Bucharest, Bad Gastein day 4: Vinci's return of form?

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:

Silvia Soler Espinosa vs. Roberta Vinci

Just when you think that Vinci will never recover her form, she plays an excellent match against Dulgheru to win without much fuss. Is this a sign that the Vinci we know is back? This match will be a good indicator of her level now, as Silvia is a decent clay-courter who thrives on this surface. If Roberta is able to win this easily, I believe she's back to her good form. I wouldn't bet on an easy win though, as Roberta is still a bit low in confidence.

Pick: Vinci in 3 sets

Petra Cetkovska vs. Kiki Bertens

Both players experienced the highs and lows of dropping down the rankings and picking up the pieces. Right now, I would think Bertens is the one with more confidence with her 4th round showing in Paris. Cetkovska has a tendency to give up and play casual loose shots if she's not confident, so I don't expect a pretty match. However, Kiki might be tired from playing so many matches all the way from qualifying. Pretty even match, but the younger Dutch should have the edge.

Pick: Bertens in 3 sets

Yvonne Meusburger vs. Chanelle Scheepers

Defending champion Meusburger will be eager to defend her title right in her own country Austria. Can Chanelle stop the steady Austrian from repeating? On clay, I will give the advantage to Yvonne. Chanelle's flat strokes loses its sting on the slow surface, and Yvonne will run them down and make Chanelle hit that extra ball. I don't think Chanelle is patient enough to construct points, so Yvonne should be able to advance.

Pick: Meusburger in 2 sets

Sure win bets: Karin Knapp, Camila Giorgi, Carla Suarez Navarro
Upset alert: Petra Cetkovska,

Stuttgart, Marrakech day 4: Sharapova fights for her top 10 ranking

Match focus:

Maria Sharapova vs. Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova

Maria Sharapova needs to reach at least the semi-finals to maintain her top 10 ranking, and is in real danger of losing it against the dangerous Pavlyuchenkova. The lower ranked Russian upset Sharapova in Paris earlier this year, and will be poised to notch another win against the famous Sharapova after the way she struggled mightily against Lucie. Pavlyuchenkova's game suits clay, but I think Sharapova wants this more. She fought her heart out in her opening match, and I won't be surprised if she did the same here. A close match definitely, but Sharapova will scrape through again.

Pick: Sharapova in 3 tight sets

Svetlana Kuznetsova vs. Simona Halep

Svetlana Kuznetsova played very well against Barbieri, her first round match. It is always easy to play well against someone who you know isn't the same standard as you. Against Halep, Kuznetsova will need to play just as well. The problem with Svetlana is that her brain just wanders off sometimes. She starts going for outrageous winners and making ill advised shots. You won't expect that from Simona. The Romanian is very disciplined in her choice of shots, and even though she suffered a shock loss against Ivanovic in Fed Cup, I think her steady game will still prevail. Kuznetsova will make it interesting, but she won't win.

Pick: Halep in 3 sets

Yvonne Meusburger vs. Estrella Cabeza Candela

Yvonne Meusburger has to be one of the most underestimated players on tour. Sure, she will never match up with the top players, but she is a benchmark for players who want to go to the next level. There is a fine line between being a consistent top 20 fixture, and a player whose form fluctuates wildly from match to match. Beating Yvonne will prove that the player has what it takes, but losing to her means that the player will probably remain as a journeywoman. Estrella has the game on clay, but does she have the qualities of a top 20 or even 30 player? I don't think so. The Spaniard's game is fundamental at best, so Yvonne will tough out another close win.

Pick: Meusburger in 3 sets

Stuttgart, Marrakech day 1: Wozniacki in action

Match focus:

Caroline Wozniacki vs. Kaia Kanepi

The only main draw match in Stuttgart today sees Caroline Wozniacki take on the volatile Kanepi. Kaia has beaten the Dane on clay before, but her form this year has been lacklustre. Caroline might not be at her best now, but she still can grind opponents out of the court. With her lack of confidence, I don't think Kanepi can upset the Dane again. However, who knows? A fully pumped up Kaia might just demolish Wozniacki.

Pick: Wozniacki in 3 sets

Yvonne Meusburger vs. Petra Cetkovska

One would expect Cetkovska to build on her huge upset over Li in Doha, but the Czech went back into mediocrity again. Petra seems to have a problem with expectations being laid on her, and only plays her best when she's not expected to win. Against Meusburger, she is the lower ranked player and has a superior game. This might mean that Cetkovska has the chance to cause an upset here. The only thing stopping her is her head.

Pick: Cetkovska in 3 sets

Petra Martic vs. Shahar Peer

Still very puzzled to why Martic is ranked so low. With her game and wide variety of shots, she can play amazing tennis. The only thing that is hindering her is her choice of shots and lack of mental strength. Peer is frankly a has-been, so Martic should be able to win this comfortably. The problem with her is that she doesn't believe in herself. If she relaxes and play her normal game, she can win this match. Maybe a coaching change (if she even has a coach) is essential for Petra.

Pick: Martic in 3 sets

Katowice QF: Cornet vs Koukolova the highlight

Match focus:

Alize Cornet vs. Klara Koukalova

Looks who's back. Klara gets her surname back after divorcing her husband, and is back to being Kookie Klara. Even though her private life may not be a bed of roses, her tennis is as she is playing the best tennis of her career. She will face an equally strong opponent as Cornet has been nothing but steady for this year. I believe Alize has the game to win this, but the surface suits Klara's flat game more. Alize will need to be patient and serve well, and frankly wait for the Kookie to crumble. It will be a tough match, and I think Cornet will edge Klara here.

Pick: Cornet in 3 sets

Agnieszka Radwanska vs. Yvonne Meusburger

I don't think I need to elaborate more on this match.

Pick: Radwanska in 2 easy sets

Shahar Peer vs. Camila Giorgi

Cutie pie Giorgi will play for a place in the semi-finals against veteran Shahar Peer. The Israeli has dropped down the rankings spectacularly, and will be grateful for this result. Giorgi's game suits the fast indoor courts here, so she should have the advantage. However, it is no secret that to beat Camila, you just have to wear her out. Let's see if Peer can do just that.

Pick: Giorgi in 2 sets

Magdalena Rybarikova vs. Carla Suarez Navarro

Rybarikova's serve will be her weapon here in the quick indoor court. However, her major weakness, her backhand, will be exploited by Carla Suarez Navarro. The Spaniard will direct most of her topspin backhands to that wing and cruise to an easy victory. This is not a semi-final or final, so I don't expect Carla to go away mentally.

Pick: Suarez Navarro in 2 sets

Katowice day 4: Can Schiavone still spring an upset

Schedule of play:

http://www.wtatennis.com/schedule/tournamentId/3143/title/bnp-paribas-katowice-open

Match focus:

Agnieszka Radwanska vs. Francesca Schiavone

Schiavone might be struggling, but not to the extent of her compatriot, Roberta Vinci. As a former Grand Slam champion, does she have what it takes to topple Radwanska? If this match was played on clay, I wouldn't rule out an upset. But Katowice is played on hard courts (strangely), so the favourite will be Agnieszka. Schiavone will have flashes of brilliance as usual, but Radwanska will steadily wear her down.

Pick: Radwanska in 2 sets

Mirjana Lucic-Baroni vs. Yvonne Meusburger

Mirjana Lucic-Baroni has a huge game, but her unforced errors let her down 90% of the time. Against a steady player like Meusburger, Mirjana will be at a disadvantage. However, playing on hard fast courts will suit Mirjana more, and the Croatian has been on a roll lately. An upset is possible here is possible.

Pick: Lucic-Baroni in 3 sets

Sure win bets: Alize Cornet, Magdalena Rybarikova

Indian Wells day 1: Russians on comeback trails

Schedule of play:

http://www.wtatennis.com/schedule/tournamentId/543/title/bnp-paribas-open

Match focus:

Vera Zvonareva vs. Peng Shuai

Former Indian Wells champion Vera Zvonareva hopes to kickstart her comeback at her place of triumph 3 years ago. Judging by her matches this year, I do think that Vera still has a lot of work to do to get back on top. Her weight has ballooned a bit, and her movement is compromised. Against a match fit Peng Shuai, it is just not good enough. It's tough to expect results straightaway without putting the necessary hard work. I hope Vera doesn't get disheartened and continue her efforts, because I do think she has one last run in her. Sadly, it's not now.

Pick: Peng Shuai in 2 sets

Nadia Petrova vs. Silvia Soler-Espinosa

Nadia Petrova did not have a career threatening injury, but she took time off to mourn for the loss of her mother. Nadia's comeback would be less difficult considering she doesn't have injuries to worry about. Another point I like about Nadia's attitude is that she did not ask for wildcards, but instead played qualifying in her first few events. This builds confidence and give a good gauge on where her level is. Against clay courter Silvia, Petrova has the advantage. The Russian needs to serve well and be aggressive, not drawn into long rallies which favours the Spaniard. This is a winnable match for Nadia and she knows it.

Pick: Petrova in 2 sets

Yvonne Meusburger vs. Iveta Melzer

Last of the comeback players, Iveta Melzer meets the vastly improved Yvonne Meusburger. 2 years ago, I would have given Iveta the edge easily. However, I'm not so certain now. Yvonne has improved leaps and bounds since then, and Iveta is still fresh on her comeback. It will be expecting too much from her to defeat a steady top 50 player. I would suggest Iveta to start with lower expectations and play from qualifying to gain confidence. Jumping right into the main draw is too much too soon.

Pick: Meusburger in 2 sets

Madison Keys vs. Tsvetana Pironkova

Big things are expected of Madison Keys, but she falters every time. Against Pironkova, it will be a good chance to show that her mental game has improved. Pironkova is the type of player that Keys doesn't like. A fast player who mixes things up with her slice, Madison will need to be patient and wait for the right moment to attack. If the American passes the tricky Bulgarian test, it will be a testament to her improved game. If not, maybe Keys just doesn't have what it takes to be a top player.

Pick: Keys in 3 sets

Belinda Bencic vs. Heather Watson

Belinda Bencic is the one to watch as she gave Li Na a scare in their match in Melbourne. A youngster who's more crafty than powerful, she has the tendency to get blown away by more powerful opponents. She doesn't have to worry about that against Watson, as the Brit doesn't have the ball bashing game. Watson is recovering from a virus, and is slowly making her way back into the top 100. However, Bencic isn't one to be ignored as she is also rapidly rising up the rankings. A close contest is expected from these 2 and I believe the younger and more fearless player will prevail.

Pick: Bencic in 3 sets

Sure win bets: Lauren Davis, Petra Cetkovska, Yanina Wickmayer
Upset alerts: Shahar Peer, Bojana Jovanovski, Chanelle Scheepers

 

Guangzhou and Seoul day 5: Possible all Chinese clash in Guangzhou

Guangzhou schedule:

Zheng Jie vs Vania King
Zhang Shuai vs. Yvonne Meusburger

Seoul schedule:

Agnieszka Radwanska vs. Vera Dushevina
Su Jeong Jang vs. Lara Arruabarrena
Francesca Schiavone vs. Kimiko Date-Krumm
Irina-Camelia Begu vs. Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova

Match focus:

Zheng Jie vs. Vania King

Vania King fought her way through the talented youngster Puig, and showed that experience eventually trumps youth. These 2 players of Chinese descent will guarantee a familiar face in the final. Zheng also fought her way through the big hitting Robson, and shows that talent is nothing without hard work. The Chinese won their only encounter last year, and expect her to win this as well with the crowd behind her. Vania will be satisfied with her showing here, almost getting back into the top 100.

Zhang Shuai vs. Yvonne Meusburger

An all Chinese finals is very much possible with Zhang Shuai taking on Yvonne Meusburger. The crowd will be firmly behind their own countrywoman, but Meusburger is not one to be ignored. She has already accounted for Alize Cornet, who was in great form coming into the tournament. Meusburger seems to really thrive in smaller events and will no doubt give Zhang a good fight. Once again, I believe experience will be vital here as Yvonne has the bigger match experiences compared to Zhang.

Pick: Meusburger in 2 sets

Pick: Zheng in 2 sets

Francesca Schiavone vs. Kimiko Date-Krumm

2 of the oldest players left in the draw proves that age is just a number. Date-Krumm was very impressive in her dismissal of Kirilenko, although the Russian seemed injured and was too eager to end points. Kimiko will need to grind out a win against the Italian, who has really great speed despite her age. Sadly, the Italian knows how to play Kimiko, as she has 3 wins over her so far. It will take an inspired performance from the Japanese to upset the higher ranked Schiavone.

Pick: Schiavone in 2 sets

Sure win bets, Agnieszka Radwanska, Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova, Yvonne Meusburger
Upset alert: Lara Arruabarrena

Quebec City, Tashkent day 3: Bouchard shoulders Canadian hopes

Quebec City schedule:

http://www.wtatennis.com/schedule/tournamentId/590/title/challenge-bell

Tashkent schedule:

http://www.wtatennis.com/schedule/tournamentId/759/title/tashkent-open

Match focus:

Eugenie Bouchard vs. Sofia Arvidsson

Bouchard will be the focus of this tournament as the Canadians pin their hopes on this youngster. Bouchard's game is handy, but prone to being overpowered. She will like her chances against the slumping Sofia Arvidsson though. Eugenie just needs to stay focused and not let the pressure get to her. This match is a perfect warm up to get used to the crowd and courts.

Pick: Bouchard in 2 sets

Lucie Hrdecka vs. Petra Martic

The newly crowned doubles champion of US Open takes on the unfulfilled Petra Martic. Both players will blow hot and cold, so it's difficult to predict who will take this match. Confidence wise, Hrdecka definitely has the advantage, posting an impressive win in doubles over the Williams sisters. Martic has gone into the woods again and if she doesn't find her game back, she will be languishing in the ITF challenger events soon.

Pick: Hrdecka in 2 sets

Yvonne Meusburger vs. Petra Cetkovska

Yvonne lost all her form by taking a prolonged break after her title in Bad Gastein. Will she regain it against the dangerous Petra Cetkovska? A natural ball striker, Cetkovska's game is pleasing to the eye when she's on. Compared to Meusburger's scrappy play, Petra makes the game look easy. If she's playing to her normal standards, the Czech should have this in the bag. Let's hope Cetkovska gets the results because she belongs to the top 50.

Pick: Cetkovska in 2 sets

Sure win bets: Mandy Minella, Nastassja Burnett, Polona Hercog, Eugenie Bouchard
Upset alert: Galina Voskoboeva, Irina-Camelia Begu, Caroline Garcia