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)
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