Tuesday 12 March 2013

Indian Wells day 7: Battle of the in-form Czechs

Schedule of play:

Lara Arruabarrena-Vecino vs. Maria Sharapova
Victoria Azarenka vs. Urszula Radwanska
Nadia Petrova vs. Caroline Wozniacki
Sara Errani vs. Marion Bartoli
Maria Kirilenko vs. Agnieszka Radwanska
Angelique Kerber vs. Garbine Muguruza
Petra Kvitova vs. Klara Zakopalova

Match focus:

Nadia Petrova vs. Caroline Wozniacki


In their last meeting, Nadia Petrova annihilated Caroline Wozniacki in Sofia. Will the veteran reign supreme again? Caroline's game has been exposed by so many players that it's baffling to think that she was the world number 1 less than one and a half years ago. Look out for Nadia to dictate play and put away balls at the net. Caroline needs her wheels to be working extra time to have a chance against the Russian.

Pick: Petrova in 2 tight sets

Sara Errani vs. Marion Bartoli


The winning-est player on tour, Sara Errani seems to never tire. After bombing out early in Australia, Errani went on a rampage and won a title with 2 final appearances. Marion seems to be back on track with new coach, Jana Novotna in her box. Will Errani be able to withstand Bartoli's firepower? Or will the steady game of Errani undo Bartoli? Bartoli is a streaky player, so once she hits her stride, it'll be difficult to stop her. This will be a tough match which I believe Marion might cause an upset.

Pick: Bartoli in 3 sets

Petra Kvitova vs. Klara Zakopalova


An all-Czech clash here as 2 in-form countrywomen face off for a place in the quarter-finals. Kvitova is struggling in all her matches so far but has emerged victorious. Will Klara be the one to stop her winning streak? Klara should be a bit sore at being left out of the Fed Cup team in favour of the slumping Lucie Safarova. So a win here will be a huge deal for her, proving that she is the real deal. Petra needs to serve well for a win. When her serve is clicking, everything else falls into place.

Pick: Kvitova in 3 sets

Sure win bets: Maria Sharapova, Victoria Azarenka, Angelique Kerber
Upset alert: Sara Errani, Caroline Woznaicki

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