Tuesday, 25 March 2008

Sony Ericsson Open Women's Draw

On the women's draw Justine Henin is back and definitely a welcome return. Henin should be fine in this top section, Akgul Amanmuradova may be an interesting opponent because whilst looking back on previous draws she seems to have done OK. Kirilenko on the other hand has had a very bad season but her opponents should be OK. Razzano had a good last year but I haven't seen anything being put into 2008, whilst Harkleroad has been doing OK. Szavay on the other hand has been unpredictable so I conclude that Henin should sail to the 4th round.
Schnyder being a veteran should do fine until her meeting with Williams unless Bondarenko could perform to take down the Swiss. Williams should do fine in her draw even though I would like Pennetta to do well she really wouldn't take Williams down, but Casey Dellacqua seems to be improving so I don't know whether Pennetta will be fine.
It's refreshing to see Kuznetsova in the top half of the draw because for such a long time she has been a dreadnought in the bottom half. Personally I don't like her so don't know much about her but I think Azarenka could have a scrape at her. I also hope Dulko does well. Peer on the other hand has not been proving her worsth so Radwanska who is seed 17th may take her down. It would be really interesting if Azarenka and Radwanska play because that is definitely unexpected in such a prestigious event.
Bartoli I don't like so won't comment but Wozniacki seems to be improving but Srebotnik seems to have lost her touch recently.
Seeing Venus in the top half is also heart breaking as that means the possibility of a very top heavy draw for me as the Williams sisters and Henin are both here (annoyed that Serena is drawn with Justine again - remember last year in the Grand Slams, looked like a fix to me!)
Though I would like to say Krajicek has a chance she has not been doing well recently so I am sad to say if that Williams will possibly have to face Bartoli (which should not be seeded so high).
The seeds in the third section are very dissapointing, Venus or Serena could have improved this so much. The thing is Chakvetadze is in this and at 5th (so sad Maria couldn't make it or she'll be there) Tamira Paszek (if she finds form) could be a tough opponent for someone that hasn't been doing well recently. Dementieva being unpredictable for me may fall to Schiavone but I don't think this will happen unless she musters up the force that defeat Henin with.
Petrova and Mauresmo are two falling players so I have to say it is a weak draw which serves well for Jankovic as there is no particular threat here. It would be interesting to see Petrova Vs. Mauresmo and see who is still playing well! Then we have Hantuchova and Ivanovic which is dissapointing as well because Ivanovic may have a chance to reach the finals (Yes she is a good player but she doesn't deserve to play in so many finals as she isn't good enough to be there consistently. Looking at the first half of this section hopefully Nicole will lift my mood up though Zvonareva has been an undying force recently, hopefully Nicole will play well seeing she has a lot of rest. Other than that Hantuchova will probably be her next opponent and with determination to get through she would be fine (this is an opportunity not to be mist Nicole)
Dinara and Sybille haven't been doing so well lately but their are no other threats in their part then we have Davenport who will be my only hope to oust Ivanovic. Hopefully Davenport still has the strength to destroy Ivanovic.
There's not much point in me saying my fourth round predictions as normally in the WTA they are all seeds!

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