Li Na will face another big server with huge groundstrokes in this intriguing quarter-finals. In terms of form, Li looks better. However, the crazy Czech will always complicate things by play 3 setters against all her opponents. Li, please teach her a lesson on how to focus and not make your fans suffer.
Pick: Li in 2 sets
Serena Williams vs. Caroline Wozniacki
Call it lack of motivation or pure laziness, the slam winning Serena Williams is just not here. Against players that she owned in her previous matches, Serena is sluggish and played longer than necessary. Against Caroline, she will be in trouble with her lazy footwork. Look out for the upset here as the Dane tries to secure her year-end championship place.
Jelena Jankovic vs. Lucie Safarova
Wow... Jelena looks to be in the form of her life by dismissing Suarez Navarro with the dreaded double bagel. Against Lucie who barely scraped through her match against Petkovic, she is the firm favourite to win this. Lucie needs to serve well and take control of the point from the first ball. Tough task for her after a long drawn match.
Pick: Jankovic in 2 sets
Agnieszka Radwanska vs. Angelique Kerber
A rematch of their Tokyo quarter-final clash, Radwanska will be eager to take revenge for that loss. Being the smart player that she is, she will definitely come in with a game plan and work on the mistakes she committed earlier in Tokyo. Kerber will be confident as well, defeating her just last week. Whatever it is, this will be a good match. Maybe Kerber wants it more with the YEC place hanging on the thread.
Pick: Kerber in 3 sets
I think that it is a bit misleading to assume that Jankovic is in the form of her life and thus looks the right pick. A true measurement Of Jelena's form lies in the game against Voskoboeva where she luckily hung on. Moving that form forward to the Navarro match in comparison clearly says something more about Carla's disinterest in the game than any conceivable superlative form of Jelena. In this modern era of fixing one can clearly understand why anyone in their normal senses would go through receiving two bagels with no intention of fighting or defaulting. Madness! or perhaps not, if it served the purpose. Safarova is really the player with the blistering progressive form.....and is clearly dangerous. To even suggest her not getting a set is a faux pas; and I feel certain that I will not be eating my words. I will reverse your prediction and say Safarova to win probably in two quick sets. There is a school of thought that Jelena will just not show up.
ReplyDeletelol... I have no doubt about Lucie's ability and recent form. But do that note that Lucie just had an ultra close and long 3 set match. Jankovic had a bye and will be definitely fresher. However, as always, it's tough to predict Lucie's matches as you don't know which one will appear! Thanks for the comment anyway! :)
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