US Open day 2: All eyes on Serena

Upset of the previous day:

Mirjana Lucic-Baroni def. Garbine Muguruza 6-3 7-6(4)

Looks like Garbine is still struggling to find the consistency to win matches that she's supposed to win. Mirjana can be classified as a has-been, being over 30 and not achieving anything significant for the past 2 to 3 years. Not saying that Mirjana cannot hit a good ball, but Garbine should have been able to weather the storm. Disappointing end of the year for the Spaniard after starting her season so well. Looks like she still needs a lot of maturing to do.

Match focus:

Serena Williams vs. Taylor Townsend

I believe it will be a dream come true for Taylor Townsend to play against Serena, a woman who she has idolised and aspired to be. Just on that point alone, Serena will be able to stamp her authority, and start her US Open campaign on a good note. It will be Taylor's first time playing on the gigantic Arthur Ashe stadium, so it will take her some time to settle down as well. By the time she does that, the match might be over. The only question is if Serena is too eager to prove the doubters wrong. If she rushes things, she might give away too many free points and bolster Taylor's confidence.

Pick: Serena in 2 sets

Flavia Pennetta vs. Julia Goerges

As with all Goerges' matches, you'll never know when peak Julia will show up. Right now, Goerges is going through a drought, losing almost every match in sight, but still manages to spring an occasional surprise from time to time. Against a less than optimal Pennetta, can she do the same? Well, Flavia is defending major points here, so she definitely feels the pressure here. However, I believe Flavia is experienced enough to let Julia self-implode to advance to the next round.

Pick: Pennetta in 2 tight sets

Mona Barthel vs. Zhang Shuai

Somehow, Zhang Shuai finds herself seeded at 32 despite never winning a Grand Slam main draw match before. Mona Barthel will be relieved at drawing the weakest seed in the draw, and will revel at the chance of at least reaching the 3rd round. Zhang's game is elementary, and her high ranking mostly consists of lower tier events, where competition is much lower. I expect an upset of sorts here.

Pick: Barthel in 2 sets

Klara Koukalova vs. Petra Cetkovska

Here is a fun fact. Klara Koukalova has never won a singles match in US Open in her long career. Will she break the duck here against her compatriot Cetkovska? Well, both players haven't been playing well recently, so this match is pretty even. On the whole, I believe Klara has had a better year, and should stand a chance to break the curse. She just needs to believe in herself more and stop sulking so much.

Pick: Koukalova in 3 sets

Francesca Schiavone vs. Vania King

Francesca Schiavone holds the record for the longest consecutive Grand Slam appearances for active players, and will like her chances against Vania King. The Italian's all court game will test the feisty American. Schiavone needs to attack King's weak delivery, and make Vania guess by using drop shots and lobs, not letting King get into the rhythm. All in all, I think this is a very winnable match for the veteran.

Pick: Schiavone in 2 sets

Sure win bets: Petra Kvitova, Madison Keys, Eugenie Bouchard, Dominika Cibulkova, Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova
Upset alert: Pauline Parmentier, Zhang Shuai

Stanford, Washington day 1: US Open series begins

Stanford schedule of play:

http://www.wtatennis.com/schedule/tournamentId/637/title/bank-of-the-west-classic

Washington schedule of play:

http://www.wtatennis.com/schedule/tournamentId/2182/title/citi-open

Match focus:

Kimiko Date-Krumm vs. Karolina Pliskova

The evergreen Kimiko Date-Krumm continues to give young girls fits with her unorthodox game. The only thing that's holding her back is her lac of finishing touch. The Japanese had lost too many matches due to her nerves and weak serve. She has a chance against the lanky Pliskova, as her low flat strokes will cause the Czech problems. However, as usual, I think Kimiko will buckle at the important moments and Karolina will advance to the next round.

Pick: Pliskova in 3 sets

Ajla Tomljanovic vs. Andrea Petkovic

Rising star Alja Tomljanovic has defected to Australia, but is still competing under the Croatian flag for regular events. Let's see if this defection will cause her some distractions. Petkovic has been playing well for the past months, winning a title in Bad Gastein despite not playing her best. The German will be the slight favourite here, as Alja is showing signs of slowing down. Still, Andrea must play her best to overcome the big serving Alja, as the Australian/Croatian can hit a mean ball. It should be a close match.

Pick: Petkovic in 3 sets

Julia Goerges vs. Taylor Townsend

Julia Goerges had a good season in 2011, and prompty faded into oblivion. There were signs of her coming back with sporadic good wins, but her losses to unknown entities kept coming. At this point of her career, it's almost certain to say that the German will not be back in the top 20. Her strokes are just too erratic and there's no game plan at all except wallop the ball at full speed. Taylor Townsend is America's new hope with her exciting all court game and deceptively good movement. With Julia's confidence at an all time low, Taylor should be able to capitalize on that and gain momentum from the home crowd support. Look out for Taylor.

Pick: Townsend in 2 sets

Sure win bets: Samantha Stosur, Madison Keys, Alison Riske
Upset alert: Sorana Cirstea, Caroline Garcia, Vania King

Bucharest, Bad Gastein day 1: Clay anyone?

Bucharest schedule of play:

http://www.wtatennis.com/schedule/tournamentId/3823/title/bucharest-open--bucharest-romania

Bad Gastein schedule of play:

http://www.wtatennis.com/schedule/tournamentId/1340/title/nurnberger-gastein-ladies

Match focus:

Klara Koukalova vs. Monica Niculescu

Doubles partners face off in this intriguing encounter. Monica's suffering from a dip in form in recent months, but will be eager to play well in her home country Romania. It will be tough facing Klara, as she's higher ranked and her doubles partner. However, there's a chance that the home crowd will get to Klara and make her bothered. If Klara gives up, Niculescu can win this. I think this will be a close match, with Klara emerging the winner though.

Pick: Koukalova in 3 sets

Flavia Pennetta vs. Grace Min

It seems that winning Indian Wells did more harm than good to Pennetta. She has been struggling mightily since then, and suffered humiliating exits in both Roland Garros and Wimbledon. On clay, Flavia should be the favourite, but with her current form, I cannot be sure. Grace Min hits well and can challenge players, but her mental strength is still an unknown. Flavia should be able to win this despite her recent dip in form. If she loses this, I will be very worried.

Pick: Pennetta in 2 sets

Stefanie Voegele vs. Julia Goerges

The good news for Julia is that she's playing close matches with top players, but she just couldn't get the win. For Voegele, the Swiss is barely winning matches against anyone of note, so Goerges can relax a bit. Besides, this is on her preferred red clay surface, which suits her long swinging strokes. However, you just never know which Julia will turn up, so I think this will go to 3 sets.

Pick: Goerges in 3 sets

Sure win bets: Flavia Pennetta, Annika Beck
Upset alert: Nadiia Kichenok, Anna Schmiedlova

Roland Garros day 4: Lower seeds in trouble

Upset of the previous day:

Kristina Mladenovic def. Li Na 7-5 3-6 6-1

Li Na said in her post match interview that she would have lost playing anybody. I have to agree. It's been a while since she couldn't control anything on her groundstrokes. Yesterday was an example of what Li Na can do on her worst day. Sadly, she only has one gameplan and cannot adapt when things are not working. Looks like the current Australian Open champion has a lot to reflect on. Coming into this tournament as the 2nd seed must have added pressure to her. Well, there's always grass season coming for Li, which suits her better.

Schedule of play:

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

Match focus:

Mona Barthel vs. Sabine Lisicki

Sabine Lisicki is only in the second round because she struck lottery playing against an underpowered French wildcard. Even then, she didn't win convincingly as expected. Mona will definitely revel at this chance against her fellow struggling German. Mona seemed to be back on track after demolishing Knapp in her first round. If Mona goes on a roll, it will be hard to stop her.

Pick: Barthel in 2 sets

Alize Cornet vs. Taylor Townsend

Playing her first Grand Slam maindraw, Taylor Townsend will make her debut on a show court against homecrowd favourite Alize Cornet. Taylor is an exceptional shot maker with talented hands, but is hampered by her lack of conditioning. It will be a tough task for the American to upset Alize on the show court, but it will give the world a chance to see what she's capable of. If only she can put some effort into staying fit, I believe she has what it takes to be a top player. Just not now at this state.

Pick: Cornet in 2 sets

Ajla Tomljanovic vs. Elena Vesnina

 

Ajla has already accounted for the upset of Francesca Schiavone. Can she go one better by beating Vesnina? The Russian's form is quite fragile at the moment, and Ajla can take advantage of that. Riding on her confidence, I believe the Croatian can cause another upset here if she goes for her shots. Elena is feeling the pressure after her breakthrough year last year, and seems overly cautious so far. She should replicate the fearless tennis she displayed last year that won her 2 titles.

 

Pick: Tomljanovic in 3 sets

 

Julia Goerges vs. Eugenie Bouchard

 

For someone who excels on clay, Goerges has surprisingly weak results here in Paris. Her best showing was a third round, where she lost to clay-hating Bartoli. Still, Eugenie cannot let her guard down, as Julia always lifts her form to match her opponent. Bouchard is coming of her first title in Nurnberg, and will like her chances of going far this year. Her game takes time away from Julia's loopy groundstrokes, which will cause trouble for the German. Despite Julia showing some signs of a revival, I believe Bouchard will still win this.

Pick: Bouchard in 2 tight sets

Sure win bets: Venus Williams, Maria Sharapova, Yaroslava Shvedova, Flavia Pennetta, Samantha Stosur
Upset alert: Daniela Hantuchova, Elena Vesnina, Angelique Kerber, Sabine Lisicki



Strasbourg, Nurnberg QF: Germans to shine again!

Strasbourg schedule of play:

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

Nurnberg schedule of play:

http://www.wtatennis.com/schedule/tournamentId/3204/title/n%FCrnberger-versicherungscup

Match focus:

Julia Goerges vs. Madison Keys

The path doesn't get easier for Julia Goerges. The German impressively took out Davis who she has lost both encounters this year, and will be facing another dangeous American, Madison Keys. Keys actually had a kind draw, facing players who doesn't excel on clay. Still, she is very dangerous regardless of surface when she's clicking. Goerges should be very confident after her 2 impressive wins so far, and will be the slight favourite here.

Pick: Goerges in 3 sets

Andrea Petkovic vs. Monica Puig

With Peng's exit, Petkovic is the only seed left in Strasbourg, and will be favoured to go into the finals. The German will face Monica Puig, a fiesty youngster but is prone to losing her concentration during matches. Petkovic's game is pretty steady, and not prone to lapses like Puig. Thus, Andrea should be able to win this. Monica can hit a pretty good ball, but she'll get a set at most.

Pick: Petkovic in 2 sets

Elina Svitolina vs. Mona Barthel

Barthel is on a roll here in Nurnberg. Players like Mona get into the habit of winning and she'll be very difficult to beat. That is why Svitolina is in trouble here. The Ukrainian has been struggling for the clay season, but notched a couple of wins here. Not sure if it is enough to see off the dangeous Barthel, but Mona seems to be back. I predict yet another upset by the volatile German

Sure win bets: Christine McHale, Camila Giorgi, Caroline Garcia
Upset alert: Elina Svitolina

Strasbourg, Nurnberg day 3: Germans all around

Strasbourg schedule of play:

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

Nurnberg schedule of play:

http://www.wtatennis.com/schedule/tournamentId/3204/title/n%FCrnberger-versicherungscup

Match focus:

Julia Goerges vs. Lauren Davis

Julia Goerges took out Sloane Stephens easily as expected, but runs into her nightmare, Lauren Davis. This 2 have met twice this year, and Davis won both of them, including the most recent one in Rome. On clay, Goerges should have the upper hand, but Davis' pesky game will always give Julia fits. The German needs to apply controlled aggression and attack on suitable points. Easier said then done. Look out for another meltdown from Julia after an upset.

Pick: Davis in 3 sets

Andrea Petkovic vs. Vania King

With the top 3 seeds all dropping out in their opening match, the spotlight is now on Petkovic, the highest seed left. She will face the dangeous Vania King for a spot in the quarter-finals. Vania is a good player who can beat players on their bad day. The problem with King is she tends to take sets off, without winning matches. Andrea is not playing badly at the moment, so I think she should be able to cruise through this match. Is the title going to be hers? Let's see who she faces in her next rounds.

Pick: Petkovic in 2 sets

Mona Barthel vs. Annika Beck

It will always be difficult to predict a Mona Barthel match as you just don't know which Barthel will show up. Mona did very well to oust Belinda Bencic in her opening match, and will be looking forward to winning against compatriat, Annika Beck. That win against Bencic should give her the needed confidence to overcome the passive Annika. Mona needs to have patience and attack on the right opportunities. This will be a close match, but I believe Barthel should be able to snap out of her slump and beat Beck.

Pick: Barthel in 3 sets

Strasbourg, Nurnberg day 2: Intriguing match-ups in Strasbourg

Strasbourg schedule of play:

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

Nurnberg schedule of play:

http://www.wtatennis.com/schedule/tournamentId/3204/title/n%FCrnberger-versicherungscup

Match focus:

Sloane Stephens vs. Julia Goerges

Sloane Stephens opens her Strasbourg campaign against a dangerous foe, Julia Goerges. The German has been showing signs of improvement lately, and is playing on her preferred surface, clay. The slow surface gives Julia enough time to set up her huge swings. Stephens has the tendency to take things too easily and I believe Julia will make her pay. The German just needs to concentrate and not give away too many loose errors.

Pick: Goerges in 2 sets

Camila Giorgi vs. Alize Cornet

Cornet will attempt to defend her title her, opening against the dangerous Giorgi. Camila has been on a roll lately, and she will be looking forward to bringing that form over here. Still, clay is not going to be Giorgi's best surface given the lack of patience from her. Thus, Cornet is still the favourite here. Players seem to have slumps after beating Serena Williams, and Cornet is no exception. She has done little after upsetting the world number 1, but she can turn things around here.

Pick: Cornet in 3 sets

Karin Knapp vs. Polona Hercog

Karin Knapp snaps her 8 match losing streak by winning a match here. A win over Shahar Peer is not very newsworthy nowadays, so it's a little premature to say that she's back. Polona Hercog is a clay court expert, and will definitely play well against the low-on-confidence Knapp. With her recent good runs on clay, I believe Hercog has this in the bag. Knapp can make things interesting though, but not enough for the win.

Pick: Hercog in 3 sets

Sure win bets: Peng Shuai, Andrea Petkovic, Angelique Kerber
Upset alert: Monica Puig, Stephanie Voegele, Kurumi Nara