Australian Open Day 3: Sam's exit?

Schedule:

http://www.australianopen.com/en_AU/scores/schedule/index.html

Match focus:

Zheng Jie vs. Samantha Stosur

Samantha got out of jail in her first round. Will her second round be easier? Zheng Jie just defeated Stosur last week in Sydney and will take that win as a confidence booster. Samantha should win this easily, but her game just cannot click in Australia. If somehow Samantha connects with her kick serve, she can trouble the short Chinese on her return games. Knowing Samantha, she won't do that. Instead, she will make life difficult for herself and for the Aussie fans out there.

Pick: Zheng in 3 sets

Madison Keys vs. Tamira Paszek

Another player who got out of jail. Tamira Paszek has Voegele to thank for her win in the first round. Stephanie crumbled under the pressure and gifted the match to her. However, Madison Keys isn't as forgiving. Keys has already had a good run in Sydney last week, pushing Li Na to 3 tight sets. She looks primed to continue her good form. Tamira's run should end here.

Pick: Keys in 2 sets

Ksenia Pervak vs. Heather Watson

Needing 3 sets to defeat Cadantu isn't a good thing. Pervak will be the firm favourite after her showing in Brisbane and upset win over Barthel in the first round. Watson seems to be bothered by her elbow injury but it was enough to beat Cadantu. It will definitely not be sufficient to topple Ksenia, so the Brit's campaign should end here too.

Pick: Pervak in straight sets

Julia Goerges vs. Romina Oprandi

Attempting to predict another Julia Goerges match? I must be crazy. Julia's theme song should be Katy Perry's Hot n Cold because you'll never know what's going to happen with this girl. One thing's for sure, Romina Oprandi will give her living hell with her junk. Oprandi is well known for slicing and drop-shotting her opponents when they least expect it. Julia needs to get ready to run because that's what Romina is capable of doing. I doubt Julia will have the patience to hang around with the Swiss, so an upset might happen here.

Pick: Oprandi in 3 sets

Venus Williams vs. Alize Cornet

Venus demolished her previous opponent and looks good to advance to a third round clash with Sharapova. Alize Cornet attempts to thwart her plans, but it seems highly unlikely. Cornet's shots do not penetrate the court enough to trouble Venus. However, there is very much a possibility that Williams is affected by her illness tomorrow. That's the only chance that Alize has. Even when down with her illness, you can be sure that Venus will fight to the bitter end.

Pick: Williams in 2 sets

Sure win bets: Maria Sharapova, Ana Ivanovic, Dominika Cibulkova, Ekaterina Makarova, Marion Bartoli
Upset alert: Samantha Stosur, Heather Watson, Tamira Paszek, Julia Goerges