Charleston, Monterry F: No more upsets

Charleston F:

Andrea Petkovic def. Jana Cepelova 7-5 6-2

Andrea Petkovic claims her first title since her comeback by clinching her first Premier title in Charleston. This is especially sweet for the German who has struggled with injuries and poor form recently. Hard work has not gone to waste and you can tell that Andrea really wants this. Cepelova has nothing to be ashamed about as well, building on her huge upset over Serena Williams If she continues her pesky counterpunching ways, she can do some damage during the clay season.

Monterrey F:

Ana Ivanovic def. Jovana Jaksic 6-2 6-1

Ana wins her 2nd title of the year with a trouncing of her compatriot, Jovana Jaksic. It is understandable for the younger Serbian to be nervous in her first tour final, but Ana was too solid anyway. Despite playing substandard tennis for most of her early rounds, Ana turned it up at the appropriate time and managed to win this title. This will boost her confidence in the coming clay season, where she will now believe that she can win despite playing less than stellar tennis. For Jovana, she will need to tame her noise level as it is plain irritating.

Charleston, Monterrey F: I hope I get this right

Charleston final:

Jana Cepelova vs. Andrea Petkovic

When the draw was released, I am very sure nobody would have expected these two to emerge as the finalists. My predictions have been wrecked by these two, but can't say that I'm unhappy for them. Petkovic in particular deserves this for fighting poor form and having an inconsistent comeback. Jana barely got past Bencic, and will be nervous in her first big final. Andrea will be looking to add her first premier title to her resume, and now will be the time to do it. 

Pick: Petkovic in 2 sets

Jovana Jaksic vs. Ana Ivanovic

Ana's form came back at the right time against Wozniacki, toughing out two tight sets against the Dane. She will firmly be the favourite here against surprise finalist, Jovana Jaksic. Jovana's game is frankly unspectacular and it's a miracle that she's in the final. If Ana manages to lose this, I will be speechless. 

Pick: Ivanovic in 2 sets

Charleston, Monterrey SF: Flashes of brilliance vs. Consistency

Jana Cepelova vs. Belinda Bencic

Cepelova is proving to the world that she is no flash in the pan. While some players succumb the pressure after upsetting top players, Jana went from strength to strength, intent on showing that her win was no fluke. She will meet another youngster who has surprised the other seeds, Belinda Bencic. The Swiss was clinical in her dismissal of Errani, showing great calm even though she lost the first set. This meeting will be a nervy affair as both players will be playing for their first big final appearance. Too close to call but I think Cepelova will be the one who has more to lose. Belinda has a steadier game and a cooler head on her shoulders. 

Pick: Bencic in 3 sets

Andrea Petkovic vs. Eugenie Bouchard

Petkovic's form prior to this tournament was quite frankly pathetic this year. She somehow turned it around here for precious points, but will definitely be the underdog against Bouchard. The Canadian has already beaten two former number ones en route to the semi-finals, and is primed to win her first title here. The only thing that could affect Eugenie's chances is being the huge favorite now. The Canadian must not get ahead of herself as she still has two matches to win. If she plays to her normal standard, she can prove that she's the real deal. 

Pick: Bouchard in 2 sets

Kimiko Date-Krumm vs. Jovana Jaksic

Kimiko shows that she still has some wheels in her, playing steady tennis to ousted Monica Puig in her quarter-finals. Looks like Puig will be another wasted flash in the pan as she does not have the mental strength to be a top 50 player. Can't say I have seen much of Jaksic's game, but I have heard her play. She's annoying with her crazy banshee screams and I hope the Japanese shows her that tennis can be played with class and not bursting your opponent's ear drums. 

Pick: Date-Krumm in 2 sets

Caroline Wozniacki vs. Ana Ivanovic

It is quite clear that whoever wins this match will be the huge favorite in the final. Caroline's consistent game will be the antithesis of Ana's flashy game. Throughout the tournament, Ana's game has been up and down and she'll be penalized with Wozniacki's constant retrieving. Caroline looks good to gain valuable points here, and will be the favourite despite being ranked lower. Ana's just too volatile to put in a convincing performance for once. 

Pick: Wozniacki in 2 sets

Charleston, Monterrey QF: Jankovic to be tested

Match focus:

Eugenie Bouchard vs. Jelena Jankovic

With the seeds falling like flies, Jankovic held strong and will be playing the upcoming Eugenie. The Canadian struggled against Venus, but eventually won the important points to win the match. Venus must be crushed at this loss. This also shows an improved mental game from the youngster. Jelena will also be looking forward to taking revenge this time, as she lost their last match in Tokyo last year. This is Jelena's favorited surface, so I believe she will come through. 

Pick: Jankovic in 2 tight sets

Sara Errani vs. Belinda Bencic

Errani is quietly making her way in the draw, and will be looking forward to return to the top 10 with a good result here. She will face the tournament's surprise package, Belinda Bencic. The teenager has been turning heads throughout the touramnent and will no doubt give Errani a run for her money. However, I still think Sara's superior experience will tide her through.

Pick: Errani in 3 sets

Kimiko Date-Krumm vs. Monica Puig

The top half of the draw has completely collapsed, leaving Puig the highest ranked player there. Will this spur her to greater heights, or will the pressure get to her? Kimiko's unorthodox game will throw Monica off, but I still think she will steady herself and tire the Japanese out. There is not going to be a better chance for the Puerto Rican to breakthrough, so I hope she grabs this. 

Pick: Puig in 3 sets

Karolina Pliskova vs. Caroline Wozniacki

Wozniacki is firmly the favourite to clinch the title with the other seeds being ousted or in poor form. Pliskova's game can overpower the Dane, but I don't think she can maintain the same intensity throughout the match. Look out for another gritty win from the former world number 1.

Pick: Wozniacki in 2 tight sets

Charleston, Monterry day 4: Young vs. Old

Charleston schedule of play:

http://www.wtatennis.com/schedule/tournamentId/738/title/family-circle-cup

Monterrey schedule unavailable

Match focus:

Eugenie Bouchard vs. Venus Williams

Venus Williams will be put to the test against Eugenie Bouchard. The Canadian has been sharp in her opening matches, compared to Venus's hard fought wins. Venus's illness seem to be bothering her throughout this week, and it's difficult to see her fight through another match, much less against an opponent like Bouchard. My heart wants Williams to win, but my head says Bouchard will clinch this in 2.

Pick: Bouchard in 2 sets

Andrea Petkovic vs. Sabine Lisicki

The good/bad thing about this match is that one of them will have to win. Both Germans are in dire form this year, especially Lisicki. Petkovic is showing signs of good form with her demolition of Lourdes Dominguez Lino, but the Spanish is way off her prime anyway. Lisicki has been struggling throughout the year and it is sad to see her lost and confused. Andrea should have the advantage, having played a clean match previously and Sabine having to struggle through hers.

Pick: Petkovic in 3 sets

Aleksandra Wozniak vs. Ana Ivanovic

What a horror show that was for Ana vs Urszula. Both players were horrendous and they should pay the spectators money for watching that error fest. Ana's good form has dissipated into the air and I hope Aleksandra takes advantage of that. The Canadian has been unfortunate with injuries in her career, and a win over Ivanovic will give her a much needed confidence boost. No doubt that if Ana plays like how she played in her opening match, she will be kicked out of the tournament. Let's see how the Serbian reacts after that dismal performance.

Pick: Ivanovic in 3 sets

Sure win bets: Daniela Hantuchova, Elena Vesnina, Monica Puig
Upset alert: Sabine Lisicki, Samantha Stosur, Allie Kiick

 

Charleston, Monterrey day 3: Draw blown wide open

The top seeds of both tournaments did not play well and even the great Serena Williams has been dumped out unceremiously by unheralded Jana Cepelova. This makes the draw very interesting as the title is really up for grabs now.

Charleston schedule of play:

http://www.wtatennis.com/schedule/tournamentId/738/title/family-circle-cup

Monterrey schedule of play:
Unavailable

Match focus:

Elina Svitolina vs. Sloane Stephens

Elina is slowly improving, winning the matches that she's supposed to win, and beating a few players that's ranked above her. This match will test whether she's ready for the top 20. Sloane played an awful match against Wozniacki in Miami, so Elina definitely has a chance here. Sloane is just capitalizing on her fame at the moment and not really concentrating on her tennis. This is sad as she's capable of so much more. Let's see if she will start working on her game once her points start dropping off.

Pick: Svitolina in 2 sets

Lauren Davis vs. Jelena Jankovic

Jelena now has the burden of retaining the prestige of the tournament as the highest seed left. The Serbian should have rested enough, as she was ousted in her first match in Miami. She should be careful of Davis though, as the American has a good game and can cause her some troubles. Still, I expect Jelena to win this as she's the better player on clay.

Pick: Jankovic in 2 sets

Donna Vekic vs. Karolina Pliskova

Donna Vekic is coming back to life again after going missing for the latter part of last year. She is currently playing well, and looks good to mount another upset against Karolina Pliskova. The Czech has a robotic game, while Vekic's game is more flashy. I believe Donna can win here, and go deep in the tournament where the top seeds have fallen.

Pick: Vekic in 2 sets

Kimiko Date-Krumm vs. Timea Babos

Timea Babos had been winless for 2014 until her last match against a Mexican wildcard. It is safe to say that Kimiko will be the huge favourite here, having topple Pennetta in convincing fashion. Kimiko's game will trouble the ball bashing Babos, as the Hungarian does not really have a plan B. It is a great opportunity for Kimiko to gain points here, as the draw has fallen wide open for the top half.

Pick: Date-Krumm in 2 sets

Sure win bets: Monica Puig, Caroline Wozniacki, Jelena Jankovic, Daniela Hantuchova
Upset alert: Karolina Pliskova, Sabine Lisicki, Marina Erakovic, Sloane Stephens

Charleston, Monterrey day 2: Williams sisters in action

Charleston schedule of play:

http://www.wtatennis.com/schedule/tournamentId/738/title/family-circle-cup

Monterrey schedule of play:

Not updated yet

Match focus:

Barbora Zahlavova Strycova vs. Venus Williams

Venus did well here last year, and will be looking forward to continue her good form in recent months. She will face the feisty Strycova, whose on-court antics are more famous than her game. Given how cool and collected Venus is, it is highly unlikely that she will be distracted by the Czech. If Venus stays healthy, she will be able to sweep pass Barbora with little difficulty.

Pick: Venus in 2 sets

Serena Williams vs. Jana Cepelova

Serena will be tired after her exploits in Miami. However, she gets a soft opponent against Cepelova in her opening match. Cepelova doesn't have the game to trouble Serena, and I don't expect Serena to struggle in anyway. She may take a few games to get used to the clay, but it'll be cruise control afterwards.

Pick: Serena in 2 sets

Caroline Garcia vs. Peng Shuai

Caroline Garcia is playing some of her best tennis in recent months, and looks good to fulfil the expectations layed on her initially. Peng is no pushover though, as she was narrowly close to defeating Kerber in Miami. This will be a good match but I believe Garcia will be the one with more confidence. Peng has the experience, but with doubles being her priority now, I'll go with the Frenchwoman.

Pick: Garcia in 3 sets

Coco Vandeweghe vs. Caroline Wozniacki

Coco Vandeweghe is coming off a great Miami, having upset Pavlyuchenkova and Stosur there. However, her game does not match well against Wozniacki's retrieving game as she will be prone to errors. Caroline relishes in taking down opponents who only know how to play with power. Unless Coco has a day where she just cannot miss, the Dane is going to win this match.

Pick: Wozniacki in 2 sets

Urszula Radwanska vs. Ana Ivanovic

Poor Urzsula just cannot catch a break. Ever since coming back from her injury layoff, she hasn't won a match, and doesn't seem to be breaking the trend here against the 2nd seed Ivanovic. Ana was humiliated by Kvitova in Miami, but she will be eager to improve on that performance. Frankly, Urzsula doesn't have any weapons that could hurt Ana anyway.

Pick: Ivanovic in 2 sets


Sure win bets: Luksika Kumkhum, Monica Puig, Lourdes Dominguez Lino, Elena Vesnina, Sorana Cirstea
Upset alert: Samantha Stosur, Marina Erakovic, Peng Shuai

Charleston, Monterrey day 1: Tough test for Kirilenko

Charleston schedule of play:

http://www.wtatennis.com/schedule/tournamentId/738/title/family-circle-cup

Monterrey schedule of play:

http://www.wtatennis.com/schedule/tournamentId/1471/title/monterrey-open

Match focus:

Maria Kirilenko vs. Belinda Bencic

Fresh from her injury layoff, Kirilenko will be put to the test immediately against rising Belinda Bencic. The Swiss will be sure to make Kirilenko move around the court and test if her knee is back to 100%. I don't think Kirilenko will make it through here immediately. She needs a softer draw and maybe a lower tier event to warm herself up. This is a golden chance for Bencic to get a good win over a good opponent.

Pick: Bencic in 2 sets

Julia Goerges vs. Virginie Razzano

Goerges had only one good win this year, which is over Errani in Melbourne. She went back to her errant ways since then and looks to be happy with her mediocrity. Razzano is a dangerous player and these 2 had a close match in 2009, where Julia won in a third set tiebreak. With the German's non-existent form now, Razzano should be able to bag this. Still, you'll never know which Julia Goerges will turn up.

Pick: Razzano in 3 sets

Elina Svitolina vs. Jarmila Gajdosova

Jarmila has been hounded by personal problems for the past 2 years, and it's nice to see her qualify for the main draw. However, she faces a tough match against Svitolina, who is in the form of her life. It will be difficult for the Aussie to break down Elina, unless she has an off day. Elina should be able to cruise to an easy victory here.

Pick: Svitolina in 2 sets

Flavia Pennetta vs. Kimiko Date-Krumm

Flavia is playing the best tennis of her career now, and it will take a lot for Kimiko to upset her. The Japanese does have what it takes to trouble her, but the Italian's fitness should be able to wear Date down. Flavia has a nice draw here and it will be a surprise if she doesn't make the finals.

Pick: Pennetta in 2 sets

Garbine Muguruza vs. Donna Vekic

After her massive choke against Zakopalova in Florianopolis, Garbine was never the same player. She lost both her opening matches in Indian Wells and Miami, choking against Tomljanovic in Key Biscayne. Donna will give her a good fight here, having played herself to form in the US tournaments. The Spaniard will need to steady herself here, or else this might spiral into a losing streak.

Pick: Vekic in 3 tight sets

Sure win bets: Karolina Pliskova, Timea Babos, Lauren Davis, Lucie Safarova, Christina McHale
Upset alert: Kristina Mladenovic, Garbine Muguruza, Maria Kirilenko, Michelle Larcher De Brito, Yaroslava Shvedova