Moscow, Luxembourg day 1: Massive withdrawals dampen season ending tournaments

Moscow schedule of play:

http://www.wtatennis.com/schedule/tournamentId/664/title/kremlin-cup-by-bank-of-moscow

Luxembourg schedule of play:

http://www.wtatennis.com/schedule/tournamentId/233/title/bgl-bnp-paribas-luxembourg-open

Match focus:

Svetlana Kuznetsova vs. Klara Koukalova

Svetlana Kuznetsova looks content just being a solid top 30 player, always pushing the top players but coming out short in the end. In an event marred by the top players' withdrawal, this will be a good chance for Kuznetsova to revive her career. The Russian enjoys home crowd support, and will be the firm favourite against the slumping Koukalova. If the Russian loses this, I'm afraid any hopes of a career revival will be dashed.

Pick: Kuznetsova in 2 sets

Tereza Smitkova vs. Roberta Vinci

Vinci may be slumping, but I certainly do not expect her to lose to unheralded Tereza Smitkova. The Czech youngster had a breakthrough tournament in Wimbledon, but faded in obscurity immediately after that. There is one factor that might work against Roberta though, as she is scheduled to play in the Year-End Championships in Singapore. If she advances to the finals, she will have limited time to travel back to Asia and readjust to the conditions. Not saying that the Italian should throw the match away, but it will be a matter of priorities.

Pick: Vinci in 2 sets

Silvia Soler Espinosa vs. Barbora Zahlavova Strycova

Silvia held a 5-0 lead against Serena in Beijing, but collapsed immediately after that when the world number 1 raised her game. The Spaniard's game is not flashy, but will make you earn your points. Barbora's season has been consistent after her Wimbledon breakthrough. She used to be a walking time-bomb, never knowing when she will self-destruct and wallow in self pity. Once she kept her emotions intact, she plays a good all-court game which is a joy to watch. I would give Barbora the advantage as she's a play maker, as opposed to Silvia's reactionary game. It will be close though, with a lot of scrambling and all court tennis.

Pick: Strycova in 3 sets

Sure win bets: Mona Barthel, Karin Knapp, Monica Niculescu
Upset alert: Jana Cepelova, Donna Vekic, Tsvetana Pironkova

Wimbledon scorecard: GOATra makes rare appearance

A+: Petra Kvitova

I don't think anyone on tour could have survive Kvitova in the final match. Just flawless hitting from the Czech.

A: Venus Williams

Strange to give such a high grade to a 3rd round loser, but she was the closest to defeating Kvitova. Venus went toe to toe with the champion and was 2 points away from victory.

A-: Eugenie Bouchard

Young star was humbled by Kvitova in the finals, but has a lot to be proud of for her first slam final appearance.

B+: Simona Halep

Seems like the only dependable player on tour. Unfortunate injury in her semi-final, but would have been destroyed by Kvitova anyway.

B: Lucie Safarova

Finally advances to her first slam semi-finals after years on tour. Let's see if she can build on this momentum.

B-: Barbora Zahlavova Strycova

Drop shot queen of the tournament, scoring upset wins over Wozniacki and Li Na. Also showing signs of maturity as she's not as animated as before.

C+: Sabine Lisicki

Didn't go all the way to the final this year, but still manages to reach the quarter-finals despite an absolute horrendous year. Now see her fade back into obscurity.

C: Tereza Smitkova

Who? Another Czech who took most of an open draw to reach the last 16. One to watch in the future.

C-: Maria Sharapova

Didn't handle the pressure of being the favourite well, faltered badly against Kerber. Grass is quickly becoming her worst surface.

D: Agnieszka Radwanska

Expected her to make things difficult for Makarova, but just went down meekly. Looks like she'll never win a major.

E: Li Na

Her split with Carlos Rodriguez definitely was a contributing factor, but her weakness was fully exploited by Barbora. At her age, it remains to be seen if she has the motivation to bounce back.

F: Serena Williams

Maybe F is too harsh for Serena, but she came into the tournament all serious and eager to prove the detractors wrong. However, she was just missing for the past 2 slams. Will Serena get back on her feet? Or is there something wrong with her health given that she withdrew under mystifying circumstances?