Rome: Day 4 preview

Big news! Following her victory against Shahar Peer, Vika withdrew due to shoulder problems. Which means Cibulkova gets a free pass to the QF!

 Day 4 matches are as follows:
 (WC) Venus Williams vs. (5) Samantha Stosur
(2) Maria Sharapova vs. (13) Ana Ivanovic
(4) Petra Kvitova vs. Sorana Cirstea
(8) Li Na vs. Chanelle Scheepers
Petra Cetkovska vs. Flavia Pennetta
(9) Serena Williams vs. Anabel Medina Garrigues
(12) Angelique Kerber vs. Julia Goerges

 Match focus: (12) Angelique Kerber vs. Julia Goerges

Battle of the Germans here in this 3rd clash. Kerber, the new German number one is looking to break into the top 10 soon and will be eager to stamp her authority against fellow German, Goerges. However, clay is not Kerber's preferred surface while it is Julia's playground. Julia was impressive against Marion Bartoli in the previous round and barring injury, looks set to continue her good play on clay. Mentally, you have to favour Kerber. Her impressive form this year has seen her eek out hard fought wins. Game-wise Julia's big kick serve and heavy forehand is more lethal on the red clay. I expect an evenly and well-fought match. 

Pick: Julia must win in 2 sets. If it goes into a third, Angelique will win.


(2) Maria Sharapova vs. (13) Ana Ivanovic

WTA's poster girls meet in this exciting 3rd round clash. I'm sure the stadium will be filled with salivating fanboys! LOL... This is red clay, where Ana dished a thrashing in 2007 to Maria in the Roland Garros SF. But it has to be noted that this is no longer the same Ana. Although impressive so far in her wins, you have to doubt her mental strength as she is prone to wilter under pressure these days. On the other hand, Maria has been scrappy with her play but no one is mentally tougher than this Russian lass (well, maybe Serena). I hope this doesn't end up like their last meeting in Indian Wells where Ana had to retire.

Pick: Sharapova in 3 tight sets.

 (5) Samantha Stosur vs. (WC) Venus Williams

Big servers slog it out in this intriguing match-up. Venus picked up her play massively in the 2nd set against Makarova and looked her best since her comeback. Let's hope that she carries this form into this match. Samantha is quietly advancing through the draw like always. However, I do believe that her chances against Venus are slim. Samantha's kick serve to the backhand will not bother Venus. She will be happily slapping them for return winners. Also, Sam's off forehand will be directed to Venus's trusty weapon, her backhand. As long as Venus is healthy, I think she will win.

Pick: Venus in straight sets

 (4) Petra Kvitova vs. Sorana Cirstea

Anyone who watched Petra's last match will be thinking, "Are you sure she won Wimbledon?". Petra's performance was awful and if she's facing anyone not named Pavlyuchenkova, she would have been been packing. This year was poised to be Petra's breakout year but it was not meant to be. Marred by inconsistency, Petra instead let Vika steal the limelight. However, I'm sure Petra practiced for hours after that disgraceful display. Sorry Sorana, but this match result solely lies in which Petra will turn up.

Pick: Petra in 3 error-ridden sets