Barbora Strycova Zahlavova def. Li Na 7-6(5) 7-6(5)
Li Na has once again been ousted before the 2nd week with an inspired performance by Barbora. The Czech player served well, and ventured to the net behind strong approach shots. Li can only concede defeat to a player who played better than her. Strycova is stringing a nice grass season, with a final showing in Birmingham and now a 4th round. Let's see if she can continue her form and live up to her hype when she was a junior player.
Schedule of play:
http://www.wimbledon.com/en_GB/scores/schedule/index.html
Match focus:
Serena Williams vs. Alize Cornet
Alize Cornet claimed the biggest win of her career earlier this year in Dubai against Serena Williams. The American will be hungry for revenge this time, on her favourite surface. On grass, there is no contest. Alize's shots do not bounce as high as clay or hard courts, giving Serena ample time to hit them in her sweet spot. Add that with Serena's formidable serve, it's au revoir Cornet.
Pick: Williams 2 sets
Ana Ivanovic vs. Sabine Lisicki
Defending finalist Sabine Lisicki will face her first big test against recent Birmingham winner, Ana Ivanovic. The Serbian has been winning matches regularly this year, and will be the favourite here. However, Sabine clearly adores the green turf of Wimbledon. Can she put up another inspired performance and upset the more accomplished Ana. First, she'll have to attack Ana's second serves, and put up a strong service game. If Ana has doubts in her head, it'll be Sabine's chance. Still, I believe the volatile Sabine has too much pressure on her shoulders this year, and will succumb to the expectations.
Pick: Ivanovic in 3 sets
Vera Zvonareva vs. Zarina Diyas
Look who's back in the 3rd round of Wimbledon! Vera certainly surprised me, (and maybe herself) with 2 wins in a row. The former finalist will be very happy with her results now, and has a winnable match here in her hands. Zarina is still young and inexperienced, so the Russian has to seize the opportunity here and get herself into the 2nd week. Still, Diyas game is compact and will pose a threat. Vera will need to cover the court well and force Zarina to come up with the winner.
Pick: Zvonareva in 2 sets
Andrea Petkovic vs. Eugenie Bouchard
Surprisingly, Eugenie has never beaten Petkovic in 3 tries. However, their last 2 matches were very close, and Andrea only won by the smallest margin. This time, I believe Bouchard will be ready for Petkovic. Given that Andrea's game doesn't really match well with grass, Eugenie's game of taking the ball early will have the advantage. Another plus point for Eugenie is that she's winning her matches despite not playing her best tennis. This is a mark of a top player. Still, I think it will be a close one.
Pick: Bouchard in 3 sets
Sure win bets: Madison Keys, Serena Williams, Simona Halep, Maria Sharapova
Upset alert: Zarina Diyas,
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