Linz, Osaka, Tianjin day 4: All Aussie clash in Japan

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:

Magdalena Rybarikova vs. Karin Knapp

Karin Knapp had a great close match with Sharapova in Melbourne, and she carried her momentum onlwards with a few good matches thereafter. However, she fell off the radar soon and was losing every match in sight. She finally recaptured her form with a title run in Tashkent, and now with an upset win over Lisicki. Rybarikova also had an uneven year, from upsetting Simona Halep to losing to Misa Eguchi. The Slovak might also be carrying an injury, having retired from her last two tournaments. So I believe Knapp has what it takes to win this. The Italian has heavy groundstrokes and a big serve. If she can attack Magdalena's vulnerable backhand, she has a good chance.

Pick: Knapp in 3 sets

Samantha Stosur vs. Jarmila Gajdosova

Stosur had a good run in Beijing, and will be eager to defend her title here in Osaka. The Aussie has a ton of points to defend, having won here last year, and reaching the finals of Moscow and Sofia after. The pressure will definitely be on her, that's why Gajdosova has a chance. Jarmila is slowly regaining back her form after almost 2 years of personal problems. If she plays with no fear, she has the game to derail the higher ranked Aussie, having beaten her before. Jarmila needs this more, so I'm going with the upset here.

Pick: Gajdosova in 3 sets

Jelena Jankovic vs. Zheng Saisai

With her worrying back injury, Jankovic might just withdraw before this match happens. Nevertheless, if she takes on Zheng Saisai, it might not be as straightforward as believed. Zheng has the partisan Chinese crowd behind her, and with Jelena's compromised movement and serve, she might very well cause an upset here. Jelena should really rest up for this season, as she does seem to be mentally exhausted, losing matches she's supposed to win for the latter part of the year.

Pick: Zheng in 3 sets

Sure win bets: Peng Shuai, Lauren Davis, Zarina Diyas, Jana Cepelova, Karolina Pliskova
Upset alerts: Jelena Jankovic, Samantha Stosur, Zhang Shuai, Magdalena Rybarikova

US Open day 1: Veterans in the spotlight

Schedule of play:

http://www.usopen.org/en_US/scores/schedule/index.html?promo=subnav

Match focus:
Kimiko Date-Krumm vs. Venus Williams

With the tour filled with youngsters, it's refreshing to see veterans battle it out. Instead of the bolsterious come-ons and fist pumps, veterans tend to keep it classy and dignified. Two of the tour's class acts will face off in Arthur Ashe stadium, where Venus will remain the firm favourite. Kimiko has the game to trouble most players, but she always falters at the crucial points. I don't see a surprise here as the hard courts suits the American more.

Pick: Williams in 2 sets

Maria Sharapova vs. Maria Kirilenko

Even though Kirilenko famously shocked Sharapova in Melbourne before, it will be extremely tough for her to replicate that success here. Kirilenko has been struggling with her knee injury, and was never the same player after her comeback. She is capable of playing good tennis, but her body doesn't allow her to do so. Against Sharapova who has nothing to defend and nothing to lose here, she will almost definitely be annihilated.

Pick: Sharapova in 2 easy sets

Magdalena Rybarikova vs. Caroline Wozniacki

Even though Rybarikova conquered Giorgi who ousted Wozniacki in New Haven, the organizers did the Dane a huge favour by scheduling them to play this early. The Slovak will be fatigued by her final appearance in New Haven, and Caroline will gladly run her around the court. Caroline was a bit uninspired in her loss to Giorgi, but it's tough when your opponent hits everything as hard as she can and lands it in. I believe Wozniacki will have ample rest this time, and make a good run here in New York.

Pick: Wozniacki in 2 sets

Sara Errani vs. Kirsten Flipkens

Sara Errani is struggling very badly this year in the American hard court season. This makes her a vulnerable seed and Flipkens will be optimistic of her chances. The Belgian had a good run in New Haven, reaching the quarter-finals, and prefers the hard courts more than Errani. Still, it will take someone with power to overcome Errani, and I'm not too sure if Flipkens' game is enough. I believe Sara will pick on Kirsten's weaker backhand, and grind out a hard fought win.

Pick: Errani in 3 sets

Peng Shuai vs. Zheng Jie

Sadly for Zheng, it seems that her body just cannot hold up anymore. The aging Chinese had some good runs in selected tournaments this year, but the rest of her events are all early round exits. Peng will be the clear favourite here as Zheng was barely playing in the warm-up tournaments. It seems like the end is near for Zheng, but she definitely maximized her potential given her petite frame.

Pick: Peng in 2 sets

Sure win bets: Agnieszka Radwanska, Alize Cornet, Sabine Lisicki, Simona Halep, Jelena Jankovic
Upset alert: Tsvetana Pironkova, Kiki Bertens, Stefanie Voegele, Daniela Hantuchova, Roberta Vinci

New Haven F: Kvitova back on top

New Haven final:

Petra Kvitova def. Magdalena Rybarikova 6-4 6-2

When Kvitova is on, she's almost unplayable. Her run in New Haven proves that point as she cruised to the title without much hassle. Rybarikova is an adept player, but she has holes which Petra exploited in their final match. Now watch Magdalena crash out early in New York after her inspiring run here, as she will never be a model of consistency. Kvitova now rises up again as one of the favourites in US Open after taking a while to recover from her Wimbledon triumph. Who knows? Maybe the Czech will add another grand slam title to her name in 2 weeks time.

New Haven F: Rybarikova's magical run

Magdalena Rybarikova vs. Petra Kvitova

Given how Kvitova annihilated Stosur and how similar Magdalena's and Samantha's games are, it is safe to say that Petra has this in the bag. The Czech is finally showing the form that won her the Wimbledon title, after going AWOL for one month. Still, Magdalena has to be proud of what she has achieved this week. She snapped out of her slump with impressive wins over Halep and other dangerous players. If she continues her rich rein of form, she might cause some upsets in New York. Nevertheless, this match should be and will be won by the reigning Wimbledon champion.

Pick: Kvitova in 2 sets

New Haven SF: Giorgi continues to surprise

Magdalena Rybarikova vs. Camila Giorgi

The unpredictable Giorgi continues to defy the odds and advances to the semi-final with a hard fought win over Muguruza. Can she continue her good form and beat Rybarikova? Magdalena doesn't play a similar game with other players, incorporating a lot of slices, which will give Giorgi some trouble. I am also edging towards the Slovak as she beat a Riske in the quarters, who plays a same game as Giorgi. Nevertheless, you just don't know which Camila will show up. I do think when she's hitting well and winning matches, she's hard to stop.

Pick: Giorgi in 3 tight sets

Samantha Stosur vs. Petra Kvitova

With her tall frame and a lefty advantage, it's hard to see Petra losing this. Samantha's kick serves will bounce to the sweet spot of Kvitova's forehand, which she will not hesitate to put away. Besides, all Petra needs to concentrate on is to keep hitting crosscourt forehands to Sam's weaker backhand. If she executes her game, there's nothing much Sam can do in this bad match-up.

Pick: Kvitova in 2 sets

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

Stanford, Washington day 2: Revenge for Ivanovic?

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;

Sabine Lisicki vs. Ana Ivanovic

Ana's last loss was against Sabine Lisicki on grass in Wimbledon.The Serbian will be looking forward to taking revenge here on her favoured hard courts. Sabine's game is quite elementary on surfaces other than grass, so Ana should have the advantage here. Nevertheless, Lisicki might have a day where she can't miss, then Ana will just have to blame it on her bad luck.

Pick: Ivanovic in 2 sets

Dominika Cibulkova vs. Garbine Muguruza

Dominika's title defense will face a tough test in her first round, where she faces the hard hitting Muguruza. Garbine's year has been impressive so far, although she went missing for a few months after losing the final to Koukalova. With Garbine back on track with her impressive showing in Paris, Dominika will have to play her A game to open her title defense. Cibulkova plays her best tennis on American hardcourts though, so she still has a slight edge over Muguruza, who didn't have too much of an impressive record before.

Pick: Cibulkova in 3 sets

Magdalena Rybarikova vs. Ekaterina Makarova

Another titlelist will find her title defense tough as Rybarikova faces the dangerous Makarova in her opening match. Magdalena has won the title for the past 2 years, but with a stronger field this year, defense of her title seems impossible. Makarova is playing better now, as compared to Rybarikova, who had some puzzling losses recently. I'm afraid Magdalena's ranking will take a tumbling after this match.

Pick: Makarova in 2 sets

Sure win bets: Venus Williams, Daniela Hantuchova, Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova
Upset alert: Yanina Wickmayer, Kirsten Flipkens, Marina Erakovic

Eastbourne, Dan Bosch QF: Can Giorgi topple resurgent Caroline?

Camila Giorgi vs. Caroline Wozniacki

Giorgi's playing the best tennis of her career, and winning tight matches. Can she muster the strength to defeat another former number 1? Caroline likes playing on the grass, where she can absorb the power her opponent throws at her. The Dane should enjoy playing Camila, as she supplies a good amount of power for Caroline to redirect the ball. I believe Wozniacki's pesky game will get the better of Giorgi's flashy power game, with a tight 3 sets win. 

Pick: Wozniacki in 3 sets

Lauren Davis vs. Madison Keys

It seems that the future of US tennis lies in these two players. Davis' game actually suits slower surfaces more, but credit has to be given to her for fighting and trying her best on grass. Madison has the advantage with her bombastic serve, but Lauren can draw the errors if she puts in one more ball. But Davis must be feeling the effects of playing so many matches all the way from qualifying, so I believe Keys will have the edge. 

Pick: Keys in 2 sets

Magdalena Rybarikova vs. Annika Beck

The draw for Dan Bosch has been blown wide open with the retirement of Simona Halep. Beck has benefitted from that, but Magdalena is the superior grass court player. With the latest turn of events, Magdalena will be one of the favorites to capture the title. Beck just doesn't have the firepower to excel on this surface. 

Pick: Rybarikova in 2 sets

Sure win bets: Elina Svitolina, Petra Kvitova, Garbine Muguruza

Upset alert: Angelique Kerber, Klara Koukalova

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