Istanbul final: Serena's worst opponent will always be herself

Serena Williams vs. Li Na

Anyone who watched Serena vs Jankovic will be scratching their heads at the disappearance of Serena midway through the match. Actually, throughout almost the whole match, Serena was barely there. Maybe it was Summer or Tequanda, but it was definitely not a 100% healthy Serena. Still, she manages to get the job done, and survives to play Li Na. The world number 1 cannot afford to do this against the rejuvenated Li, who was clinical in her disposal of Kvitova. Serena needs to overcome her demons (which is herself) and give her all in the last match of the season. If both players play to their best, we are guaranteed a crackling final. As usual, it will be difficult to pick against Serena. But if one of her alter egos appears, Li might just become the first Asian to win the year-end championships.

Pick: Serena in 3 sets

Istanbul SF: Career high at stake for Li

Li Na vs. Petra Kvitova

A win here will give Li a number 3 career high ranking, so a lot is at stake for the Chinese. For someone who has a Grand Slam and a long illustrious career, not reaching the top 3 is a blemish. I'm sure Li will be very motivated to achieve that milestone. However, Kvitova looks to be in ominous form and looks ready to take down Li (in 3 sets no doubt). Petra has won 2 of their 3 hard court encounters, and their last meeting in Beijing. Will she inflict the same damage to Li? Against Azarenka, Li had the tough task of playing against the injured opponent, but she never lost focus and continued playing her game. Looks like she is working on her concentration and it's showing. Against someone whose concentration fades in and out, Li can take advantage.

Pick: Li in 3 sets

Serena Williams vs. Jelena Jankovic

I guess Jelena already knew she qualified, so she didn't give her 100% against Errani. But any self-respecting professional will give her all no matter what the circumstances. Against Serena, Jankovic will be bludgeoned even if she gives her all.

Pick: Williams in 2 easy sets

Istanbul day 3: Serena vs Petra the highlight

Li Na vs. Jelena Jankovic

These 2 good friends will battle for a sure pass to the semi-finals in Istanbul. Jankovic surprised everybody by defeating Azarenka handily, but it was more due to Azarenka's errors than Jankovic's winners. Still, she scrambled well enough to trouble Azarenka to go for her shots. Will she cause the same troubles to Li Na? Li played a good match even though she had a bit of trouble closing out the match against Errani. With Azarenka's suspect form, Li looks good to emerge as the top player in her group.

Pick: Li in 3 sets

Agnieszka Radwanska vs. Angelique Kerber

Agnieszka's Istanbul campaign is as good as over. Will she give Kerber a charity win? Or will she even step on court? Radwanska, Kerber and Wozniacki are good friends, so I won''t be surprised if 1) Radwanska withdraws and lets Wozniacki play, 2) Radwanska loses this match to give Kerber more chances of going into the semi-finals. If these 2 players give their best, I believe Radwanska has the steady game. But with 2 losses so far, I doubt Aga will be motivated in this match.

Pick: Kerber in 2 sets

Serena Williams vs. Petra Kvitova

If there is a player who can match Serena with her power and serve, it will be Petra Kvitova. When she's firing from all cylinders, she's almost impossible to stop. However, the mental strength of Kvitova is not as tough as Serena, so I expect the Czech to crumble at key points of the match. It will be a good match featuring huge serves and hitting, but Serena will probably come out on top.

Pick: Serena in 2 tight sets

Istanbul day 2: Favourites to win

Li Na vs. Sara Errani

Nothing against Sara, but against top players, she stands no chance with her ultra weak serve. Li is going to take full advantage of that weak delivery and cruise to a straightforward victory. The only thing Li needs to do is keep her mind in check. If she concentrates throughout, Sara will be the first to bid adios to this tournament.

Pick: Li in 2 sets

Victoria Azarenka vs. Jelena Jankovic

As the lower seed, Jelena will always be the underdog. Victoria seems to have shaken her fall rust off with a clean performance over Errani, so Jankovic is likely to be her next victim. For the Serb, I feel that she's just happy to be there with no intention to win the title whatsoever. Given the conditions on how she qualified, I wouldn't place too much high hopes on myself either. Jankovic hasn't performed well in majority of her tournaments and had only two to three highlights in her season. The highlights were a result of the seeds collapsing and Jelena taking advantage.

Pick: Azarenka in 2 sets

Serena Williams vs. Agnieszka Radwanska

If Radwanska couldn't beat a half fit Serena in Toronto, she can forget about defeating a fully healthy and motivated Williams. The Pole just doesn't have enough firepower to trouble Serena. Sad to say, Radwanska looks to be the highest seed to get kicked out of the tournament today.

Pick: Williams in 2 sets

Istanbul day 1: Kvitova the dark horse

I have to apologize for going MIA for the past 2 days as I was on a short trip and there was no internet access! Anyway, I''m back just in time for Istanbul!

Match focus:

Victoria Azarenka vs. Sara Errani

Both players are not in good form right now, but Errani is obviously the weaker player. Azarenka suffered early exits in Tokyo and Beijing, but these defeats will only spur her to work harder. Compared to Errani, who is still very prone to being overpowered and currently low on confidence, the Belarussian should be able to cruise through this match.

Pick: Azarenka in 2 sets

Serena Williams vs. Angelique Kerber

Kerber got here under dubious circumstances, getting a wild card where sh wasn't supposed to have under the rules. However, she won Linz and that''s what got her here, so she still deserves to be here. Serena seems to be back in full control as she won Beijing comfortably. If her back holds up well, I do not see anybody stopping her in this tournament. Kerber will be the perfect opponent to hit a lot of balls and get back into match rhythm.

Pick: Serena in 2 sets

Agnieszka Radwanska vs. Petra Kvitova

When Kvitova is hitting her strokes, there is barely anyone who can stop her, including Radwanska. The Czech owns a commanding 4-1 heads to heads lead over the Pole, as well as winning their last encounter in Dubai. Still, Radwanska has a chance as she did defeat Petra last year here in the same round with a straightforward victory. I expect a close fight here with the big hitting Czech signalling her return to form. She seems to be finally connecting the dots again and ready to assaultfor the top spot.

Pick: Kvitova in 3 sets