Alize Cornet def. Serena Williams 1-6 6-3 6-4
Following the exit of Li Na, Serena follows her footsteps in yet another early Grand Slam loss. Serena's powerful game was just missing. Her imposing game which is so effective on grass is gone. Her confidence is shot. Something is wrong and Serena knows it. The American came into the tournament full of confidence and was all serious when talking about her game. This is a major setback for Serena, with her aura of invincibility diminishing. It will be interesting to see how she performs in the US Open series. Let's hope this shocking loss will finally spur her into action.
Schedule of play:
http://www.wimbledon.com/en_GB/scores/schedule/index.html
Match focus:
Alize Cornet vs. Eugenie Bouchard
Eugenie Bouchard may become the only player to reach 3 successive slam semi-finals this year with Serena Williams being ousted. Alize Cornet's run is surprising, especially on grass, but Bouchard should be able to take care of the Frenchwoman. Eugenie looks set to taste top 10 success this year with her stellar results so far. She's also living up to the expectations, which not many rising tennis players can claim. I believe she will win this, and make another breakthrough in her young career.
Pick: Bouchard in 2 sets
Angelique Kerber vs. Maria Sharapova
With Serena out of the way, Sharapova suddenly becomes the number 1 favourite to clinch the title. Her transition from clay to grass has been impressive, with her barely losing games so far. Kerber will be a tougher test with her pesky play, but Maria should be up for the task. Angelique's weak serve is begging to be punished on this surface, and Maria will spare her no mercy. All the Russian needs to do is to take care of her own service and she will be fine.
Pick: Sharapova in 2 sets
Petra Kvitova vs. Peng Shuai
Well well, look who's in the second week of a grand slam. Peng Shuai reaches her first 4th round in a Slam since 2012 right her in Wimbledon. This run is surprising especially with her poor form recently and her focus on doubles. Peng has the game to thrive on grass, but her opponent is just even more lethal than her. Kvitova's game is devastating in Wimbledon, and not even the great Venus Williams can stop her. If Petra continues her striking, she might end up winning the title again. Sorry Peng, but a 4th round appearance is good enough.
Pick: Kvitova in 2 sets
Ekaterina Makarova vs. Agnieszka Radwanska
Even though Makarova dumped Radwanska out in last year's US Open, I believe Agnieszka is not going to repeat the same mistake this time. Ekaterina has a handy game on grass, but with the courts being slower this year, it give Radwanska the advantage to make Makarova move around the court. Look out for Agnieszka's deft drop shots which has been so effective this year throughout the tournament.
Pick: Radwanska in 2 sets
Sure win bets: Caroline Wozniacki, Lucie Safarova
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