina, but still managed to pull through. Could this form carry into her match with Carla? With any other player I would say yes... but this is Petra Kvitova, and her form is about as streaky as the fattiest kind of bacon- one day she can blast you off the court, and the next she will blast herself off the court. In order to win, Carla will have to keep as many balls in court as possible, and attack when presented with a short ball. If she drops anything short, Petra will pounce and destroy her.
Prediction: Petra Kvitova def Carla Suarez Navarro in three.
Agnieszka Radwanska [5] vs. Garbine Muguruza- Muguruza is a player that is on the rise, she is definitely someone that has all the necessary weapons to get right to the top of the game. The question is: how soon will she reach the summit? Dubai could be a huge step in the right direction for her. Standing in her way is the ever tricky Aga Radwanska. Once again, this is a classic case of a big hitter verses a crafty counter-puncher. My pick in this one is easy... based on form, Muguruza is on the rise and Aga has been in something of a slump. If Muguruza can hit out on her shots, she will be able to dictate the play and finish of the points quickly. However, if she allows Aga to control the flow of the match, she will quickly be driven up the wall and into unnecessary errors.
Prediction: Garbine Muguruza def Agnieszka Radwanska in straights.
Carolina Wozniacki [3] vs. Alize Cornet [15]- Alize was the only woman to beat Serena Williams more than once last year, while Wozniacki lost every match against Serena in 2014. If I were to base this prediction on only this stat then Cornet would undoubtedly sweep Wozniacki off the court. However, both players have a very similar style. Both play with spin, both counter-punch, and both move very well. I think this will be a long match with very extended rallies, however, I think that Caro will have just a little too much panache for the mentally fragile Frenchwoman.
Prediction: Caroline Wozniacki def Alize Cornet in straights.
Popcorn Match
Karolina Pliskova [17] vs. Ana Ivanovic [4]- Ivanovic is a very perplexing player. She has every capability to remain in the top 5 in the world and challenge for slam titles again. For all practical purposes, Ana was a favorite going into the Australian open 2015. However, she fell in the first round-- partially due to her opponents inspired play, and partially due to her own lackluster performance. There is not logical reason for her to lose some of the matches that she does, and yet she does manage to lose them. Pliskova, in contrast, is a steady player on the rise. She has very heavy strokes off both sides, moves solidly, and has one of the most vicious serves on tour-- which when added together makes a lethal combination. Even with all of Pliskova's weapons, this match is completely on Ana's racquet. She will be the one dictating play and the outcome will depend entirely on whether her shots are landing or missing.
Prediction: Ana Ivanovic def Pliskova in three.
Other predictions
Venus def Safarova (2 sets)
Halep def Pironkova (2 sets)
Makarova def Diyas (2 sets)
Kerber def Pennetta (3 sets)
Monday, February 16, 2015
Getting down and dirty in Dubai 2nd round
Recap of day 2
Day 2 drew to a close at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships but not without its fair share of drama. The day saw the completion of the first round and the first of the second round matches began. Several seeds were in action, with all of them safely passing through unscathed. The biggest storyline of day 2 undoubtedly belonged to 34 years old Venus Williams. Venus has been on a major upswing this year and her momentum looked to continue as she crushed young Belinda Bencic, cruising into round three, and racking up her 16th win on the trot in Dubai. However, first up on court, was the talented youngster; Garbine Muguruza. The spaniard took on the hard hitting Australian; Jarmilla Gajdasova. This match was an exceptionally hard hitting affair with the Spaniard moving through in three sets. Following Muguruza into the second round were: [16] Peng, [Q] Kozlova, [W] Buyukakcay, [Q] Wang, [11] Safarova, [17] Pliskova, Zahlavova Strycova, Giorgi, and Svitolina. Ultimately though, the match of the day belonged to newly crowned Pattaya city Champ: Daniela Hantuchova, who came directly from the airport to her match and beat a slightly jaded Mona Barthel in a thrilling three sets.
Day three
If tennis enthusiasts were ever to be excited about a day of second and third round matches, day 3 in Dubai is certainly that day. The line up is a cracker jack of talent and many of the matches pair players usually accustomed to playing in the latter rounds of tournaments. People lucky enough to be at the venue and watching will surely be treated to what can only be called a spectacle tomorrow.
Here are some of the standout matches from the schedule:
Matches to watch
Agnieszka Radwanska [5] vs. Caroline Garcia- ***UPSET ALERT*** Yesterday I boldly declared that Caroline Garcia would defeat Aga, and today I stand by that prediction. Aga has been struggling with her form for much of the year, losing to players she would usually beat handily. Just when we though she had found some amazing form and was cleverly maneuvering through the draw at the Australian open (handing out 3 bagels en-route to the fourth round), she ran into a red hot Venus Williams and fell in three sets. However, even with all that, I would usually pick Aga against an inexperienced up-and-comer such as Garcia. Garcia though, is on a trip, and that trip looks to be heading directly up the rankings. She has been hitting the ball with venom, moving well, and serving fabulously. Last year she upset Aga in Wuhan in a hard fought three set match. If Garcia can keep up her concentration and continue to hit out without letting Aga's finesse and court smarts bother her, she should be able to hand the Pole an early exit from Dubai.
Prediction: Caroline Garcia in three sets.
Caroline Wozniacki [3] vs Samantha Stosur- This is certainly a match that intrigues me for many reasons. If you ask Kevin, he will be the first to tell you that I am not a huge fan Caroline's game. I find her to be too passive and too reliant on her movement. Stosur on the other hand has extreme weapons in the form of her forehand and serve, but she seems to lack the killer instinct required to be consistently in the winner's circle. Watching these two in their matches is certainly a something to behold. At times both seem to move each other around effortlessly, and yet both seem to manage to flounder at other times. This match will undoubtedly be decided by the will to win, which ever player manages to produce their best tennis at the crucial times. Should Sam manage to serve big and use her forehand a majority of the time, she should be able to over power the weaker Wozniacki game. However, Wozniacki is in great form (having reached her second slam final in New York last year) and she should be able to get the ball to Sam's backhand enough to force the errors.
Prediction: Caroline Wozniacki in two tight sets.
Svetlana Kuznetsova vs Angelique Kerber [7]- This match is a classic incarnation of the proverb: "when an irresistible force meets an immovable object." Svetlana is possibly one of the most talented players to have graced the WTA tour. She has massive weapons off of both wings, has an above average serve, moves exceptionally well, glides up to the net, and has the hands of a magician when up there. She has two slams to her name, multiple weeks in the top 10, and several top scalps. When on, she is simply undeniable. Unfortunately, her "on" days have seemingly been few and far between this year. If Kuznetsova is the epitome of the irresistible force, Angelique is quite simply an immovable object. She has an understanding on the game similar to that of the Swiss Miss, Martina Hingis, moves with determined agility around the court, has an uncanny knack for anticipation, and can redirect the ball, turning defense into attack in the blink of an eye. When she is full of confidence and willing to use the lines to her advantage, she takes time and energy from her opponent, making it very difficult for anyone to gain rhythm, momentum, or confidence. Kerber has had a disappointing start to 2015 and if that form continues Kuznetsova will progress. However, it seems inevitable that Kerber will find her confidence at some point this year, and I think that point will be Dubai.
Prediction: Angelique Kerber in two sets.
Popcorn Match
Sabine Lisicki vs. Ana Ivanovic[4]- Two of the biggest hitters the women's game has ever seen come together in this mammoth 2nd round match. Ana had been in red hot form coming into the 2015 season, reaching the final in Brisbane and pushing Maria Sharapova all the way before falling in a tight third. She possesses one of the biggest forehands around and can hit just about anyone off the court when she is firing on all cylinders. Unfortunately, Ana has two major weaknesses in her game: 1. She has a failing mind- she gets down on herself easily and when she does, there just isn't a way back for her, and 2. her serve deserts her in times of need- it could be described as a classic case of the yips, and it does nothing to help her in her quest for glory. Sabine is in possession of one of the greatest weapons a female tennis player can ever wish for: a huger than huge serve. She backs up this weapon with massive groundies and deft touch. Sabine's main weakness is her mind. She has shown she can play at the top of the game (remember that every time she sets foot on the famed grasses of Wimbledon-her game turns to gold) but the sad fact is she just can't replicate that game in other atmospheres! This should be a highly electrifying match with winners flying from both sides. Look for massive winners, massive errors, and a massive struggle.
Prediction: Ana Ivanovic in three grueling sets.
Other predictions for day 3
Kvitova [2] def Svitolina (2 sets)
Halep [1] def Hantuchova (2 sets)
Muguruza def Jankovic [12] (3 sets)
Petkovic [9] def Diyas (2 sets)
Pennetta [10] def Wang (2 sets)
Giorgi def Suarez Navarro [13] (3 sets)
Safarova [11] def Dellacqua (3 sets)
Makarova [6] def Kozlova (2 sets)
Cornet [15] def Buyukakcay (2 sets)
Pliskova def Zahlavova Strycova (3 sets)
Peng def Pironkova (2 sets)
Thanks for your interest, make sure you post your comments below.
-Jess
Day 2 drew to a close at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships but not without its fair share of drama. The day saw the completion of the first round and the first of the second round matches began. Several seeds were in action, with all of them safely passing through unscathed. The biggest storyline of day 2 undoubtedly belonged to 34 years old Venus Williams. Venus has been on a major upswing this year and her momentum looked to continue as she crushed young Belinda Bencic, cruising into round three, and racking up her 16th win on the trot in Dubai. However, first up on court, was the talented youngster; Garbine Muguruza. The spaniard took on the hard hitting Australian; Jarmilla Gajdasova. This match was an exceptionally hard hitting affair with the Spaniard moving through in three sets. Following Muguruza into the second round were: [16] Peng, [Q] Kozlova, [W] Buyukakcay, [Q] Wang, [11] Safarova, [17] Pliskova, Zahlavova Strycova, Giorgi, and Svitolina. Ultimately though, the match of the day belonged to newly crowned Pattaya city Champ: Daniela Hantuchova, who came directly from the airport to her match and beat a slightly jaded Mona Barthel in a thrilling three sets.
Day three
If tennis enthusiasts were ever to be excited about a day of second and third round matches, day 3 in Dubai is certainly that day. The line up is a cracker jack of talent and many of the matches pair players usually accustomed to playing in the latter rounds of tournaments. People lucky enough to be at the venue and watching will surely be treated to what can only be called a spectacle tomorrow.
Here are some of the standout matches from the schedule:
Matches to watch
Agnieszka Radwanska [5] vs. Caroline Garcia- ***UPSET ALERT*** Yesterday I boldly declared that Caroline Garcia would defeat Aga, and today I stand by that prediction. Aga has been struggling with her form for much of the year, losing to players she would usually beat handily. Just when we though she had found some amazing form and was cleverly maneuvering through the draw at the Australian open (handing out 3 bagels en-route to the fourth round), she ran into a red hot Venus Williams and fell in three sets. However, even with all that, I would usually pick Aga against an inexperienced up-and-comer such as Garcia. Garcia though, is on a trip, and that trip looks to be heading directly up the rankings. She has been hitting the ball with venom, moving well, and serving fabulously. Last year she upset Aga in Wuhan in a hard fought three set match. If Garcia can keep up her concentration and continue to hit out without letting Aga's finesse and court smarts bother her, she should be able to hand the Pole an early exit from Dubai.
Prediction: Caroline Garcia in three sets.
Caroline Wozniacki [3] vs Samantha Stosur- This is certainly a match that intrigues me for many reasons. If you ask Kevin, he will be the first to tell you that I am not a huge fan Caroline's game. I find her to be too passive and too reliant on her movement. Stosur on the other hand has extreme weapons in the form of her forehand and serve, but she seems to lack the killer instinct required to be consistently in the winner's circle. Watching these two in their matches is certainly a something to behold. At times both seem to move each other around effortlessly, and yet both seem to manage to flounder at other times. This match will undoubtedly be decided by the will to win, which ever player manages to produce their best tennis at the crucial times. Should Sam manage to serve big and use her forehand a majority of the time, she should be able to over power the weaker Wozniacki game. However, Wozniacki is in great form (having reached her second slam final in New York last year) and she should be able to get the ball to Sam's backhand enough to force the errors.
Prediction: Caroline Wozniacki in two tight sets.
Svetlana Kuznetsova vs Angelique Kerber [7]- This match is a classic incarnation of the proverb: "when an irresistible force meets an immovable object." Svetlana is possibly one of the most talented players to have graced the WTA tour. She has massive weapons off of both wings, has an above average serve, moves exceptionally well, glides up to the net, and has the hands of a magician when up there. She has two slams to her name, multiple weeks in the top 10, and several top scalps. When on, she is simply undeniable. Unfortunately, her "on" days have seemingly been few and far between this year. If Kuznetsova is the epitome of the irresistible force, Angelique is quite simply an immovable object. She has an understanding on the game similar to that of the Swiss Miss, Martina Hingis, moves with determined agility around the court, has an uncanny knack for anticipation, and can redirect the ball, turning defense into attack in the blink of an eye. When she is full of confidence and willing to use the lines to her advantage, she takes time and energy from her opponent, making it very difficult for anyone to gain rhythm, momentum, or confidence. Kerber has had a disappointing start to 2015 and if that form continues Kuznetsova will progress. However, it seems inevitable that Kerber will find her confidence at some point this year, and I think that point will be Dubai.
Prediction: Angelique Kerber in two sets.
Popcorn Match
Sabine Lisicki vs. Ana Ivanovic[4]- Two of the biggest hitters the women's game has ever seen come together in this mammoth 2nd round match. Ana had been in red hot form coming into the 2015 season, reaching the final in Brisbane and pushing Maria Sharapova all the way before falling in a tight third. She possesses one of the biggest forehands around and can hit just about anyone off the court when she is firing on all cylinders. Unfortunately, Ana has two major weaknesses in her game: 1. She has a failing mind- she gets down on herself easily and when she does, there just isn't a way back for her, and 2. her serve deserts her in times of need- it could be described as a classic case of the yips, and it does nothing to help her in her quest for glory. Sabine is in possession of one of the greatest weapons a female tennis player can ever wish for: a huger than huge serve. She backs up this weapon with massive groundies and deft touch. Sabine's main weakness is her mind. She has shown she can play at the top of the game (remember that every time she sets foot on the famed grasses of Wimbledon-her game turns to gold) but the sad fact is she just can't replicate that game in other atmospheres! This should be a highly electrifying match with winners flying from both sides. Look for massive winners, massive errors, and a massive struggle.
Prediction: Ana Ivanovic in three grueling sets.
Other predictions for day 3
Kvitova [2] def Svitolina (2 sets)
Halep [1] def Hantuchova (2 sets)
Muguruza def Jankovic [12] (3 sets)
Petkovic [9] def Diyas (2 sets)
Pennetta [10] def Wang (2 sets)
Giorgi def Suarez Navarro [13] (3 sets)
Safarova [11] def Dellacqua (3 sets)
Makarova [6] def Kozlova (2 sets)
Cornet [15] def Buyukakcay (2 sets)
Pliskova def Zahlavova Strycova (3 sets)
Peng def Pironkova (2 sets)
Thanks for your interest, make sure you post your comments below.
-Jess
Dubai star studded Round 2 Outlook
Dubai R2
The day was full of some great matches. Once again, Venus Williams started off her Dubai journey in style with a 61, 62 defeat of Belinda Bencic that was perhaps even more one sided than I had anticipated. Humorously, the WTA Highlights from this match include Bencic double faulting three times. Perhaps it was attempting to accentuate that she did not play her best, but surely there were more entertaining points than this.
In a disappointing turn of events, Coco Vandeweghe retired from her match against Svitolina after only four games. This always upsets me when a player retires so early into a match in the first round. I hate the idea that a lucky loser could have been given a real opportunity if that player had decided to withdraw earlier. That being said, I was doubly disappointed because this was one of the matches that I had on my matches to watch.
Round of applause for the day goes to Daniela Hantuchova who kept up her good form from last week and defeated Mona Barthel in three. While Hantuchova came to her match right from the airport after winning in Pattaya last week, it was Barthel who looked lethargic on court. Hantuchova took complete advantage of Barthel's listless play and came out the victor.
Looking out at tomorrow, there are so many excellent second round matches that it is almost too much to handle.
Matches to Watch:
Agnieszka Radwanska [5] v. Caroline Garcia
Their head-to-head is tied at 1 win a piece and both of their matches have gone to three sets. Radwanska has a 4-4 record on the year losing both of her Fed Cup matches last weekend. Garcia is 4-3 on the year and while she had a disappointing loss to Sara Errani during the Fed Cup she rebounded with a great win over Giorgi and some excellent doubles play that saw her help propel France past Italy. Garcia, also, has the advantage of having played a match already this week. That being said, Radwanska has the unequivocal advantage of having WTA Legend Martina Navratilova in her box helping her with her game plan.
Prediction: Radwanska in straight sets.
Carolina Wozniacki [3] v. Samantha Stosur
These two players have met 8 times already, splitting their past matches 4-4. Interestingly, while Wozniacki is known for her hard court prowess, Stosur leads their hard court play 3-1. If we were to look at their form since the start of the year, it would have to go to Wozniacki as she is good 5-3 on the year compared to Stosur's 3-4 record. That being said, it is fair to say that Stosur can start playing real tennis now that she is out of Australia where the pressure always causes her to perform dismally. The odd thing to consider is that, in their history, prior form has never played a role in determining the outcome of their match. In 2009, weeks after Wozniacki made her first grand slam final, Stosur defeated Wozniacki in Osaka. In 2012, when Wozniacki fell out of the top 10 and Stosur made the semi's of the French Open and the quarters of the U.S. Open, Wozniacki defeated Stosur in Moscow. Switch roles again in 2014 and Wozniacki makes another U.S. Open final while Stosur's play begins to slump and Stosur defeats Wozniacki weeks after the U.S. Open in Beijing. The only real pattern is that since Stosur's win during their first meeting, they have switched winner every other match as if alternating serve in a tie break. With that as my logic Stosur was the last to win, so if the pattern continues it is her time to win again.
Prediction: Stosur in three sets
Petra Kvitova [2] v. Elina Svitolina
Again we have a match up with a tied heat-to-heat at 1 all. Additionally, both players have had great starts to the year with Kvitova going 9-2 and Svitolina going 6-3. While Kvitova's losses have come at the hands of inspired opponents in Madison Keys and Timea Bacsinsky, Svitolina has only lost to top 10 opponents in Makarova, Sharapova, and Serena Williams and already has a top 10 win under her belt for the year having defeated Angelique Kerber in Brisbane. Historically in Dubai, Kvitova has a tendency of either falling in the first round or going all the way to the win. Having such a challenging opponent in the first round could be a bad sign for her; however, looking at the consistency of her results over the last 6 months I think it is clear that Kvitova is trying to be consistent and perhaps add a plan B to her game.
Prediction: Kvitova in three sets [because she's earned the name p3tra for a reason]
Popcorn Match:
Angelique Kerber [7] v. Svetlana Kuznetsova
It is always an entertaining match when these two players meet. Kuznetsova leads their head-to-head 3-2; however one of those matches was way back at the beginning of 2010 when Kerber was ranked outside of the top 100. While Kerber's play has been sub-par as of late and her recent results have seen her drop out of the top 10, her record on the year is still a healthy 6-4; especially when compared to Kuznetsova's dismal 2-3 record, which includes her win by retirement over Kanepi in the last round. That being said, Kuznetsova's singular win this year was an impressive top 10 win over Agnieszka Radwanska during the fed cup. Kerber has the ability to move Kuznetsova around and I think, after two first round losses Kerber will come out firing but neither opponent will be one to give this to their opponent.
Prediction: Kerber in three sets
Other Predictions:
Ivanovic [4] defeats Lisicki in straights -[Lisicki's only win against Ivanovic has come at Wimbledon]
Halep [1] defeats Hantuchova in three sets
Muguruza defeats Jankovic [12] in straight sets
Petkovic [9] defeats Diyas in three sets [unless the match is over 2 hours it doesn't count for Petko]
Pennetta [10] defeats Wang in three sets
Safarova [11] defeats Dellacqua in straight sets
Makarova [6] defeats Kozlova in straight sets
Cornet [15] defeats Buyukakcay in straight sets
Peng [16] defeats Pironkova in straight sets
Giorgi defeats Suarez Navarro [13] in three sets - [even though Suarez Navarro defeated Giorgi it was close and I am not sure that Suarez Navarro is back to 100% yet]
Zahlavova Strycova defeats Pliskova [17] in three sets - [I am not sure why I am picking this outcome other than as compatriots I think that they will have a different dynamic and really know each others games in a way that will benefit Zahlavova Strycova]
Enjoy what should be an entertaining day!
- Kevin
The day was full of some great matches. Once again, Venus Williams started off her Dubai journey in style with a 61, 62 defeat of Belinda Bencic that was perhaps even more one sided than I had anticipated. Humorously, the WTA Highlights from this match include Bencic double faulting three times. Perhaps it was attempting to accentuate that she did not play her best, but surely there were more entertaining points than this.
In a disappointing turn of events, Coco Vandeweghe retired from her match against Svitolina after only four games. This always upsets me when a player retires so early into a match in the first round. I hate the idea that a lucky loser could have been given a real opportunity if that player had decided to withdraw earlier. That being said, I was doubly disappointed because this was one of the matches that I had on my matches to watch.
Round of applause for the day goes to Daniela Hantuchova who kept up her good form from last week and defeated Mona Barthel in three. While Hantuchova came to her match right from the airport after winning in Pattaya last week, it was Barthel who looked lethargic on court. Hantuchova took complete advantage of Barthel's listless play and came out the victor.
Looking out at tomorrow, there are so many excellent second round matches that it is almost too much to handle.
Matches to Watch:
Agnieszka Radwanska [5] v. Caroline Garcia
Their head-to-head is tied at 1 win a piece and both of their matches have gone to three sets. Radwanska has a 4-4 record on the year losing both of her Fed Cup matches last weekend. Garcia is 4-3 on the year and while she had a disappointing loss to Sara Errani during the Fed Cup she rebounded with a great win over Giorgi and some excellent doubles play that saw her help propel France past Italy. Garcia, also, has the advantage of having played a match already this week. That being said, Radwanska has the unequivocal advantage of having WTA Legend Martina Navratilova in her box helping her with her game plan.
Prediction: Radwanska in straight sets.
Carolina Wozniacki [3] v. Samantha Stosur
These two players have met 8 times already, splitting their past matches 4-4. Interestingly, while Wozniacki is known for her hard court prowess, Stosur leads their hard court play 3-1. If we were to look at their form since the start of the year, it would have to go to Wozniacki as she is good 5-3 on the year compared to Stosur's 3-4 record. That being said, it is fair to say that Stosur can start playing real tennis now that she is out of Australia where the pressure always causes her to perform dismally. The odd thing to consider is that, in their history, prior form has never played a role in determining the outcome of their match. In 2009, weeks after Wozniacki made her first grand slam final, Stosur defeated Wozniacki in Osaka. In 2012, when Wozniacki fell out of the top 10 and Stosur made the semi's of the French Open and the quarters of the U.S. Open, Wozniacki defeated Stosur in Moscow. Switch roles again in 2014 and Wozniacki makes another U.S. Open final while Stosur's play begins to slump and Stosur defeats Wozniacki weeks after the U.S. Open in Beijing. The only real pattern is that since Stosur's win during their first meeting, they have switched winner every other match as if alternating serve in a tie break. With that as my logic Stosur was the last to win, so if the pattern continues it is her time to win again.
Prediction: Stosur in three sets
Petra Kvitova [2] v. Elina Svitolina
Again we have a match up with a tied heat-to-heat at 1 all. Additionally, both players have had great starts to the year with Kvitova going 9-2 and Svitolina going 6-3. While Kvitova's losses have come at the hands of inspired opponents in Madison Keys and Timea Bacsinsky, Svitolina has only lost to top 10 opponents in Makarova, Sharapova, and Serena Williams and already has a top 10 win under her belt for the year having defeated Angelique Kerber in Brisbane. Historically in Dubai, Kvitova has a tendency of either falling in the first round or going all the way to the win. Having such a challenging opponent in the first round could be a bad sign for her; however, looking at the consistency of her results over the last 6 months I think it is clear that Kvitova is trying to be consistent and perhaps add a plan B to her game.
Prediction: Kvitova in three sets [because she's earned the name p3tra for a reason]
Popcorn Match:
Angelique Kerber [7] v. Svetlana Kuznetsova
It is always an entertaining match when these two players meet. Kuznetsova leads their head-to-head 3-2; however one of those matches was way back at the beginning of 2010 when Kerber was ranked outside of the top 100. While Kerber's play has been sub-par as of late and her recent results have seen her drop out of the top 10, her record on the year is still a healthy 6-4; especially when compared to Kuznetsova's dismal 2-3 record, which includes her win by retirement over Kanepi in the last round. That being said, Kuznetsova's singular win this year was an impressive top 10 win over Agnieszka Radwanska during the fed cup. Kerber has the ability to move Kuznetsova around and I think, after two first round losses Kerber will come out firing but neither opponent will be one to give this to their opponent.
Prediction: Kerber in three sets
Other Predictions:
Ivanovic [4] defeats Lisicki in straights -[Lisicki's only win against Ivanovic has come at Wimbledon]
Halep [1] defeats Hantuchova in three sets
Muguruza defeats Jankovic [12] in straight sets
Petkovic [9] defeats Diyas in three sets [unless the match is over 2 hours it doesn't count for Petko]
Pennetta [10] defeats Wang in three sets
Safarova [11] defeats Dellacqua in straight sets
Makarova [6] defeats Kozlova in straight sets
Cornet [15] defeats Buyukakcay in straight sets
Peng [16] defeats Pironkova in straight sets
Giorgi defeats Suarez Navarro [13] in three sets - [even though Suarez Navarro defeated Giorgi it was close and I am not sure that Suarez Navarro is back to 100% yet]
Zahlavova Strycova defeats Pliskova [17] in three sets - [I am not sure why I am picking this outcome other than as compatriots I think that they will have a different dynamic and really know each others games in a way that will benefit Zahlavova Strycova]
Enjoy what should be an entertaining day!
- Kevin
Sunday, February 15, 2015
ANTWERP RECAP AND FORWARD LOOK AT DUBAI
Quick Recap of Antwerp:
The WTA rocked back into post Australian Open action this week at the BNP Paribas Fortis Diamond Games in Antwerp, Belgium. One of the most exciting aspects of this tournament was that former WTA favorite and 5 time grand slam Champion Kim Clijsters was returning to tennis as the tournament director.
The week started out very rough for the seeds with the top two players, Eugenie Bouchard and Angelique Kerber, being ousted in their first round of play and third seed Andrea Petkovic having to save 8 match points to scrape past Allison Van Uytvanck [which was an absolutely incredible match]. In the end, saving those 8 match points catapulted Petkovic to her second Premier level title. The incredible thing about Petkovic's 3 hour 20 minute win was that it was her third extended match in a row having just played two marathon matches in Germany's Fed Cup win over Australia. The remarkable stat this week is that Petkovic played 5 tie breaks in 3 matches and only lost one of them! Unfortunately, the final was a walk over as Suarez Navarro had to withdraw. While this was not the ending that everyone had hoped for, in came Clijsters to save the day. With her immense class and incredible can-do attitude, Clijsters stepped in to play a last minute exhibition against Petkovic which Clijsters won 5-3 [Not sure why they stopped at 5 and not 6...alas, I did not make the rules].
Regardless of the outcome of the exhibition, Petkovic had an amazing week that saw her take home the title and return to the top 10. Hopefully she can keep that up as the season progresses.
Look at Dubai:
Dubai is once again a star packed event whose first day saw wins by Pironkova, Diyas, Stosur, Cornet [15], Pennetta [10], Kusnetsova, Bencic, Dellacqua, Lisicki, Garcia, and Jankovic [12]. The most impressive win of the day came from Pennetta who defeated an in form Goerges 26, 76(3), 64 after having been down 26, 25 and facing four match points. Perhaps saving those match points will give her the same kind of confidence that it gave Petkovic last week.
Looking at tomorrow there are a number of interesting match ups. Here are my predictions:
Top Matches to Watch:
Vera Zvonareva v. Camila Giorgi
They have never played before and both pack a lot of talent. Zvonareva is arguably the more talented and definitely the more accomplished player; however she is still finding her form after a long injury time off. Giorgi on the other hand is in great form with tons of weapons; but is a characteristically patchy player. Ironically, both players were defeated by Williams sisters at the Australian open and both players put up a good fight. While this will be a great physical match, the winner will be whoever survives the mental battle. Zvonareva's mental game has always been the weakest aspect of her game. That being said, I think Zvonareva has better movement, and better grit. Giorgi is so intent on playing her game that she does not always allow her opponents to assist her to the win.
Prediction: Zvonareva will out grit Giorgi tomorrow and take the win in three sets.
Coco Vandeweghe v. Elina Svitolina
These two up and comers have also never played each other. In this match up we have a power player in Vandeweghe against an exceptionally talented counterpuncher in Svitolina. They are both very talented in their own respects but Svitolina has the upper hand with movement and court sense.
Prediction: Svitolina in straight sets
Popcorn Match:
Muguruza v Gajdosova
This match involves the experienced Gajdosova against the exceptionally talented rising star Muguruza. What makes this match such a toss up is the incredibly good form that both players are showing. Gajdosova is 8-5 on the year with wins over Petkovic, Kerber, and Cibulkova. Muguruza is 7-2 on the year with wins over Halep, Radwanska, and Errani. To further exemplify why this is such a toss up, Gajdosova beat Kerber in Fed Cup 2 weeks ago 46,62,64 while Muguruza lost to Kerber about 4 weeks ago in Sydney 60,16,46. To flip that around, Gajdosova lost to Halep at the Australian Open 26,26 while Muguruza beat Halep during Fed Cup 64,63. At the end of the day I think that Muguruza has a slight edge with the overall size of her shots. If she performs like she did against Serena at Australian then she can go deep in to the draw.
Prediction: Muguruza defeats Gajdosova in three sets
Other Predictions:
Peng [16] defeats Vesnina in straight sets
Watson defeats Kozlova in three sets
Pliskova [17] defeats Pavlyuchenkova in straight sets
Barthel defeats Hantuchova in three sets
Venus [8] defeats Bencic in straight sets
Safarova [11] defeats Puig in straight sets.
Nara defeats Wang in straight sets
Buyukakcay defeats Dabrowski in three sets [this match is such an opportunity for both of them!]
Zahlavova Strycova defeats Beygelzimer in straight sets
Let's see how I do!
- Kevin
The WTA rocked back into post Australian Open action this week at the BNP Paribas Fortis Diamond Games in Antwerp, Belgium. One of the most exciting aspects of this tournament was that former WTA favorite and 5 time grand slam Champion Kim Clijsters was returning to tennis as the tournament director.
The week started out very rough for the seeds with the top two players, Eugenie Bouchard and Angelique Kerber, being ousted in their first round of play and third seed Andrea Petkovic having to save 8 match points to scrape past Allison Van Uytvanck [which was an absolutely incredible match]. In the end, saving those 8 match points catapulted Petkovic to her second Premier level title. The incredible thing about Petkovic's 3 hour 20 minute win was that it was her third extended match in a row having just played two marathon matches in Germany's Fed Cup win over Australia. The remarkable stat this week is that Petkovic played 5 tie breaks in 3 matches and only lost one of them! Unfortunately, the final was a walk over as Suarez Navarro had to withdraw. While this was not the ending that everyone had hoped for, in came Clijsters to save the day. With her immense class and incredible can-do attitude, Clijsters stepped in to play a last minute exhibition against Petkovic which Clijsters won 5-3 [Not sure why they stopped at 5 and not 6...alas, I did not make the rules].
Regardless of the outcome of the exhibition, Petkovic had an amazing week that saw her take home the title and return to the top 10. Hopefully she can keep that up as the season progresses.
Look at Dubai:
Dubai is once again a star packed event whose first day saw wins by Pironkova, Diyas, Stosur, Cornet [15], Pennetta [10], Kusnetsova, Bencic, Dellacqua, Lisicki, Garcia, and Jankovic [12]. The most impressive win of the day came from Pennetta who defeated an in form Goerges 26, 76(3), 64 after having been down 26, 25 and facing four match points. Perhaps saving those match points will give her the same kind of confidence that it gave Petkovic last week.
Looking at tomorrow there are a number of interesting match ups. Here are my predictions:
Top Matches to Watch:
Vera Zvonareva v. Camila Giorgi
They have never played before and both pack a lot of talent. Zvonareva is arguably the more talented and definitely the more accomplished player; however she is still finding her form after a long injury time off. Giorgi on the other hand is in great form with tons of weapons; but is a characteristically patchy player. Ironically, both players were defeated by Williams sisters at the Australian open and both players put up a good fight. While this will be a great physical match, the winner will be whoever survives the mental battle. Zvonareva's mental game has always been the weakest aspect of her game. That being said, I think Zvonareva has better movement, and better grit. Giorgi is so intent on playing her game that she does not always allow her opponents to assist her to the win.
Prediction: Zvonareva will out grit Giorgi tomorrow and take the win in three sets.
Coco Vandeweghe v. Elina Svitolina
These two up and comers have also never played each other. In this match up we have a power player in Vandeweghe against an exceptionally talented counterpuncher in Svitolina. They are both very talented in their own respects but Svitolina has the upper hand with movement and court sense.
Prediction: Svitolina in straight sets
Popcorn Match:
Muguruza v Gajdosova
This match involves the experienced Gajdosova against the exceptionally talented rising star Muguruza. What makes this match such a toss up is the incredibly good form that both players are showing. Gajdosova is 8-5 on the year with wins over Petkovic, Kerber, and Cibulkova. Muguruza is 7-2 on the year with wins over Halep, Radwanska, and Errani. To further exemplify why this is such a toss up, Gajdosova beat Kerber in Fed Cup 2 weeks ago 46,62,64 while Muguruza lost to Kerber about 4 weeks ago in Sydney 60,16,46. To flip that around, Gajdosova lost to Halep at the Australian Open 26,26 while Muguruza beat Halep during Fed Cup 64,63. At the end of the day I think that Muguruza has a slight edge with the overall size of her shots. If she performs like she did against Serena at Australian then she can go deep in to the draw.
Prediction: Muguruza defeats Gajdosova in three sets
Other Predictions:
Peng [16] defeats Vesnina in straight sets
Watson defeats Kozlova in three sets
Pliskova [17] defeats Pavlyuchenkova in straight sets
Barthel defeats Hantuchova in three sets
Venus [8] defeats Bencic in straight sets
Safarova [11] defeats Puig in straight sets.
Nara defeats Wang in straight sets
Buyukakcay defeats Dabrowski in three sets [this match is such an opportunity for both of them!]
Zahlavova Strycova defeats Beygelzimer in straight sets
Let's see how I do!
- Kevin
AMPING IT UP IN DUBAI.
Hey guys and welcome to The Missed Smash,
Recap:
Can You believe that we are already 6 weeks into the new season? It's a strange notion that so soon after Serena's historic Australian open victory, the WTA is already back in full swing and heading toward the clay court season. Last week saw Andrea Petkovic, the resurgent and strong German, and Daniela Hantuchova, the slender yet talented Slovak, wrap up impressive tournament victories in Antwerp and Pattaya City respectively. Petkovic had a fantastic week and thoroughly deserved the final outcome, [even though she lost an exhibition to WTA legend and Antwerp tournament director: Kim Clijsters (due to finalist Carla Suarez-Navarro pulling out because of a neck injury before the final)]. She returns to the top 10 this week and her prospects for the rest of the season look great (if she can maintain her health.
Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships:
Heading into the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships both ladies could pose considerable threats to an extremely packed field. Dubai has been a consistent stop for a plethora of top ranked women over the years, but this year is extremely competitive with 7 of the worlds top 10 competing. A major inducing factor for these women is the 900 ranking points on offer this week as the WTA upgraded Dubai to a premier level 5 tournament, a prestigious honor that makes this one of the most important stops on the 2015 calendar. Headlining the field are Simona Halep, Petra Kvitova, Agnieszka Radwanska, and defending champion Venus Williams but several more women are out to stake their claim. The withdrawal of Serena Williams has undoubtedly left the top half of the draw wide open and should provide for some enthralling contests as talent clashes with talent, all hoping to get their chance at the coveted trophy.
The first day of the championships seemingly followed script, with the seeded players: Cornet [15], Pennetta [10], and Jankovic [15] all advancing to the second round with three sets wins. Other winners include: Pironkova, Diyas, Stosur, Kuznetsova, Bencic, Dellacqua, Lisicki, and Garcia. The most dangerous of the bunch may well be Caroline Garcia. The young French woman has had a strong start to the year and should be a stern test for 5th seed Aggie Radwanska in the second round. Look for an upset on day three in a popcorn match with Garcia progressing in a tight three set thriller. However, I am getting ahead of myself again. Lets have a look at the match ups for day two:
Matches to watch:
Elena Vesnina vs. Shuai Peng[16]- Vesnina possesses some of the characteristics that have taken many of her country women to Grand Slam glory. She has power, precision, and an annoying grunt to boot, yet she has not managed to break through on the WTA tour in a big way. Vesnina has not had the strongest start to the year but can never be counted out on a contest. Peng on the other hand is a girl with far fewer weapons than Vesnina. She is a crafty and very versatile player, who makes the most of what she has. Breaking through by reaching her first Slam Semi in New York last Summer, Peng has shown that she is not someone to take lightly on tour.
Prediction: Look for Peng to out think Vesnina and take this one in straight sets.
Karolina Pliskova[17] vs. Anastasia Payluchenkova- This match is a complete toss up in terms of quality, it could be a complete cracker or a complete dud--personally I'm hoping for the former. Pliskova has been going from strength to strength this year and has shown that she is a real threat to anyone on tour. With one of the most ferocious serves in the women's game, and some of the steadiest groundies, she could well be heading for the top 10 in the near future. Her opponent, Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova, possesses a game that is about as complicated as her last name. When she is on, she has some of the hardest and most accurate shots in the game; but when she is off, unforced errors will be dotted about like candy wrappers on halloween night. Pavlyuchenkova likes the indoor courts and should be able to force this to a third, but thats where her challenge should end.
Prediction: Pliskova in three sets.
Popcorn match of the day:
Vera Zvonareva vs. Camilla Giorgi- This match could, and should, have everything--huge attacking play, deft touch, and gallant defense from both players. Giorgi, while small in stature, possess some of the biggest strikes in the games and she has been on blistering form this year taking Venus Williams to a tough three sets at the Australian open, and playing Antwerp finalist Carla Suarez-Navarro tight before falling in three as well. Zvonareva is a veteran on tour and is undoubtedly one of the most talented players out on the courts. Her resume includes two Slam finals and numerous years lodged solidly in the top 10. Having suffered from injuries the past few years she has been grafting her way back into the higher ranks of the game and 2015 has shown strong signs of resurgence from the Russian. I fully expect Giorgi to start like a house on fire and rush out of the gates, using her huge shots to take the first set with relative ease. However, Zvonareva is renowned for her counterr-punching play and should be able to weather Giorgi's power and squeak the second set. Look for a high drama and nerve filled third with Zvonareva wearing Giorgi down.
Predition: Zvonareva in three.
Other predictions:
Heather Watson def Kateryna Kozlova (2 sets)
Daniela Hantuchova[WC] def Mona Barthel (3 sets)
Venus Williams[8] def Belinda Bencic (2 sets)
Garbine Muguruza def Jarmilla Gajdosova[Q] (3 sets)
Elina Svitolina def CoCo Vandeweghe (2 sets)
Lucie Safarova[11] def Monica Puig (2 sets)
Kurumi Nara def Qiang Wang[Q] (2 sets)
Gabriela Dabrowski[Q] def Cagla Buyukakcay[WC] (3 sets)
Barbora Zahlavova Strycova def Yulia Beygilzimer[Q] (3 sets)
Hopefully my predictions turn out better than Kevin's :)
I look forward to your comments and thoughts.
Jess
Recap:
Can You believe that we are already 6 weeks into the new season? It's a strange notion that so soon after Serena's historic Australian open victory, the WTA is already back in full swing and heading toward the clay court season. Last week saw Andrea Petkovic, the resurgent and strong German, and Daniela Hantuchova, the slender yet talented Slovak, wrap up impressive tournament victories in Antwerp and Pattaya City respectively. Petkovic had a fantastic week and thoroughly deserved the final outcome, [even though she lost an exhibition to WTA legend and Antwerp tournament director: Kim Clijsters (due to finalist Carla Suarez-Navarro pulling out because of a neck injury before the final)]. She returns to the top 10 this week and her prospects for the rest of the season look great (if she can maintain her health.
Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships:
Heading into the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships both ladies could pose considerable threats to an extremely packed field. Dubai has been a consistent stop for a plethora of top ranked women over the years, but this year is extremely competitive with 7 of the worlds top 10 competing. A major inducing factor for these women is the 900 ranking points on offer this week as the WTA upgraded Dubai to a premier level 5 tournament, a prestigious honor that makes this one of the most important stops on the 2015 calendar. Headlining the field are Simona Halep, Petra Kvitova, Agnieszka Radwanska, and defending champion Venus Williams but several more women are out to stake their claim. The withdrawal of Serena Williams has undoubtedly left the top half of the draw wide open and should provide for some enthralling contests as talent clashes with talent, all hoping to get their chance at the coveted trophy.
The first day of the championships seemingly followed script, with the seeded players: Cornet [15], Pennetta [10], and Jankovic [15] all advancing to the second round with three sets wins. Other winners include: Pironkova, Diyas, Stosur, Kuznetsova, Bencic, Dellacqua, Lisicki, and Garcia. The most dangerous of the bunch may well be Caroline Garcia. The young French woman has had a strong start to the year and should be a stern test for 5th seed Aggie Radwanska in the second round. Look for an upset on day three in a popcorn match with Garcia progressing in a tight three set thriller. However, I am getting ahead of myself again. Lets have a look at the match ups for day two:
Matches to watch:
Elena Vesnina vs. Shuai Peng[16]- Vesnina possesses some of the characteristics that have taken many of her country women to Grand Slam glory. She has power, precision, and an annoying grunt to boot, yet she has not managed to break through on the WTA tour in a big way. Vesnina has not had the strongest start to the year but can never be counted out on a contest. Peng on the other hand is a girl with far fewer weapons than Vesnina. She is a crafty and very versatile player, who makes the most of what she has. Breaking through by reaching her first Slam Semi in New York last Summer, Peng has shown that she is not someone to take lightly on tour.
Prediction: Look for Peng to out think Vesnina and take this one in straight sets.
Karolina Pliskova[17] vs. Anastasia Payluchenkova- This match is a complete toss up in terms of quality, it could be a complete cracker or a complete dud--personally I'm hoping for the former. Pliskova has been going from strength to strength this year and has shown that she is a real threat to anyone on tour. With one of the most ferocious serves in the women's game, and some of the steadiest groundies, she could well be heading for the top 10 in the near future. Her opponent, Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova, possesses a game that is about as complicated as her last name. When she is on, she has some of the hardest and most accurate shots in the game; but when she is off, unforced errors will be dotted about like candy wrappers on halloween night. Pavlyuchenkova likes the indoor courts and should be able to force this to a third, but thats where her challenge should end.
Prediction: Pliskova in three sets.
Popcorn match of the day:
Vera Zvonareva vs. Camilla Giorgi- This match could, and should, have everything--huge attacking play, deft touch, and gallant defense from both players. Giorgi, while small in stature, possess some of the biggest strikes in the games and she has been on blistering form this year taking Venus Williams to a tough three sets at the Australian open, and playing Antwerp finalist Carla Suarez-Navarro tight before falling in three as well. Zvonareva is a veteran on tour and is undoubtedly one of the most talented players out on the courts. Her resume includes two Slam finals and numerous years lodged solidly in the top 10. Having suffered from injuries the past few years she has been grafting her way back into the higher ranks of the game and 2015 has shown strong signs of resurgence from the Russian. I fully expect Giorgi to start like a house on fire and rush out of the gates, using her huge shots to take the first set with relative ease. However, Zvonareva is renowned for her counterr-punching play and should be able to weather Giorgi's power and squeak the second set. Look for a high drama and nerve filled third with Zvonareva wearing Giorgi down.
Predition: Zvonareva in three.
Other predictions:
Heather Watson def Kateryna Kozlova (2 sets)
Daniela Hantuchova[WC] def Mona Barthel (3 sets)
Venus Williams[8] def Belinda Bencic (2 sets)
Garbine Muguruza def Jarmilla Gajdosova[Q] (3 sets)
Elina Svitolina def CoCo Vandeweghe (2 sets)
Lucie Safarova[11] def Monica Puig (2 sets)
Kurumi Nara def Qiang Wang[Q] (2 sets)
Gabriela Dabrowski[Q] def Cagla Buyukakcay[WC] (3 sets)
Barbora Zahlavova Strycova def Yulia Beygilzimer[Q] (3 sets)
Hopefully my predictions turn out better than Kevin's :)
I look forward to your comments and thoughts.
Jess
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