Acapulco, Florianopolis day 3: Zhang impresses against Keys

Acapulco schedule:

http://www.wtatennis.com/schedule/tournamentId/87/title/abierto-mexicano-telcel

Florianopolis schedule:

http://www.wtatennis.com/schedule/tournamentId/3024/title/brasil-tennis-cup

Match focus:

Aleksandra Wozniak vs. Zhang Shuai

Madison Keys wastes another chance at going far by throwing away a winnable match against Shuai. She was up a double break in the third set but somehow managed to lose it despite her huge serve. Kudos to Zhang for roughing it out but Keys has to stop losing matches like this. The Chinese now faces Wozniak, whose career has been interrupted numerous times by injuries. Given how she took out Madison, I think Shuai can win this if she keeps the same level up. She just has to keep making Wozniak hit that extra ball, and exploit the Canadian's lack of match practice. 

Pick: Zhang in 3 sets

Julia Goerges vs. Kaia Kanepi

There are small signs that indicate Goerges is back, but she reminds us of her dire form with some unexpected losses. It's tough to predict which Julia will appear, but she was exquisite in her demolition of the Mexican wildcard. That should give her the confidence boost. Kanepi struggled against Cepelova, so I think Julia does stand a chance. 

Pick: Goerges in 3 sets

Alexandra Dulgheru vs Teliana Pereira

The long road back continues for Alexandra, as she tries to get her ranking back into the top 30. When she was at her peak, Dulgheru is a pesky counterpuncher who doesn't give up. Alas, injury set in due to the nature of her game, and she's been struggling since. Against Pereira, Alexandra has to take the initiative and be the aggressor. Given her experience, I don't think she has a problem, the question is, will her body hold up? Pereira does have the homecrowd behind her and if she can hang in long enough, she might escape with a win. Still, I think experience will triumph, barring any injury from Dulgheru of course.

Pick: Dulgheru in 3 sets

Sure win bets: Monica Niculescu, Eugenie Bouchard, Bojana Jovanovski
Upset alert: Paula Ormaechea, Christina McHale, Kaia Kanepi