With Serena Williams' straight set victory over Maria Kirlenko, no slouch of an opponent, and Sloane Stephens' three set winner of Bojana Jovanovski, it set up an American duel for a spot in the Semifinals. The question is, now, can Stephens win?
I knew Sloane Stephens was going to be good, have good tournament, maybe the Third Round, Round of 16 if she was lucky, but I couldn't have imagined that she would be making a Quarterfinals appearance. Sloane Stephens is right now, in my opinion, the second best women's tennis player in the United States. Stephens has a lot of potential to be great. She has had a fantastic tournament, but so has Serena Williams.
Serena Williams, in her Round of 16 match, gave up two games, zero in the the second set. This is yet another set where Serena Williams hasn't gave up a game, four for the tournament. In fact, the most games Serena has given up in a game this tournament is three. These matches have not been close. Can Sloane Stephens make things a little more uncomfortable for Serena Williams? Can she, actually, win the match?
I just don't think Sloane can make this a match. Serena Williams is on another level right now. In fact, it really feels like there is Victoria Azarenka, Maria Sharapova, and Serena Williams just miles above the rest of the competition. Stephens has had a great tournament, she played Serena close at Brisbane, and she is set for the future, but in a major championship, Sloane doesn't stand a chance.
Prediction: Serena Williams wins 6-3, 6-1
Monday, January 21, 2013
Thursday, January 17, 2013
Venus Williams vs. Maria Sharapova Predictions
Tonight (in the United States), a huge Third Round matchup will take place. And let's be honest, I think the winner of this match has a better-than-average chance of, at least, making it to the Finals. This match is Venus Williams vs. Maria Sharapova. But who will win? Will I change my prediction of Maria Sharapova making the Finals? Let's find out.
Both Williams and Sharapova have rolled through their first two matches. Venus Williams hasn't even been threatened in a set yet, while Maria Sharapova hasn't even lost a game yet. This is what makes this match even more compelling. These two players haven't been sneaking by, playing below average, but winning due to the low level of competition put in front of them. They have been beating down on their opponents, like a champion should.
So, who will win? In the first set, I expect Maria Sharapova to get off to a hot start. Venus Williams will get pushed around by Sharapova's hard-hitting game, and will not offer much resistance. I can see this set going 6-2 to Sharapova, with the score not even being a fair indicator of the lopsidedness of the match. I don't think the first set will be too pretty for Venus.
The second set, however, I believe will be much tighter. Venus Williams will start to find her game again, occasionally trading breaks with Sharapova. Sharapova will start to spray a few more errors, giving Williams a chance to take the set. Venus Williams will win the second set 7-6 (7-3). It will all come down to the final set.
Unfortunately for tennis fans, however, I don't think this last set will be so close. The heat will finally get to Venus, her time off of tennis finally coming back to bite her in the heat of Australia.. Maria Sharapova will cruise to a 6-1 victory in this set, giving her the match as well. Although it won't be enough for Venus, she will have definitely played her heart out.
I predict Maria Sharapova will beat Venus Williams, but not before giving up a set. This half of my Finals prediction will still be alive!
Wednesday, January 16, 2013
Crushing End of Tournament For Brian Baker: Even the Victor Couldn't Act Excited
Brian Baker had a lot going right for him yesterday. He was winning the match, had all of the momentum, and was stunning the higher seeded Sam Querrey. But, that's where it all went downhill. Brian Baker was not moving on, and it was out of his control.
In a point early in the second set after winning the first one 7-6, Baker was in a routine point. After the point was over, though, Baker started limping around, eventually falling to the ground. From the moment he went down, I, for one, knew that he couldn't continue. What was more crushing, however, was seeing the look on Baker's face as he sat on the sidline, his fate soon coming.
It was heartbreaking looking at Baker's face after injuring himself. He had a look of pure devestation. But, the devastation wasn't limited to just himself. Querrey, actually, look quite upset himself. But why was Querrey so upset after advancing to the Third Round of a major? There are a few of different reasons.
The first reason why Querrey looked upset was because Baker was a fellow American. As a tennis player, in my opinion at least, you not only represent yourself but the country in which you are born. I think the players agree with this sentiment and was one reason why Querrey was especially concerned.
We cannot also forget the history of Brian Baker. The seemingly endless amounts of surgeries Baker had. This was a great comeback story. Querrey was probably, too, devastated that Baker couldn't give him everything he has. This leads me to my last point.
Querrey had to have been at least a tiny bit upset that he actually "beat" Brian Baker. In fact, Baker was winning the match. Deep down inside, Querrey must have certainly thought that, had the match continue, he more than likely would have lost. Querrey had to have his competitive nature come out at this point to actually "win" the match, rather than have Baker "lose" it.
This was an absolutely crushing loss for Brian Baker. And the loss was felt by his opponent, too.
In a point early in the second set after winning the first one 7-6, Baker was in a routine point. After the point was over, though, Baker started limping around, eventually falling to the ground. From the moment he went down, I, for one, knew that he couldn't continue. What was more crushing, however, was seeing the look on Baker's face as he sat on the sidline, his fate soon coming.
It was heartbreaking looking at Baker's face after injuring himself. He had a look of pure devestation. But, the devastation wasn't limited to just himself. Querrey, actually, look quite upset himself. But why was Querrey so upset after advancing to the Third Round of a major? There are a few of different reasons.
The first reason why Querrey looked upset was because Baker was a fellow American. As a tennis player, in my opinion at least, you not only represent yourself but the country in which you are born. I think the players agree with this sentiment and was one reason why Querrey was especially concerned.
We cannot also forget the history of Brian Baker. The seemingly endless amounts of surgeries Baker had. This was a great comeback story. Querrey was probably, too, devastated that Baker couldn't give him everything he has. This leads me to my last point.
Querrey had to have been at least a tiny bit upset that he actually "beat" Brian Baker. In fact, Baker was winning the match. Deep down inside, Querrey must have certainly thought that, had the match continue, he more than likely would have lost. Querrey had to have his competitive nature come out at this point to actually "win" the match, rather than have Baker "lose" it.
This was an absolutely crushing loss for Brian Baker. And the loss was felt by his opponent, too.
Tuesday, January 15, 2013
Serena Williams Suffers Scare, Demolishes Gallovits-Hall. Can She Still Win it?
Serena Williams had an eventful afternoon in Australia yesterday, to say the least. The gigantic favorite to win the tournament stepped on the court for her First Round match against an unknown opponent, Edina Gallovits-Hall.
It was not surprising that Serena raced out to a 4-0 lead in the first set, another yawner for the best player in the world right now. She was totally dominant in every aspect of the game.
And let me just put it out there, Gallovits-Hall was bad, real bad. Honestly, I have watched many tennis matches in my lifetime, and she was, by far, the worst tennis player I have ever seen. Maybe she was having an off day, possibly nervous out there, but still, she was a disaster. Put a blindfold on Serena and she would have a good match against Gallovits-Hall. Why do I say that? Because, up 4-0, she probably wished all she had to do was put on a blindfold with what happened next.
Serena, hitting a forehand, got her foot in an awkward position on the court, hurting her ankle in the process. She was in obvious pain, and the audience knew it, for she was barely moving before the trainers attended to her. After re-taping the ankle, however, Serena was able to continue on with the match.
The very next point was a winner for Serena, and let's be honest, it didn't get much better for Gallovits-Hall from there. She was blown off the court, losing 6-0, 6-0 in the most lopsided match I have ever seen.
So, now the question remains: Can Serena Williams still win the tournament? And you know what, I still think she can. There is no doubt in my mind that she can fight through this injury, the determination radiating off from her, and win this thing. Because if Serena Williams really wants to do something, then she will do it.
It was not surprising that Serena raced out to a 4-0 lead in the first set, another yawner for the best player in the world right now. She was totally dominant in every aspect of the game.
And let me just put it out there, Gallovits-Hall was bad, real bad. Honestly, I have watched many tennis matches in my lifetime, and she was, by far, the worst tennis player I have ever seen. Maybe she was having an off day, possibly nervous out there, but still, she was a disaster. Put a blindfold on Serena and she would have a good match against Gallovits-Hall. Why do I say that? Because, up 4-0, she probably wished all she had to do was put on a blindfold with what happened next.
Serena, hitting a forehand, got her foot in an awkward position on the court, hurting her ankle in the process. She was in obvious pain, and the audience knew it, for she was barely moving before the trainers attended to her. After re-taping the ankle, however, Serena was able to continue on with the match.
The very next point was a winner for Serena, and let's be honest, it didn't get much better for Gallovits-Hall from there. She was blown off the court, losing 6-0, 6-0 in the most lopsided match I have ever seen.
So, now the question remains: Can Serena Williams still win the tournament? And you know what, I still think she can. There is no doubt in my mind that she can fight through this injury, the determination radiating off from her, and win this thing. Because if Serena Williams really wants to do something, then she will do it.
Monday, January 14, 2013
Venus Williams Looks Ready To Take On Maria Sharapova
I have to admit, I wasn't quite sure what to expect when Venus Williams stepped on the court yesterday, to take on unseeded opponent Galina Voskoboeva. Would she flop, as she did in singles at Wimbledon the previous year, or would she rise to the occasion. Well, it was only one match, however I think we got our answer.
Venus Williams took it to Voskoboeva, smacking shots left and right, Voskoboeva looking hopeless, as Venus took games at will. In fact, Venus Williams was on fire, winning 6-1, 6-0 in seemingly no time. This was a demolition.
At the beginning of the match, the very beginning, Voskoboeva looked like a crafty player, a women that would be no walk over for a shaky Venus. Then, out of nowhere it seems, Williams turned it on, and before you knew it, the game was totally out of hand, Williams prancing to the finish line. The early success of Galina gone in the blink of an eye.
So now it is time to look forward, to that question that appeared in many minds after the draws were announced. Will Venus Williams be ready to take on Maria Sharapova in the Third Round? And I don't mean just participate in the match, I mean beating her. Before yesterday, I really wasn't sure, Sharapova looked, and based on yesterday is, a very strong opposition. Could Venus, at this stage of her career, really do what is necessary to make that match into a classic.
My answer to that initial question is yes. Venus Williams looks ready to take on Maria Sharapova. She looks ready to look eye to eye with the defending French Open champion, and hit with her stroke for stroke. She looks ready to not only take her on, to challenge her, but maybe, just maybe, to beat her as well.
Venus Williams is ready for that challenge. Whether or not she will win, however, is still a mystery.
Venus Williams took it to Voskoboeva, smacking shots left and right, Voskoboeva looking hopeless, as Venus took games at will. In fact, Venus Williams was on fire, winning 6-1, 6-0 in seemingly no time. This was a demolition.
At the beginning of the match, the very beginning, Voskoboeva looked like a crafty player, a women that would be no walk over for a shaky Venus. Then, out of nowhere it seems, Williams turned it on, and before you knew it, the game was totally out of hand, Williams prancing to the finish line. The early success of Galina gone in the blink of an eye.
So now it is time to look forward, to that question that appeared in many minds after the draws were announced. Will Venus Williams be ready to take on Maria Sharapova in the Third Round? And I don't mean just participate in the match, I mean beating her. Before yesterday, I really wasn't sure, Sharapova looked, and based on yesterday is, a very strong opposition. Could Venus, at this stage of her career, really do what is necessary to make that match into a classic.
My answer to that initial question is yes. Venus Williams looks ready to take on Maria Sharapova. She looks ready to look eye to eye with the defending French Open champion, and hit with her stroke for stroke. She looks ready to not only take her on, to challenge her, but maybe, just maybe, to beat her as well.
Venus Williams is ready for that challenge. Whether or not she will win, however, is still a mystery.
Sunday, January 13, 2013
Australian Open Predictions
Now that we have went through the draws, it is time for pick who I think will make the Semifinals and ultimately win the tournament, in both men and women. Now, just because someone might have an easier draw it doesn't mean that they will necessarily mean they will make a run to the Finals, but they just might. Let's get started!
What Will the Women's Semifinals Match be?
Victoria Azarenka vs. Serena Williams
Li Na vs. Maria Sharapova
The first matchup is no surprise to anybody. These two players are clearly the cream of the crop of women's tennis at this time, as evidence by their epic Finals match at the 2012 US Open. With the way these two are playing, I really don't see anybody outside of the other one even getting a set off these two.
The other Semifinals matchup might surprise you, at least half of it. I believe Sharapova's hard-hitting game will help her get past tough opponents Venus Williams and Angelique Kerber. For Li Na, I believe she will get warmed up from early easy competition and then proceed to rip through opponents such as Samantha Stosur and Aga Radwanska, thus setting up a matchup with Sharapova.
What Will the Women's Finals Match be?
Serena Williams vs. Maria Sharapova
Serena Williams is playing at a very high level right now, a level I am not sure even Victoria Azarenka can match. I believe Azarenka will keep it close both sets, but Williams will just too much firepower for her to handle.
In the other Semifinal, I think that Li's inconsistent game will catch up to her, with Li trying to do too much to stay on the court with Sharapova. Maria wins easily.
Who Will Win the Women's Final?
Serena Williams
Serena Williams matches up extremely well with Sharapova, as evidence by her superb record against Maria. This was brought to the forefront during Williams' walloping of Sharapova in the women's Finals of the Olympics, with Sharapova hardly capable of winning a game. Serena won't win in that fashion, but she will take it in fairly-easy straight sets. I will continue to pick her until someone else in the field can show me they can beat her at the level she is playing at, on the biggest stage.
Who Will the Men's Semifinals Matches be?
Novak Djokovic vs. David Ferrer
Andy Murray vs. Roger Federer
Novak Djokovic, guided by a very easy draw, will have no problem navigating himself through the draw. David Ferrer, unlike Djokovic, is very much in the background for this tournament. No one really talks about Ferrer, even though he has proven to be a very good player. I think he will, silently, make it into the Semifinals, ready to prove to the world that this is his time for a breakthrough.
Andy Murray, buoyed by his Olympic and US Open performance, will sail into the Semifinals, relatively unchallenged. At the bottom of the bracket, Roger Federer will, once again, prove to never go down without a fight. Federer, engrossed in at least one four set match, and a five setter too, will battle his way into the Semifinals, eager to prove that his Olympic Finals against Murray was not a sign of what's to come.
What Will the Men's Finals Match be?
David Ferrer vs. Roger Federer
Yes, Ferrer will shock Djokovic in the Semifinals. His getting every ball back will frustrate Djokovic so much so, that he will begin hitting error after error, allowing Ferrer to take the match in four sets. In the other semifinal, Federer, driven by his spanking at the Olympics, will best Murray in five hard-fought sets. Federer wants another major, badly.
Who Will Win the Men's Final?
Roger Federer
Federer, his vast amount of experience propelling him, will be patient enough to wait for his opportunities against Ferrer, and take advantage of them. It might not be easy, but Roger Federer will win the 2013 Australian Open in three tough sets, his 18th major championship.
Yes, you heard it from me. Serena Williams and Roger Federer will win the 2013 Australian Open championships. This one will be fun.
What Will the Women's Semifinals Match be?
Victoria Azarenka vs. Serena Williams
Li Na vs. Maria Sharapova
The first matchup is no surprise to anybody. These two players are clearly the cream of the crop of women's tennis at this time, as evidence by their epic Finals match at the 2012 US Open. With the way these two are playing, I really don't see anybody outside of the other one even getting a set off these two.
The other Semifinals matchup might surprise you, at least half of it. I believe Sharapova's hard-hitting game will help her get past tough opponents Venus Williams and Angelique Kerber. For Li Na, I believe she will get warmed up from early easy competition and then proceed to rip through opponents such as Samantha Stosur and Aga Radwanska, thus setting up a matchup with Sharapova.
What Will the Women's Finals Match be?
Serena Williams vs. Maria Sharapova
Serena Williams is playing at a very high level right now, a level I am not sure even Victoria Azarenka can match. I believe Azarenka will keep it close both sets, but Williams will just too much firepower for her to handle.
In the other Semifinal, I think that Li's inconsistent game will catch up to her, with Li trying to do too much to stay on the court with Sharapova. Maria wins easily.
Who Will Win the Women's Final?
Serena Williams
Serena Williams matches up extremely well with Sharapova, as evidence by her superb record against Maria. This was brought to the forefront during Williams' walloping of Sharapova in the women's Finals of the Olympics, with Sharapova hardly capable of winning a game. Serena won't win in that fashion, but she will take it in fairly-easy straight sets. I will continue to pick her until someone else in the field can show me they can beat her at the level she is playing at, on the biggest stage.
Who Will the Men's Semifinals Matches be?
Novak Djokovic vs. David Ferrer
Andy Murray vs. Roger Federer
Novak Djokovic, guided by a very easy draw, will have no problem navigating himself through the draw. David Ferrer, unlike Djokovic, is very much in the background for this tournament. No one really talks about Ferrer, even though he has proven to be a very good player. I think he will, silently, make it into the Semifinals, ready to prove to the world that this is his time for a breakthrough.
Andy Murray, buoyed by his Olympic and US Open performance, will sail into the Semifinals, relatively unchallenged. At the bottom of the bracket, Roger Federer will, once again, prove to never go down without a fight. Federer, engrossed in at least one four set match, and a five setter too, will battle his way into the Semifinals, eager to prove that his Olympic Finals against Murray was not a sign of what's to come.
What Will the Men's Finals Match be?
David Ferrer vs. Roger Federer
Yes, Ferrer will shock Djokovic in the Semifinals. His getting every ball back will frustrate Djokovic so much so, that he will begin hitting error after error, allowing Ferrer to take the match in four sets. In the other semifinal, Federer, driven by his spanking at the Olympics, will best Murray in five hard-fought sets. Federer wants another major, badly.
Who Will Win the Men's Final?
Roger Federer
Federer, his vast amount of experience propelling him, will be patient enough to wait for his opportunities against Ferrer, and take advantage of them. It might not be easy, but Roger Federer will win the 2013 Australian Open in three tough sets, his 18th major championship.
Yes, you heard it from me. Serena Williams and Roger Federer will win the 2013 Australian Open championships. This one will be fun.
Saturday, January 12, 2013
Draw Analysis: Australian Open
With the 2013 Australian Open coming soon, it is time, once again, for my draw analysis. This will be where I pick a top man and woman, in singles, who have in my opinion, the toughest and easiest draws.
To me, draw day could be the most important day of the tournament. If one has an easy or tough draw, it will significantly effect their chances to win. For instance, if a top player was drew to possibly play Venus Williams in the Second Round, they would have a much harder time winning the tournament as opposed to them getting a draw to play a no-name player (although Lukas Rosol taught us no match is a gimme). Let's get started.
Top Women With The Toughest Draw: Petra Kvitova
The hard-hitting Kvitova is going to have a tough time with this draw. And the tough part of her draw starts in the First Round. Here she will play former French Open champion, Frencesca Schiavone. She has great stamina, and will definitely be a tough out. In the Second Round, she could possibly have to play one of the most underrated players on tour, Laura Robson. At the latest major, the 2012 US Open, Robson made it to a career-best-for-any-major Round of 16. She will not go down without a fight. A possible duel with Sloane Stephen could be in store for Round Three. Sloane recently gave Serena Williams a scare at Brisbane, and could definitely upset Petra.
The Round of 16 could have in store a date with Nadia Petrova, whose big hitting could knock Kvitova off the court. Then, if by some miracle she wins that many games, she will most likely have to play Serena Williams in the Quarterfinals. Then, in the Semifinals, she might have to take on the top seed, Victoria Azarenka. Petra Kvitova is in a terrible spot due to the draws.
Top Women With The Easiest Draw: Li Na
Until the Round of 16, there just seems like nobody will beat her. The only ranked player she could possibly face is Sorena Cristea. And let me tell you something, I watched a match between her and Serena Williams this summer, and she is not the most impressive seeded player in this draw, to say the least.
Her Round of 16 matchup could possibly be against Samantha Stosur, and while she is good, she is certainly beatable. Aga Radwanksa is a potential matchup in the Quarterfinals, but if Li Na has made it to there, I believe she will hit Radwanksa off the court. Mix in the fact that both Serena Williams and Victoria Azarenka are on the other side of the draw, and this is a pretty easy draw for Li.
Top Man With The Toughest Draw: Nobody
Honestly. As I was pouring over the men's singles draw, I could not find one top man who had a more difficult than normal draw. In fact, the top men in this year's singles draws actually have it pretty easy. I don't expect any early upsets in this tournament.
Top Man With The Easiest Draw: Novak Djokovic
Although we are really grasping at straws here, Djokovic has a marginally easier draw than the other top competition. He won't have to face a person in the top 30 until the Round of 16. The highest possible ranked player he would face is Stanislas Wawrinka, and I don't think he has the game to beat Djokovic.
Sitting on the other side of his quarter is Tomas Berdych, and based on Berdych's track record, we don't know if Berdych will even be in it at this point. And anyways, I think Djokovic would much rather face Berdych than possibly Juan Martin Del Potro, the sixth seed (Berdych is the fifth seed). Most importantly, however, is the fact that both Roger Federer and Andy Murray are placed on the other side of the draw. This is definitely not the toughest draw that he could get.
Through my analysis, I hope you understand the importance of draw day. This day is vital to the tournament. Tennis isn't always fair.
To me, draw day could be the most important day of the tournament. If one has an easy or tough draw, it will significantly effect their chances to win. For instance, if a top player was drew to possibly play Venus Williams in the Second Round, they would have a much harder time winning the tournament as opposed to them getting a draw to play a no-name player (although Lukas Rosol taught us no match is a gimme). Let's get started.
Top Women With The Toughest Draw: Petra Kvitova
The hard-hitting Kvitova is going to have a tough time with this draw. And the tough part of her draw starts in the First Round. Here she will play former French Open champion, Frencesca Schiavone. She has great stamina, and will definitely be a tough out. In the Second Round, she could possibly have to play one of the most underrated players on tour, Laura Robson. At the latest major, the 2012 US Open, Robson made it to a career-best-for-any-major Round of 16. She will not go down without a fight. A possible duel with Sloane Stephen could be in store for Round Three. Sloane recently gave Serena Williams a scare at Brisbane, and could definitely upset Petra.
The Round of 16 could have in store a date with Nadia Petrova, whose big hitting could knock Kvitova off the court. Then, if by some miracle she wins that many games, she will most likely have to play Serena Williams in the Quarterfinals. Then, in the Semifinals, she might have to take on the top seed, Victoria Azarenka. Petra Kvitova is in a terrible spot due to the draws.
Top Women With The Easiest Draw: Li Na
Until the Round of 16, there just seems like nobody will beat her. The only ranked player she could possibly face is Sorena Cristea. And let me tell you something, I watched a match between her and Serena Williams this summer, and she is not the most impressive seeded player in this draw, to say the least.
Her Round of 16 matchup could possibly be against Samantha Stosur, and while she is good, she is certainly beatable. Aga Radwanksa is a potential matchup in the Quarterfinals, but if Li Na has made it to there, I believe she will hit Radwanksa off the court. Mix in the fact that both Serena Williams and Victoria Azarenka are on the other side of the draw, and this is a pretty easy draw for Li.
Top Man With The Toughest Draw: Nobody
Honestly. As I was pouring over the men's singles draw, I could not find one top man who had a more difficult than normal draw. In fact, the top men in this year's singles draws actually have it pretty easy. I don't expect any early upsets in this tournament.
Top Man With The Easiest Draw: Novak Djokovic
Although we are really grasping at straws here, Djokovic has a marginally easier draw than the other top competition. He won't have to face a person in the top 30 until the Round of 16. The highest possible ranked player he would face is Stanislas Wawrinka, and I don't think he has the game to beat Djokovic.
Sitting on the other side of his quarter is Tomas Berdych, and based on Berdych's track record, we don't know if Berdych will even be in it at this point. And anyways, I think Djokovic would much rather face Berdych than possibly Juan Martin Del Potro, the sixth seed (Berdych is the fifth seed). Most importantly, however, is the fact that both Roger Federer and Andy Murray are placed on the other side of the draw. This is definitely not the toughest draw that he could get.
Through my analysis, I hope you understand the importance of draw day. This day is vital to the tournament. Tennis isn't always fair.
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