Results:
Serena def Azarenka 64 64
Not the titanic clash I predicted but it nearly was with Vika up a double break in the 2nd set before Serena stormed back. Serena tops her group and heads to the semi finals. Serena is playing herself into form and this win proves once and for all that she is the best player of 2012. She served big and went for her shots. Vika had her chances in the second set but couldn't capitalise. Now she'll need to beat Li Na to clinch a semi final berth.
Errani def Stosur 63 26 60
Errani proves she belongs to this field with her first victory at the YEC. In the process, she keeps alive her hopes to qualify for the semi finals. Stosur must be disappointed with this loss and she clearly has the weapons to defeat the plucky Italian. Nonetheless, credit must be given to Errani for grinding out this victory and proving she's one of the best players in 2012.
Li def Kerber 64 63
Li puts herself back in contention for a semi final berth with this victory. Kerber, a step slow after yesterday's grueling marathon match, had no answer the Chinese players power. While she remained without a victory this week, Kerber proved that she was one of the best players this year. Li, will be keen to qualify for the semi finals if she can beat Azarenka, something she has actually done a few times.
Predictions:
Sharapova vs Stosur
If Stosur can't beat Errani, I don't think she has a chance against Sharapova. Sharapova has owned Stosur througout her career and I don't see this going any other way. Maria will be keen to top her group so as to avoid Serena before the finals and also to keep her hopes of ending the year number one alive. Sharapova has too much power and will attack the Stosur backhand as she cruises to victory.
Pick: Sharapova in 2 sets.
Radwanska vs Errani
In a winner takes all match, the winner her will see herself facing Serena Williams in the semi finals. Errani doesn't have the fire power to hurt Radwanska who is probably the only player in the field with better defense than the Italian. Radwanksa however, will struggle with the lack of pace which she needs as she cannot generate as much power without using the pace of bigger opponents. Both players need to come to the net to finish the point if they want to win this match. However, in the end, Radwanska will likely have too much variety and guile for the Italian. Look for many long grueling rallies as both players patiently wait for the other the pull the trigger and hopefully misfire.
Pick: Radwanska in 3 long sets
Li vs Azarenka
Another winner takes all match sees the world number one playing a very dangerous Li. will be hungry for a victory following her disappointing loss to Serena yesterday. Li on the other hand has momentum with her win over Kerber yesterday. Azarenka has to play percentage tennis and wait for the erratic Li to miss while herself wait for the opening to hit winners, especially off her strong backhand. While Li boast a good head to head against Azarenka, she has not beaten the Belarusian this year. Expect a nervous start from both players, but Azarenka, riding confidence from her breakthrough 2012 will settle sooner and take this match as well as the year end number one ranking.
Pick: Azarenka in 2 sets.
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