Monday 19 August 2013

New Haven day 2: Future seems bright for Puig

Match focus:

Elena Vesnina vs. Angelique Kerber



Angelique Kerber is dropping down the rankings and she's at her lowest in 2 years at number 10 now. Will Vesnina stand a chance against the shaky German? Vesnina has had a stellar year for her standards, winning 2 titles so far. I will not be surprised if Elena manages to upset Angelique here. However, the German will fight her way through the match, no matter how badly she is playing. Maybe she has a chance if she gets into Vesnina's head.

Pick: Kerber in 3 sets

Klara Zakopalova vs. Monica Puig



Monica Puig has the game and youth, while Zakopalova has the experience. Who will prevail? I expect big things from the big hitting Puerto Rican. Her game is simple yet effective. Against someone like Klara who's a flat hitter, Monica should be careful and not be drawn into a power hitting competition. She should mix things up, unlike Cibulkova who only knows how to play one game.

Pick: Puig in 3 sets

Annika Beck vs. Petra Kvitova


Urszula Radwanska withdrew due to a viral illness and is replaced by Annika Beck. Great news for Petra, as Urszula and Annika play relatively similar games. Both players don't rely on pure power and mostly just grinds their opponents down. Petra shouldn't have any problems dismantling Beck.

Pick: Kvitova in 2 sets

Sabine Lisicki vs. Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova


Seems like the only way Pavlyuchenkova can win is by drawing unknown wildcards and retirements. Sorana's unfortunate retirement sends the Russian into the 2nd round, where she will face the Wimbledon finalist Sabine Lisicki. The German seems to be back on track with a win in her first round. And when's she on track, she will plough through the field regardless of the opposition. Against a fragile Pavlyuchenkova, a win is almost guaranteed.

Pick: Lisicki in 2 sets

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