Roland Garros day 5: Anyone's title now

Upset of the previous day:

Garbine Muguruza def. Serena Williams 6-2 6-2

Shocking the tennis world with her early exit, Serena Williams was powerless to stop the sublime Garbine Muguruza from upsetting the world number one. The Spaniard hit her balls with conviction, stayed with Serena in the rallies, and forced the American to come up with the answers. Serena didn't. Well, Serena had an off day but she always fights to her last breath when she's not playing well. Garbine was superb in not letting up and calmly closed the match out with a service hold to love. Serena said that Garbine could win the tournament playing like this. Maybe not. However, the tennis world better take serious notes about this Spaniard who's bound to be one of the top players. For Serena, she'll be back with a vengeance on grass. Look out.

Schedule of play:

http://www.rolandgarros.com/en_FR/scores/schedule/index.html

Match focus:

Sloane Stephens vs. Polona Hercog

Sloane Stephens survives Peng, showing the fight that she's capable of. The American has made it a habit of performing well in Slams, and I think she will continue the trend here despite barely winning any matches before Paris. Polona has a handy clay court game, but her iffy mental strength will cause her problems. Stephens may be pushed, but she will eventually win the match.

Pick: Stephens in 3 sets

Camila Giorgi vs. Svetlana Kuznetsova

Former French Open champion Kuznetsova seems to be forgotten by the majority. The Russian has had solid results coming into the tournament and will be a dark horse for the title given how the draw has collapsed. She will have to deal with hard hitting Giorgi first. The Italian's game is not really suited for clay, but she powers her way to wins nevertheless. Kuznetsova's clay game should be enough to make Camila overhit and commit the errors. Experience will prevail here.

Pick: Kuznetsova in 2 sets

Maria-Teresa Torro-Flor vs. Magdalena Rybarikova

Rybarikova had a lucky first round, drawing a virtual bye in Urszula Radwanska. She will not be so lucky against the in-form Maria-Teresa. A recent titlelist in Portugal, the Spaniard is realising her potential by upsetting Klara in her first round. Armed with a gigantic forehand and growing up on the red surface will give Torro-Flor the advantage. Magdalena's game will be more suited for grass, which I'm sure she's already looking forward to.

Pick: Torro-Flor in 2 sets

Elina Svitolina vs. Ana Ivanovic

Ana Ivanovic came out of the Garcia challenge unscathed, with the Frenchwoman imploding. She will need to be careful of Svitolina though, as the Ukrainian is capable of fearless hitting. Ana's form is picking up, and will be an obvious pick for the second week. Can she keep up that intensity throughout 7 matches to win the title again? I doubt so. But she's making progress, and that should be commended given how much she struggled with her confidence for the last 5 years.

Pick: Ivanovic in 2 sets

Sure win bets: Jelena Jankovic, Petra Kvitova, Simona Halep, Sara Errani, Ekaterina Makarova
Upset alert: Magdalena Rybarikova, Alison Riske, Yanina Wickmayer, Kirsten Flipkens

Roland Garros day 3: Is Wozniacki in the right state of mind to play?

Upset of the previous day:

Pauline Parmentier def. Roberta Vinci 3-6 6-3 6-2

Roberta's troubles refuse to go away as she gets bounced out by someone who has absolutely done nothing for the past year. I though Vinci was better than this but losing to Parmentier is a new low. Apparently, Vinci seems to be injured and was barely moving at the end of the match. Still, it doesn't explain the weird losses she has suffered all year and the doubles success with Errani. If you're injured, your doubles results will also suffer (unless Sara does all the work). With this loss, Vinci is safely out of the top 20, and will look to slip further down if she continues her losing ways.

Schedule of play:

http://www.rolandgarros.com/en_FR/scores/schedule/index.html

Match focus:

Caroline Wozniacki vs. Yanina Wickmayer

Caroline Wozniacki is suffering from a different kind of injury: heartbreak. Her very public break up will definitely shake her confidence, but she has the pity of the mass public now. The problem is how much practice did she get before this match. She was nursing a wrist injury and if she's not 100%, she shouldn't be here. Wickmayer will definitely not beat Caroline if she's not injured. However, under such special circumstances, you have to favour the Belgian. Let's see if Caroline rushed back too early, or is eager to prove that she plays better tennis without distractions.

Pick: Wickmayer in 2 sets

Caroline Garcia vs. Ana Ivanovic

Ana Ivanovic has the misfortune of drawing one of the most dangerous floaters in the draw. Caroline Garcia is sky high in confidence after a recent run of good results, and will be hoping for success at home with a good run here. Ana is susceptible to early upsets that's for sure, and losing to Garcia isn;t exactly shameful. However, it remains to be seen if Garcia can handle to pressure of causing the upset. Ana just needs to impose her game on Garcia, make her panic. If she can do that, Caroline will succumb to the pressure.

Pick: Ivanovic in 3 tight sets

Klara Koukalova vs. Maria-Teresa Torro Flor

Like all Czech players, Klara is a mystery. You'll never know which Koukalova will show up. After winning her first title in god knows how many years, she went MIA again and has been barely winning matches. She will need to be ready as Maria-Teresa Torro-Flor can hit a mean ball. When given time, the Spaniard can unlease bombs with her forehand, If Klara doesn't hit enough deep balls, she'll be looking at another early exit. An upset here is possible.

Pick: Torro-Flor in 3 sets

Alisa Kleybanova vs. Simona Halep

A brutal draw for Alisa, who is playing somebody who loves to dismantle a slow hard-hitter. Simona has mastered the art of playing ball bashers with limited movement, and will be salivating at this encounter. Alisa's movement just isn't going to be sufficient against someone who gets almost everything back. Alisa will need to have a very good day when she paints all the lines and gets the first strike. If not, she's as good as out of the tournament.

Pick: Halep in 2 sets

Sure win bets: Li Na, Elina Svitolina, Ekaterina Makarova, Magdalena Rybarikova, Teliana Pereira
Upset alert: Klara Koukalova, Alison Riske, Caroline Wozniacki, Alexandra Cadantu, Barbora Strycova Zahlavova

Strasbourg, Nurnberg: Last event before Paris

Strasbourg order of play:

http://www.wtatennis.com/schedule/tournamentId/341/title/internationaux-de-strasbourg

Nurnberg order of play:

Not available

Match focus:

Maria-Teresa Torro-Flor vs. Madison Keys

Madison Keys took a set off Simona Halep in Rome, but collapsed totally after that. She will be facing an uphill task against Maria-Teresa, who is fresh off a title run in Portugal. The difference is mainly that the Spaniard likes playing on clay compared to Keys, who relies too much on her raw power than working out the points. Think Keys has a lot to learn in terms of maturing, so I predict a win for the Spaniard.

Pick: Torro-Flor in 2 sets

Elena Vesnina vs. Casey Dellacqua

No doubt about it, Vesnina is a more competent clay court player than Dellacqua. However, Casey has been playing good tennis for this year, and her confidence has given her results on her weakest surface as well. Elena will need to play her best tennis to see off the Aussie, whose lefty serve can pose a problem for Elena. I think this will be a close match, but Vesnina will probably edge out a win with a close 3 set win.

Pick: Vesnina in 3 sets

Jana Cepelova vs. Annika Beck

Both players are having a pretty dire clay court season, so whoever wins will probably be ousted the next round. Cepelova has practically disappeared after her Charleston run, which goes to show that her performance there is more fluke than substance. Beck is still her steady self, but goes down easily when she meets a quality opponent. I think Beck has the steady ground game. With both players having weak serves, it will be a break fest, with the German winning in 3 messy sets.

Pick: Beck in 3 sets

Oeiras day 3: Torro-Flor, the real deal?

Schedule of play:

http://www.wtatennis.com/schedule/tournamentId/292/title/portugal-open

Match focus:

Svetlana Kuznetsova vs. Maria-Teresa Torro-Flor

Marrakech champion Maria-Teresa Torro-Flor continues her winning streak here in Portugal. She will face a major test here with former French Open winner, Svetlana Kuznetsova. The Russian played extremely well in Stuttgart, losing in 3 tight sets to eventual finalist Ana Ivanovic. If Torro-Flor is the real deal, she will give Kuznetsova a good fight for her money. However, I think the vast experience of Svetlana will overcome the wild hitting of Maria-Teresa.

Pick: Kuznetsova in 2 sets

Jovanovski played well against Monica Puig in her opening match, but was lucky that Puig was broken while serving to stay in the set and the match. Vesnina is a more experienced opponent, so she will not suffer from the jitters. These 2 players are ranked relatively the same so it will be a close fight. The only thing that's in doubt is Vesnina's recent injury. If she's fully recovered, she should be able to clinch this.

Pick: Vesnina in 3 sets

Yanina Wickmayer vs. Roberta Vinci

With both players struggling with their forms, it can be a guaranteed horror show for this match. Yanina barely made it out of her first round against Urszula Radwanska, where she was helped majorly by the Pole. Against Vinci, she will have to step it up as Vinci is not playing club level tennis. The Italian might be struggling, but she did well against Cadantu in shorter rallies. If Yanina wants to win this, she needs to be patient and extend the rallies. The longer the rally goes, the more advantageous it will be for Yanina. However, given Wickmayer's wham-bam game, I doubt she will have the patience.

Pick: Vinci in 2 sets

Sure win bets: Kaia Kanepi, Carla Suarez Navarro
Upset alert: Ons Jabeur, Lucie Safarova

Stuttgart, Marrakech F: Surprise ending in store?

Maria Sharapova vs. Ana Ivanovic

From her shakiness in her first match to her demolition of Errani yesterday, you can say that Maria has been playing herself to form. She was ruthless in sweeping aside the Italian, and will be poised to go a perfect 12-0 here in Stuttgart. Ana will face an uphill task trying to dethrone Maria in this mood. Still, Ana has already won 2 titles this year, and goes in with renewed confidence. The 2 tennis beauties have met 9 times, with Sharapova winning 7. I wouldn't say it's a foregone conclusion though, as Ana is showing signs of her 2008 form. Still, I believe Maria wants this more, and will achieve a rare three-peat.

Pick: Sharapova in 3 sets

Romina Oprandi vs. Maria-Teresa Torro Flor

I honestly did not expect these 2 players to emerge as the eventual finalists here. Oprandi was contemplating retirement just last year with her recurring injuries and now, she has the best chance of clinching her first ever tour title. Torro Flor's big game looks to be coming well as she absolutely demolished Muguruza in her semi-final. It will be a contest of guile and power. Romina's vast experience will put her at an advantage, as she will frustrate Maria-Teresa with her variety. The Spanish will be cound to feel the pressure for her first final. Still, you'll never know as she can have a good day and just can't miss. I still believe the Swiss can win this to get her well deserved title.

Pick: Oprandi in 2 sets

Stuttgart, Marrakech SF: There's no stopping Sharapova now

Maria Sharapova vs. Sara Errani

Every time Sharapova meets Errani, she will destroy the diminutive Italian. Even at her most vulnerable state now, I don't think this will change. Sara only benefited from a retirement from Carla, who unfortunately injured herself. The Italian plays her best tennis on clay, but her best just doesn't match up to Sharapova.

Pick: Sharapova in 2 sets

Jelena Jankovic vs. Ana Ivanovic

What was supposed to be a first round match became a semi-final, after Cibulkova withdrew from the event. Ana and Jelena have a long history and their matches have always been entertaining. I do not expect anything different here. Jankovic does seem to have a problem playing Ana though, as she gets too defensive and hopes that Ivanovic will implode. Conversely, Ana seems to raise her level when playing her countrywoman. Given how hard Ivanovic fought this week, I will give the edge to Ana. She is showing signs of her 2008 form and if she continues like this, she can be a dark horse for Roland Garros.

Pick: Ivanovic in 3 sets

Daniela Hantuchova vs. Romina Oprandi

Daniela didn't have to hit a single ball in her quarter-final against Peng, Looks like the Chinese will never win a singles title. The top seed will face the wily Oprandi, whose game works the best on clay. Romina has been plagued with injuries throughout her career, which is a pity as her game is fun to watch with plenty of variety. Daniela has won their only match on clay in 2011, so I believe Hantuchova has the advantage. She just has to be aggressive and not engage in gruelling rallies with the Italian.

Pick: Hantuchova in 2 sets

Maria-Teresa Torro Flor vs. Garbine Muguruza

Anyone who has watched Maria-Teresa Torro Flor play before will agree that she has a monstrous forehand. The problem with it is that it only lands in half of the time. She doesn't have the discipline to know when to pull the trigger. Looks like she's beginning to get that under control now as she advances to her first semi-final of her career. Her opponent will be daunting though, as Muguruza seeks her second title of the year. Garbine has been on a losing streak after choking her lead in Florianopolis, but has rebounded nicely here. If she keeps her game in check, I don't see why she cannot make her 3rd final of the year.

Pick: Muguruza in 2 sets

Miami day 2: Bumper day of matches

Schedule of play:

http://www.wtatennis.com/schedule/tournamentId/837/title/sony-open-tennis

Match focus:

Christina McHale vs. Zheng Jie

This will be the pair's first meeting, which is quite a surprise given that these 2 have been on tour for a relatively long time. Only 3 ranking spots separate these 2, so it's difficult to say for sure who's the favourite. As of current form, I would give the edge to Christina. She reached the finals in Acapulco, and lost a tight match against an in form Dellacqua. Zheng was pretty bad in her match against Li, but hopefully she'll do better here. A close match should be in the cards, with the American winning.

Pick: McHale in 3 sets

Maria-Teresa Torro Flor vs. Andrea Petkovic

For a former top 10 player, Petkovic is really struggling to find her level again. She has been abysmal so far this year, losing to players she should be beating. She gets a soft draw here, with Torro-Flor winning only 2 matches so far this year. Granted that one of her wins was against Kerber, Torro-Flor had a good day and was immediately brought down to earth the next day. Petkovic just needs to get that extra ball back and make Torro-Flor rush. If the German loses this, it might spell big trouble.

Pick: Petkovic in 2 sets

Nadia Petrova vs. Urszula Radwanska

Nadia Petrova retired from her first round match in Indian Wells, which might indicate that she's not fully fit for this match. Pity because this is a winnable match for the Russian, as Radwanska is fresh in her comeback and is extremely rusty. If her body holds up, I believe Nadia has the game to take apart Urszula. However, with that worrying retirement, I don't believe she can get the job done.

Pick: Radwanska in 3 sets

Zheng Shuai vs. Lauren Davis

Zhang Shuai is nursing an injury, so Lauren will be the favourite here. Davis must be one of the most unlucky players on tour, having being stung by a wasp, and suffering from a stomach upset after her biggest win. One week should be enough for her to recover and take out the Chinese. Both players play a relatively same game, but Davis will be higher in confidence, and getting the home crowd support.

Pick: Davis in 2 sets

Peng Shuai vs. Karolina Pliskova

Peng's focus has been on doubles for a while now, so Pliskova has a chance here to topple the Chinese. Karolina is armed with a huge serve, but just needs to be more imaginative with her groundstrokes. Peng will need to defend her serve well and hope for a lapse of concentration from the Czech. With their recent form, I think Karolina will win this encounter, but Peng will definitely give a good fight.

Pick: Pliskova in 2 tight sets

Sure win bets: Madison Keys, Alison Riske, Mona Barthel, Karin Knapp, Yvonne Meusburger
Upset alert: Alexandra Cadantu, Marina Erakovic, Peng Shuai, Zheng Jie, Zhang Shuai