Moscow, Luxembourg QF: Unseeded players galore

Moscow schedule of play:

http://www.wtatennis.com/schedule/tournamentId/664/title/kremlin-cup-by-bank-of-moscow

Match focus:

Alison Riske vs. Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova

Alison Riske comes off her Tianjin title with renewed confidence, having won the title there all by herself. She will be looking forward to extending her winning streak against Pavlyuchenkova. The Russian can play a good game, followed by 4 heinous errors. You'll never know what Pavlyuchenkova's level is. Riske's level of play is surprisingly high, evidenced by her easy first round match. An upset here is possible.

Pick: Riske in 3 sets

Dominika Cibulkova vs. Vitalia Diatchenko

Cibulkova needs to win this match to ensure her alternate status in Singapore. Why is this important to her? Well, just by being an alternate, she will get a good pay cheque without having to hit a single ball. However, with her recent dire form, nothing is concrete. I mean, who loses a match to a 15 year old girl? Dominika looks lost on the courts, but is lucky enough to draw a lowly ranked Diatchenko. Vitalia had a few main draw appearances in the past, but was sidelined by injury. I don't think she's capable of upsetting the top seed, but she can make it close.

Pick: Cibulkova in 3 sets

Johanna Larsson vs. Barbora Zahlavova Strycova

With the top seeds out, the pressure is on Barbora Zahlavova Strycova to live up to her seeding and win the title. Against Larsson, I'm sure Barbora is confident of her chances. The Swede cannot just depend on her forehand to win matches. Strycova's all court game will test Johanna's backhand, and cruise to an easy victory.

Pick: Zahlavova Strycova in 2 sets

Sure win bets: Varvara Lepchenko, Annika Beck, Kristina Mldaenovic
Upset alert: Tsvetana Pironkova, Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova

Linz, Osaka, Tianjin finals: Riske claims her maiden crown

Linz finals:

Karolina Pliskova def. Camila Giorgi 6-7(4) 6-3 7-6(4)

Camila Giorgi certainly has to rein down her ultra aggressive game, and stengthen up her mental game because she just gives away too many free points. Pliskova served well and had some goo returns, but Camila's game is just too hit or miss to really win anything significant. Giorgi came all the way from 1-5 down and wasted a match point on Pliskova's serve, showing how up and down her game is. Hopefully she will find a middle ground for her game as when she's nervous and piling up the errors, she's already putting herself at a disadvantage. With this win, Pliskova bolsters her chance of making the mini-YEC in Sofia, and with some steady results in slams, I'm sure Karolina will be a staple hold in the top 20.

Osaka finals:

Samatha Stosur def. Zarina Diyas 7-6(7) 6-3

As expected, Stosur claims her 3rd title in Osaka, defending her title from last year. Samantha always does well in this tournament, and will be looking to qualify for the mini-YEC in Sofia as well. Diyas played well for her first final, but losing the first set in such a tight manner did her in. If Zarina somehow edged out the first set, I'm sure she will be more confident of her chances. Nevertheless, it's been a stellar year for the young Kazakh, going from outside the top 100 to firmly in the top 40. I believe she can be a steady top 30 player if she keeps up her form.

Tianjin finals:

Alison Riske def. Belinda Bencic 6-3 6-4

Belinda Bencic must be too nervous at the aspect of becoming the youngest winner since 2006. She was not her steady best, while Alison just had to be solid with her game. The American had an uneven season this year, but her last season form has been solid, culminating in her maiden title run. Alison's game is still a bit hit and miss for me, so it'll be interesting to see how she follows up after this triumph. As for Belinda, time is on her side, so 2015 will be an exciting year for her after her first full season.

Linz. Osaka, Tianjin final: 3 peat for Stosur

Linz final:

Camila Giorgi vs. Karolina Pliskova

Karolina Pliskova is having a very good season, making her 5th final of the year. She faces the hard hitting Giorgi, whose all-or-nothing game seems to be tailored to the fast indoor surface. Giorgi will be hunting for her first title, so there will definitely be nerves. When the Italian gets nervous, the only way she knows how to deal with it is to hit harder. Sometimes it pays off, sometimes it doesn't. Against Pliskova's hige serve, I am leaning towards the Czech player as she has a more powerful and reliable serve compared to the Italian's erratic one. However, you'll never know which Giorgi will show up.

Pick: Pliskova in 3 sets

Osaka final:

Samantha Stosur vs. Zarina Diyas

Osaka is Samantha's favourite hunting ground. She always seem to find her game in this Japanese city, having won her first title and kickstarted her last season revival last year. I think Stosur will be poised to win her 3rd title here as Diyas is making her final debut and will definitely be nervous. Stosur's game doesn't work well against tall hard hitting players, which Diyas is neither. The Kazakh is more of a scrappy counterpuncher, who can be overpowered. Stosur's spinny and unorthodox game will be difficult for the young rising star to deal with.

Pick: Stosur in 2 sets

Tianjin final:

Alison Riske vs. Belinda Bencic

Both final debutantes, I believe this final will be a nervy affair. Bencic is trying to be the youngest title winner since 2006 at 16 years old. Not too sure whether is will spur her on or add pressure to her shoulders, but I think the calm Swiss Miss has the more well-rounded game. Riske's game is a pleasure when it's on, but when she feels the pressure, she can spray the balls all over the court. Bencic's more steady and counterpunching game is more dependable, and will be the slight favourite to capture her first title.

Pick: Bencic in 2 sets

Linz, Osaka, Tianjin SF: Rising stars mke SF debut

Linz schedule of play:

http://www.wtatennis.com/schedule/tournamentId/461/title/generali-ladies-linz

Osaka schedule of play:

http://www.wtatennis.com/schedule/tournamentId/340/title/japan-womens-open-tennis

Tianjin schedule of play:

http://www.wtatennis.com/schedule/tournamentId/3783/title/tianjin-open--tianjin-china

Match focus:

Anna-Lena Friedsam vs. Karolina Pliskova

I cannot comment much on Anna-Lena's game as I have honestly never seen her play before. The young German rising star has had a dream run to her semi-final debut, and will be facing the in-form Karolina Pliskova. Judging by Pliskova's form in recent months, it's a tough task for the youngster to stage another upset. The fast indoor surface suits Pliskova's huge serve, so Friedsam will need to go for her own shots more. I believe Karolina will win this and reach yet another final, her 5th this year.

Pick: Pliskova in 2 sets

Zarina Diyas vs. Luksika Kumkhum

Both these players were nominated for the Rising Stars poll to play in a mini-exhibition in Singapore, and Diyas made it to the top 2 in the Asia Pacific region. However, judging by recent form, I would have to say Kumkhum does stand a chance. Luksika's all-or-nothing game has been reaping rewards for her, capturing a gold medal in Asian games doubles and a silver in singles. If she continues to hit the lines and play with courage, she can hit the slightly underpowered Diyas off the court. Zarina will really need to be patient and "push" to irritate the Thai. With her maturing game and rising ranking, I think Diyas will eventually find a way to overcome the rather one-dimensional game of Luksika.

Pick: Diyas in 3 sets

Zheng Saisai vs. Alison Riske

Zheng Saisai makes her semi-final debut as well, showing why she's one of the rising stars coming to Singapore. Against the hard-hitting Riske, I do think she has a good chance of reaching her maiden final. Riske plays a high-risk game as her names suggests, and Saisai has the game to neutralize the flat balls that Alison is sending to her. Zheng has been patient so far with her game, and I believe she has what it takes to outlast the American and reach her first WTA final, provided her nerves doesn't get to her.

Pick: Zheng in 3 sets

Sure win bets: Camila Giorgi, Samantha Stosur
Upset alert: Peng Shuai

New Haven QF: Kvitova the sole seed left

Schedule of play:

http://www.wtatennis.com/schedule/tournamentId/535/title/connecticut-open

Match focus:

Barbora Zahlavova Strycova vs. Petra Kvitova

With only one seed left, it's difficult to go against Kvitova. The Czech annihilated Makarova in their Montreal rematch, and seems to be finding her groove again. Strycova is a dangerous all court player, but Kvitova's power will just blow her away. I will be very surprised if Petra doesn't hold the trophy come Saturday.

Pick: Kvitova in 2 sets

Magdalena Rybarikova vs. Alison Riske

These 2 players surprised everyone by breaking their slumps in spectacular fashion. Rybarikova took out top seed Simona Halep, while Riske ended Pennetta's campaign. Alison plays a high risk game and it paid off well against Flavia. However, Rybarikova's game incorporates a lot of slices, which doesn't give Alison much rhythm to get into her zone. Besides, Magdalena is definitely on a high after getting her first career top 5 win. I believe the Slovak will prevail this time.

Pick: Rybarikova in 2 tight sets

Camila Giorgi vs. Garbine Muguruza

When Giorgi's playing well, not even the Great Wall of Denmark can stop her. The Italian hits every ball as hard as she can and it paid off very well against the in-form Wozniacki. Caroline was a bit flat though, but Camila stuck to her game and reaped the rewards. Garbine will be a different case as she hits the ball with authority. She can boss Camila around and make the Italian try to make outrageous shots. Given her better shot selection, I predict Muguruza will emerge the winner.

Pick: Muguruza in 3 sets

Kirsten Flipkens vs. Samantha Stosur

Look who's back. Stosur dominated rising star, Eugenie Bouchard, and raced to her first quarter-final since January. Just when we thought that Stosur can be labelled as a has-been, she showed the form that carried her to the US Open title. If she continues her form, she will sweep away Flipkens as well, who struggled to put away a stubborn Petkovic. While both players play a similar game, Stosur does everything better than Flipkens, so it should be a no-brainer.

Pick: Stosur in 2 sets

New Haven day 3: Another post grand slam slump

Schedule of play:

http://www.wtatennis.com/schedule/tournamentId/535/title/connecticut-open

Match focus:

Ekaterina Makarova vs. Petra Kvitova

Since her Wimbledon title, Kvitova has only won one match since. She suffered a loss right at the hands of Makarova in Montreal, so the Russian will be confident of her chances here. Seems like 2011 all over again with Kvitova failing to live up the the heightened expectations of her. She needs to right the ship here and get a good result, or she will go into New York with low confidence and an easy target for an upset.

Pick: Kvitova in 3 sets

Alison Riske vs. Flavia Pennetta

Pennetta got back some of her groove last week in Cincinnati, winning matches that she's supposed to win. This one is no different. Alison Riske has been struggling with her form lately, so Flavia should be able to take this one. However, Riske plays a risky game, so if she hits her spots, the match might be over quickly for Pennetta. The Italian will need to hang in and draw the errors from the American.

Pick: Pennetta in 2 sets

Caroline Garcia vs. Barbora Zahlavova Strycova

Things were going smoothly for Garcia until her collapse in Paris. She has never been the same again since then, losing matches which she's supposed to win. Strycova on the other hand, has been riding on a new wave of confidence since her surprise run in Wimbledon. This meeting will be a no-brainer as to who is the favourite. Caroline needs to address what's wrong with her mental game as she seemingly cannot handle the pressure of higher expectations laid upon her. If she can overcome that, she has the game to become a top player definitely.

Pick: Zahlavova Strycova in 2 sets

Wimbledon day 4: Can little Jie upset Ana?

Schedule of play:

http://www.wimbledon.com/en_GB/scores/schedule/index.html

Match focus:

Ana Ivanovic vs. Zheng Jie

It's no secret that Zheng thrives on the green grass. She has posted her best results on this surface, and fittingly kickstart her season with several wins on grass. Against Ivanovic, Zheng is really a underdog. The Serbian is playing with confidence and striking the ball with venom. Zheng will need to be clean with her errors and be on the offensive at all times. A very daunting task. Besides, Ana will ruthlessly punish Zheng's weak serves as well.

Pick: Ivanovic in 2 sets

Karolina Pliskova vs. Sabine Lisicki

Both ladies possess a booming serve, but Sabine Lisicki backs it up with her powerful groundstrokes. Pliskova's lanky frame makes her rather clumsy on court, and she doesn't reach low enough for the low bounces on grass. Thus, Lisicki is the firm favourite here. Playing in Wimbledon obviously invigorates her as shown in her first round demolition. Let's see if this motivated Sabine will show up against seeded players.

Pick: Lisicki in 2 sets

Klara Koukalova vs. Madison Keys

Keys really surprised me with her title run in Eastbourne. I thought she will be one of those wasted talents, never fully fulfilling her talent because of her fragile mind. She proved me wrong with courageous hitting, and she seems to be carrying the form here into Wimbledon. Madison needs to be careful though, as Klara's game is also quite potent on grass. Still, I believe that Keys is high on confidence, and can cause the mini upset here.

Pick: Keys in 2 sets

Donna Vekic vs. Vera Zvonareva

Former finalist Vera showed plenty of fight against Tara Moore, but it doesn't bode well to struggle against a British wildcard. Vekic is the firm favourite here, as Zvonareva is a shadow of herself. The Russian's strokes has lost its sting, and her movement isn't as crisp as it was. I believe Vera will never duplicate her peak form again, but credit has to be given to her for trying. Donna will be looking at her first 3rd round appearance in a grand slam, and hopefully doesn't choke this great draw.

Pick: Vekic in 2 sets

Alison Riske vs. Camila Giorgi

Both players hit a very flat ball and have very little margin of error. It will be a ball bashing fiesta here, with neither one having the clear edge. However, I would favour Giorgi, given her recent run in Eastbourne, and winning matches on a regular basis these few months. Riske will have to put plenty of first serves in and keep pressuring Giorgi's serve to win this.

Pick: Giorgi in 3 sets

Sure win bets: Serena Williams, Maria Sharapova, Eugenie Bouchard, Andrea Petkovic, Carla Suarez Navarro
Upset alert: Alize Cornet, Klara Koukalova, Kaia Kanepi

Melbourne day 5: Will Stosur live up to Aussie hopes?

Upset of the previous day:

Kurumi Nara def. Magdalena Rybarikova 6-4 6-3

After her impressive dismantling of Petkovic, Rybarikova took a tumble against the diminutive Kurumi Nara. The Slovak's record in majors remain extremely disappointing, and she wastes her chance to live up to her seeding for once. Rybarikova needs to get it together for the events that matter, not tournaments that lead up to the slams. If she can string together her good form in a major, she should be a steady top 25 player.

Schedule of play:

http://www.ausopen.com/en_AU/scores/schedule/index.html

Match focus:

Smanatha Stosur vs. Ana Ivanovic

The match most people will be focusing on is this closely contested match between fan favourite Ana Ivanovic, and hometown hope, Samantha Stosur. Stosur actually leads their heads to heads at 4-3, but she's a complete headcase in Australia. However, she showed that her head is back in the game with her demolition job of Pironkova, so Ivanovic better be careful. Ana will need to remain mentally tough and not let the home support get to her. If she can grind down Stosur and make her mishit a few balls, she can win this match.

Pick: Ivanovic in 3 sets

Zheng Jie vs. Casey Dellacqua

Out of nowhere, Zheng Jie strings together 2 good matches to reach the third round of Melbourne. There must be something she really like about this place as she made the semifinals here a few years ago. She will be facing Aussie hope, Casey Dellacqua, who is on her comeback trail. There's no doubt who the crowd will be cheering for, but Zheng Jie thrives under such pressure. Her short swings suit the fast bouncing surface of Melbourne. Casey will need to carry on her form, but I guess she will be distracted by the media attention on her and falter here.

Pick: Zheng in 3 sets

Angelique Kerber vs. Alison Riske

Kerber was almost swept away by Gajdosova's crazy hitting, but she recovered well to brave out the win. That is what she's going to do to Riske as well. Alison's aggressive game is set up by her big serve. If Kerber can put enough returns in court, Riske will be flustered and make the errors. The danger for Kerber is that she's almost powerless when her opponent is disticting play and making the winners. But I'm sure the pesky German will outlast Riske's risky play.

Pick: Kerber in 2 sets

Sure win bets: Eugenie Bouchard, Serena Williams, Angelique Kerber
Upset alert: Li Na, Flavia Pennetta