Wednesday 29 May 2013

Roland Garros day 5: Kvitova in trouble

Upset of the previous day:

Bojana Jovanovski def. Caroline Wozniacki 7-6 6-3


So history did repeat itself. Caroline Wozniacki is just a sad shadow of her former self and lost tamely to Jovanovski. Let's not kid ourselves. The only reason she's in the second round is because Laura couldn't keep the ball in. Once Caroline meets someone who can consistently outhit her, she's a goner. I've heard that she's still with her father as a coach despite rumors of her getting a new one. Whatever it is, she needs to change something because this downward spiral is getting ugly.

Schedule of play:

http://www.rolandgarros.com/en_FR/scores/schedule/index.html

Match focus:

Francesca Schiavone vs. Kirsten Flipkens


Flipkens faces another Italian veteran here in the second round. Flavia faded badly after clinching the first set in clinical style, but that isn't going to happen with Schiavone Despite being in her 30s, the Italian's fitness is undoubted. Flipkens should count herself lucky that Pennetta ran out of energy. Schiavone is a seasoned clay courter and should outsmart the Belgian.

Pick: Schiavone in 2 sets

Marion Bartoli vs. Mariana Duque Marino



Marion Bartoli escaped from jail in her first round. Will she be able to replicate it this time? In case you're thinking that Mariana Duque Marino is  pushover, she's actually quite a good claycourter with a title to her resume. However, Marion is back with her father as a coach and seemed to be clicking well in her fighting mentality. So despite not playing well, Marion should be buoyed by the home crowd and squeak out another win.

Pick: Bartoli in 3 sets

Petra Kvitova vs. Peng Shuai



Petra Kvitova has completely lost the plot. Struggling against a clearly out of shape Rezai is very worrying. She is only banking on her aura as a top player to squeeze out wins but how long will that last? Peng Shuai is coming off an impressive week in Brussels where she reached the finals. Will she be ready to topple the towering Czech? Although Peng has upset a few top players before, her weak mentality is always a problem. I would love to see Peng succeed but I don't think she's ready. She might take a set, but Kvitova will emerge the eventual winner.

Pick: Kvitova in 3 sets

Sure win bets: Samantha Stosur, Maria Sharapova, Victoria Azarenka
Upset alert: Kirsten Flipkens

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