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

Linz, Osaka, Tianjin QF: Keys ready for the next level?

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:

Camila Giorgi vs. Marina Erakovic

With the lightnig fast surface, it's no wonder these 2 players have posted good results here. Out of these 2 players, I would say Giorgi has the more lethal game on the indoor surface. The Italian's flat serve and groundstrokes have been clicking so far, so it's difficult to get into a rhythm with her playing so well. Marina will need to disrupt Camila's rhythm by using slices and volleys to rush her. It won't be an easy task though, with the way Camila has been playing.

Pick: Giorgi in 2 tight sets

Luksika Kumkhum vs. Madison Keys

Madison Keys has won her first title this year, but has since regressed back into her erratic ways. The American has the game to be a solid top 20 player, but has to rein in her aggressive play at the right time. This probably wouldn't happen too often, but Keys is facing an opponent with an even more aggressive mindset than her. Kumkhum can wallop the ball as well as anybody, but her lack of a defensive game puts her at a disadvantage when she's pulled wide. Both players need plenty of maturing to do, but Keys should be the one who is more experienced in the big stage.

Pick: Keys in 2 sets

Zheng Saisai vs. Sorana Cirstea

With her huge upset over Jankovic, Zheng Saisai will need to focus immediately on another dangerous opponent in former top 20 player Cirstea. The Romanian has rekindled her fire recently, and will be the slight favourite here. Zheng will need to play a very steady and counter punching game against the hard hitting Sorana. If the Chinese can get the Romanian riled up, she can cause another upset. However, Zheng has the habit of faltering after a big win, so I expect Sorana to cruise.

Pick: Cirstea in 2 sets

Sure win bets: Belinda Bencic, Varvara Lepchenko, Samantha Stosur
Upset alert: Zarina Diyas

Melbourne scorecard: Perfect-Li Asian

A+: Li Na

Now a multiple slam winner, Li got in the zone after her horrid error fest against Safarova. Not everyone can play perfect tennis everyday.

A: Dominika Cibulkova

Beating 2 former slam champions and 2 top 5 players en route to the finals, Cibulkova showed lots of heart. Now, just work on that second serve.

A-: Eugenie Bouchard

Didn't even qualify last year but made it all the way to the semi-finals this year. One to watch.

B+: Ana Ivanovic

Provided the shock of the tournament by ousting Serena Williams. Still, couldn't build on that and lost meekly to Bouchard.

B: Flavia Pennetta

Her last 3 slam performances are as follows: 4th round, semi-finals and quarter-finals. Big events bring out the best in her.

B-: Simona Halep

First quarter-final appearance, but was pretty bad in it. Let's hope there are more quarter appearances to redeem for this new top 10 player.

C+: Casey Dellacqua

Hard working Aussie who fought with all her heart to the 4th round. Deserves to be at least in the top 50.

C: Serena Williams/Maria Sharapova

Both players were affected by inopportune injuries. Not too worried about Serena, but Maria's serving woes seem to be back with a vengeance.

C-: Victoria Azarenka/Agnieszka Radwanska

Yes, both players made it very far in the tournament. But Victoria completely lost the plot against someone she used to beat blindfolded, and Radwanska crumbles with another final appearance at stake. Known to be mentally strong, these 2 folded at the most crucial times.

D: Luksika Kumkhum

Provided one of the biggest upsets of the tournament, but couldn't back it up. Needs to know how to handle the attention, but I'm still excited for this new Thai prospect.

E: Caroline Wozniacki

Yet another loss to an inspired ball basher. The Dane doesn't look interested in tennis honestly.

F: Sara Errani/Petra Kvitova

As top 10 players, the way they lost to lesser opponents is just inexcusable. Kvitova was just horrid in her first round, and Errani was just too passive. Both players need to refocus, or their place in the top 10 will be threatened.

Melbourne day 3: Tough match for Samantha again

Upset of the previous day:

Garbine Muguruza def. Kaia Kanepi 6-2 2-6 6-2

Day 2 didn't feature a lot of upsets, and even this loss wasn't really unexpected. Kaia gave a good fight against Muguruza, but it wasn't enough for the young Spaniard to upset the higher ranked Estonian. Pity as Kaia has always been injured and despite her constant struggles, she still manages to maintain a ranking high enough to be seeded. Tough draw for her, but I'm sure Kaia won't be too upset with this loss. She just lost to a future star in the making.

Schedule of play:

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

Match focus:

Samantha Stosur vs. Tsvetana Pironkova

The road certainly doesn't get easier for local hope, Samantha Stosur. After dispatching Hobart finalist, Klara Zakopalova, she faces Sydney titlelist, Tsvetana Pironkova. These 2 are the most dangerous floaters around and it will be a big task for Stosur to overcome them both. Pironkova is just high on confidence now, and she has won the hearts of many with her triumph in Sydney. With her unorthodox forehand, she can cause trouble to Stosur's game, as Samantha needs to hit the ball sweetly or she will shank the balls badly. If she continues her Sydney form, I don't see why Pironkova cannot continue her fine form.

Pick: Pironkova in 2 tight sets

Flavia Pennetta vs. Monica Puig

It's experience vs. youth again in this intriguing 2nd round match. Pennetta has been on the tour for over ten years and she faces one of the youngest player in the main draw. Monica has a bad habit of failing to close out sets, and she almost let loose a huge lead against Tatishvili. Pennetta will not let Puig get away with that so easily. Despite her age, Pennetta moves very well and hits a potent backhand. Puig needs to be fully concentrated to upset the Italian. As evidenced in her match against Vesnina in Hobart, Puig still lacks the killer punch against experienced players. Flavia should be able to ease through this without much hassle.

Pick: Pennetta in 2 sets

Mona Barthel vs. Luksika Kumkhum

Kumkhum captured the hearts of many with her spirited win over Kvitova. Will she be brought back to Earth by the volatile Mona Barthel? The German is the epitome of blowing hot and cold. She can go from winning a Premier title to losing to a player ranked outside the top 300 in a lowly tournament. The thing that Luksika has going for her is that Barthel doesn't know much about her except for her match against Petra. If she can continue her fearless hitting and take the initiative before Mona, Kumkhum has a chance to continue her run. Let's hope the attention hasn't distracted the humble Thai, and she can perform her best against Barthel.

Pick: Kumkhum in 3 sets

Lauren Davis vs. Julia Goerges

Judging by the dominant effort by Goerges in sweeping away Errani, I think she's back to her 2011 form. Julia was unfazed by Sara's retrieving and went after the spinny balls for winners. Against a lesser version of Errani in Davis, Goerges should be able to pass the test. The American had a kind draw, facing unheralded Sashia Vickery in her first round. Provided Julia continues her fine form, a win for the German is expected.

Pick: Goerges in 2 sets

Sure win bets: Li Na, Serena Williams, Ekaterina Makarova, Alison Riske, Kirsten Flipkens
Upset alert: Lauren Davis, Samantha Stosur, Mona Barthel, Daniela Hantuchova