Australian Open 2014 Ladies Semifinals Preview

After a barrage of upsets in the 4th round and quarterfinals, we are down to the final four of the Australian Open ladies singles draw. Of the four protagonists set to take stage on Thursday, Na Li is the only player the punditocracy would have expected to be here at the onset of the tournament. The only certainty now is that there is going to be a new Australia Open champion, as an upstart from Canada, the Chinese veteran, a Slovakian baseliner and the tennis artist from Poland battle for a golden opportunity to win a grand slam.

Eugenie Bouchard (30) vs. Na Li (4)

The clichéd thing to say would be that Bouchard reaching the semis is the stuff of dreams. The truth is that those in the know have been predicting this reality for the Canadian teenager since she was on the junior circuit. With her calm demeanour, excellent control and shotmaking ability from all parts of the court, Bouchard has the hallmarks of a potential grand slam champion. In the quarterfinals against Ana Ivanovic, Bouchard hit 47 winners overall and of her 27 baseline winners, she had impressively balanced numbers on the forehand and backhand, managing 15 and 12 respectively. What the stats don’t reveal however, is the Canadian’s impressive resilience, as she has come back from a set down to win her last two matches against crowd favourites, further completing the picture of Bouchard as a top tennis player.

Lying in wait in the other corner is another sentimental favourite in Na Li. Desperately unlucky to lose two close finals at the Rod Laver Arena, Li knows she won’t have a better chance to win the Australian Open now that both Serena Williams and Victoria Azarenka have departed. The fourth seed was almost knocked out by Lucie Safarova in the third round, but has since increased the level of her tennis substantially. Li had little difficulty overcoming Flavia Pennetta in the quarterfinals, managed to hit winners at will off both wings. Crucially for Li, her first serve percentage has improved to almost 65% in the last two rounds, and the Chinese looks in much better rhythm when she doesn’t have to worry about her serve.

Despite the huge gap in experience, I think Bouchard actually has the more powerful groundstrokes of the two. It comes down to a question of whether she can do it consistently in the high pressure situation of a semifinal. Li has the dual advantage of experience as well as the desire to cross the final hurdle after coming so close last year. Bouchard has the edge from the baseline, and is also more comfortable at net if the need to mix it up arises. However, Li’s serve is more consistent, and she is also smart when it comes to varying the pace of rallies. There are simply too many variables in what should be a fantastic semifinal, hence I will refrain from making a call.

Dominika Cibulkova (20) vs. Agnieszka Radwanska (5)

Cibulkova followed up her upset of Maria Sharapova in the fourth round with a comprehensive thrashing of Simona Halep in the quarterfinals that not many saw coming. There is nothing complicated about the Slovakian’s game, it's simply a philosophy of seeing the ball and hitting it hard from the baseline. With the exception of her match against Sharapova when she had to come back from a set down, Cibulkova has hammered every opponent by occupying a position from the centre of court and unleashing her flat strokes off both wings.

One of the rare players to rely on finesse and tactical variety rather than brute force in the women’s game, Agnieszka Radwanska reached the semifinals after putting on a highlight reel of a third set in an outstanding victory against Victoria Azarenka. Allying a speedy defence with the cutest of drop shots and well placed volleys, Radwanska had the crowd in Rod Laver Arena on their feet on several occasions. It’s remarkable to think that the fifth seed came into the tournament on the back of five consecutive defeats on the WTA tour, but she has played her way into form during the business end of the tournament.

Cibulkova has done tremendously well to make it to this stage, and is clearly a dangerous opponent that can’t be underestimated. However, it's going to be extremely hard for the 20th seed to win on the basis of sheer power against Radwanska. With her smart tactics, variety of angles and incredible speed, I expect the in form Radwanska to qualify for her second grand slam final on the back of two well fought sets.

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Australian Open 2014 Day 9 Preview

The competition gets serious in Melbourne as the Australian Open quarterfinals get underway on Day 9. I preview each of the four singles matches scheduled for Tuesday.

Na Li (4) vs. Flavia Pennetta (28)

It’s quite incredible that these two veterans played their first official match against each other nearly 14 years ago. Both players have come a long way since that encounter in Civitanova, with Li winning a French Open and twice finishing runner-up at the Australian Open, while Pennetta became the first woman from Italy to crack the top ten. Li played her best match of the tournament so far in a ruthless demolition of Ekaterina Makarova in the 4th round. Meanwhile, Pennetta had to slog it out in a tough three-setter against Angelique Kerber. Pennetta can always be counted on to give a good fight, but she is committing far too many errors on her forehand, and with Li possessing both the heavier as well as the cleaner game, the fourth seed should make it to the semis on her favourite tennis court at Rod Laver Arena.

Ana Ivanovic (14) vs. Eugenie Bouchard (30)

Ivanovic put in one of the best performances of her career in the fourth round when she beat Serena Williams with a supreme display of baseline tennis. The former world no.1 hit 15 forehand winners from the back of the court including some remarkable returns on her way to winning 59% of Serena’s second serve points. One would expect a break after beating two of the biggest servers in the women’s game in consecutive matches, but Ivanovic’s next opponent is Eugenie Bouchard. Despite her tender years, the Canadian already possesses one of the best serves on the WTA tour. Bouchard has come of age at the Australian Open this year, finally allying consistency and accuracy with the power that she so naturally generates from the baseline. Eugenie first came to prominence when she beat Ivanovic in the second round of Wimbledon last year, and certainly doesn’t lack confidence or self-belief. Her Serbian opponent won’t be lacking in confidence either, and if Ivanovic attacks Bouchard’s second serve like she did against Samatha Stosur and Serena, she will be in pole position to make the semis. However, if there is a drop in Ivanovic’s standards after a momentous win, Bouchard will be ready to pounce in a match that has all the requirements needed to be a close contest.

Tomas Berdych (7) vs. David Ferrer (3)

Berdych has looked extremely impressive en route to the quarterfinals, having yet to be extended to a tie-break in any of his four matches so far. Meanwhile the world no. 3 has had some tricky phases including a couple of four-setters, but Ferrer is second only to his compatriot Rafael Nadal when it comes to keeping calm in rough waters. If the match was decided on raw power, Berdych would be the clear favourite, however there is a reason that Ferrer leads the head-to-head 7-4. With the cooler conditions now slowing the courts, Ferrer has a clear advantage as he will be able to extend rallies and unless Berdych can consistently finish points early with big shots, the Spaniard should make it through to the semis.

Stanislas Wawrinka (8) vs. Novak Djokovic (2)

Last year’s fourth round encounter between these two in Melbourne was considered by many to be the best match of 2013. The duo followed it up with another good five-setter in the semis of the US Open, resulting in this matchup being one of the most eagerly awaited since the draw was made. When Wawrinka plays inspired tennis, there are very few on the ATP tour who can live with him, including the best in the world. Nonetheless, even when Wawrinka was at his inspired best last year, Djokovic beat him four times. The three-time defending champion is in simply imperious form, and is only getting better with each passing match. The second best Swiss in the men’s game will rely on consistently going for winners off both wings, but whether he can sustain such tactics against Djokovic’s brilliant defence is open to debate. I think Wawrinka will manage to take a set, but another five-setter is unlikely as Djokovic is currently playing at a level even higher than last year. Djokovic to book his place in the semi’s on the back of what is bound to be an entertaining win.

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Australian Open 2014 Day 7 Matches to Watch

We are down to the business end in the first grand slam of the year, as the round of 16 kicks off at the 2014 Australian Open. Here are the matches I am that looking forward to on day 7.

Angelique Kerber (9) vs. Flavia Pennetta (28)

The German ninth seed has looked back to her best in Melbourne after an under par second half of the season in 2013. It almost seems like Kerber needed the embarrassment of losing a set 6-0 in the first round to spur her on. A crucial component in her return to form is Kerber’s first serve points winning percentage, which stands at an impressive 69% through the tournament so far. Like Kerber, Pennetta has a brilliant ratio when it comes to winning first serve points of 83%, however the Italian has managed to get her first serve in only 40% of the time. With the two evenly matched from the baseline, I think Kerber’s reliability on serve will swing a tight contest in her favour.

Serena Williams (1) vs. Ana Ivanovic (14)

Ivanovic has never beaten Serena, and has not even managed to take a set off the world no.1 in four meetings. It’s hard to see a different result this time around. Serena did have an off-day on serve during her third round victory against Daniela Hantuchova, but even from the baseline, it's really hard to see Ivanovic coming out on top of the rallies. Nonetheless, except the Serb to show a lot of fight and run down many balls in a match that should see Serena come through against her toughest opponent so far.

Casey Dellacqua vs. Eugenie Bouchard (30)

Eugenie Bouchard is the rising star of women’s tennis and the Canadian has marked her arrival in the big time with a commanding performance in Melbourne so far. With a smooth serve and a strong baseline game off both wings, the Canadian has all the makings of a top five player. Bouchard has been well supported so far, however this will be the first time that the crowd will be cheering her opponent on. Dellacqua is the last remaining Australian in the competition, and the southpaw has been playing some wonderful attacking tennis en route to the round of 16. Bouchard’s big game gives her the slight edge, but if the match goes to a third set, Dellacqua’s experience coupled with the home support could see the Aussie causing an upset.

Na Li (4) vs. Ekaterina Makarova (22)

Li can consider herself lucky to be in the fourth round after a sluggish performance against Lucie Safarova almost proved costly in the previous round. Like Maria Sharapova the day before, Li might actually benefit from the experience, and the odds are the fourth seed will be switched on from the moment she steps on court. If not, Makarova certainly has the game to cause an upset. Makarova has never beaten Li in four meetings, but the duo had an extremely tough three-setter in the US Open quarterfinals, and I wouldn’t be surprised if they went the distance in this match as well. I give Li the slight edge, but I wouldn’t bet on the outcome of this contest.

Stanislas Wawrinka (8) vs. Tommy Robredo (17)

A match between two players with single-handed backhands who both had fantastic years in 2013. It seems that Wawrinka and Robredo have both started 2014 in the same vein, suggesting this should be a feisty encounter featuring many good baseline rallies. Wawrinka has the edge on the backhand and serve, while Robredo shades the defensive aspects of the game. I think Robredo has played really well to come through some tough four-setters, and to add to the Spanish veteran’s confidence, he has a 6-1 record in his favour against Wawrinka, including two tight three-set victories last year. However, I think conditions in Australia are more to Wawrinka’s liking, and one also has to consider the fact that the Swiss had a third round walkover which should result in him being in better physical shape. I think Wawrinka’s shot-making ability will take him over the line in a tough match and onto the quarterfinals.

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Australian Open 2014 Day 5 Matches to Watch

Day 4 of the Australian Open was pure drama, as heat stoppages had players almost fainting, and we saw five 5-setters go past midnight as the fans were treated to some fantastic tennis. Here’s hoping day 5 lives up to the expectations, as I take a look at the matches to keep an eye on.

Serena Williams (1) vs. Daniela Hantuchova (31)

Serena and Daniela have had some good encounters in the past, but haven’t played each other since 2009. The world no.1 has started the year in ominous form, and has looked flawless in the first two rounds. Hantuchova had to win a marathon third set 12-10 in the second round, and it will be hard for the Slovakian to pose many challenges for Serena. Nonetheless, it should be an attractive match because Hantuchova will at least come to the net more often, ensuring some entertaining exchanges for the fans to watch.

Jeremy Chardy (29) vs. David Ferrer (3)

Two of the flattest hitters in men’s tennis come up against each other as Jeremy Chardy takes on David Ferrer. Both players came through intense four-setters in the second round, and in technical terms its hard to differentiate between the two. However, when it comes to speed, stamina and a never-say-die attitude, Ferrer is streets ahead of Chardy. It is this advantage that Ferrer will rely upon in a match he should see through in four sets.

Samantha Stosur (17) vs. Ana Ivanovic (14)

This is clearly the most difficult match of the women’s third round, as home favourite Stosur takes on 2008 runner-up Ivanovic. Both players come into the match in excellent form after convincing victories in the first two rounds, following up on winning starts to the year. Stosur leads the head-to-head 4-3, and clearly has the edge on serve. Ivanovic has the better baseline game, but in a match between two players who both struggle with nerves, it could come down to which player manages to maintain their composure in a match that should go the distance.

Tommy Robredo (17) vs. Richard Gasquet (9)

Gasquet looked in terrific touch in his second round win over Nikolay Davydenko. Impressively, Gasquet managed to stay composed in long rallies, waiting for the right moment to unleash his fantastic array of winners. The Frenchman will need more of the same against the veteran Robredo. The Spaniard is consistent from the baseline without being flashy, so Gasquet will once again have to be patient from the baseline or risk hitting unforced errors against Robredo. It is going to be a tough match, but I think Gasquet should have enough to see the match through in four sets.

Florian Mayer vs. Jerzy Janowicz (20)

A match between two tall men on the ATP tour sees the tricky Florian Mayer against the big serving Jerzy Janowicz. Both men have spent a lot of time on court so far, and the last thing they would have wanted was playing at 11 am on what is expected to be the last hot day at Melbourne this year. Janowicz has the bigger game, but I think Mayer’s variety and the ability to slow the game down could prove to be a crucial advantage. I think this match is too close to call, with both players equally capable of brilliance and unreliability.

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US Open Women's Quarterfinals Bottom Half preview

After Serena Williams and Li Na booked a semifinal against each other in contrasting fashion, the remaining quarterfinalists in the women's draw take to the court on Wednesday in an attempt to reach the final four at the US Open.

Roberta Vinci (10) vs. Flavia Pennetta

Flavia Pennetta (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

This match pits two Italian veterans and very good friends against each other. This is far from a plucky run through the draw, as both Vinci and Pennetta have played some excellent tennis to reach the quarterfinals at Flushing Meadows yet again. In the previous round Vinci was comfortable transferring the onus to attack against the inexperienced Camila Giorgi, and benefitted from her young compatriot making a high amount of unforced errors. Pennetta however is capable of finding the lines with more accuracy and consistency, and if Vinci continues to play a tentative game, she will be vulnerable to getting overpowered. Vinci's best chance lies in Pennetta having an off day on the first serve, as her second serve is extremely weak, although even then the tenth seed does not have the game to aggressively take balls on the rise. The two haven't played each other since 2010, and their matches are often cagey. The first set is going to be crucial, and if Pennetta can set the tempo by regularly coming to the net, she should see off Vinci.

Daniela Hantuchova vs. Victoria Azarenka (2)

DANIELA HANTUCHOVA (Photo credit: NAPARAZZI)

While Azarenka's place in the quarterfinals is hardly a surprise, not many would have predicted Hantuchova to reach this far in the tournament. That the Slovak has had made it this far is largely down to a fantastic first serve that has held firm in defining moments. Having won 61% of her first serve points in her third round match against the Israeli Julia Glushko, Hantuchova stepped it up another notch against Alison Riske in the round of 16, winning 81% of her first serve points, including 15 aces. Azarenka goes into the match on the back of two unconvincing performances. If Ana Ivanovic could have controlled her demons while serving, Azarenka could well have lost a thrilling fourth round match. Azarenka is also committing a high number of errors off her backhand, and that she is still managing to pull through with victories is a testament to her improved mental toughness. If I would have written a preview for this match a week ago, I would have had Azarenka nailed on to win in straight sets. However, the Belorussian has seen a dip in form coinciding with the crafty Hantuchova's increased confidence, and I have a strong feeling the pair are going to engage in their third successive three-setter. Hantuchova has to continue to serve well, and she might have a chance if Azarenka continues to play erratically from the baseline. When push comes to shove though, I do believe Azarenka will edge it out due to her better ability to handle pressure coupled with a desire to reach another US Open final.

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US Open Women's Round of 16 Bottom Half preview

With four places in the quarterfinals up for grabs, the bottom half of the women's draw complete the round of 16 on Labour Day.

Camila Giorgi vs. Roberta Vinci (10)

A match between two Italian counterparts. While Vinci has been consistent since the middle of last season, Giorgi has been a revelation during the first week. Seeded 26 in the qualifiers for the US Open, the 21-year old put in the performance of her life in beating Caroline Wozniaki in the last round. Giorgi hit winners off both wings, and was extremely aggressive. It is generally difficult for a qualifier to maintain the same standard to follow up an upset, and now that she is in the spotlight, she might not play with the same carefree approach either. Vinci's greater experience and tactical variety should see her through, while her excellent touch at net will not allow Giorgi to dominate from the baseline. Giorgi's time will come, but for now Vinci will seal her place in the quarterfinals of the US Open for the second straight year.

Simona Halep (21) vs. Flavia Pennetta

This is potentially an excellent match-up that will fly under the radar. Halep has been one of the form players this year, and she has maintained her consistency at Flushing Meadows. The Romanian is adept at moving her opponents around, and significantly doesn't delay coming forward to finish points when the opportunity presents itself. Flavia Pennetta loves playing in New York, and the three-time quarterfinalist has been in fine fettle this year. On closer introspection, Pennetta's game isn't that different from Halep's, and this match has the potential to go three sets. The Italian has the edge on experience, however Halep has a stronger serve and that just might make the difference during the big moments.

Alison Riske vs. Daniela Hantuchova

Riske is the feel good story on the women's side, reaching the round of 16 after obtaining a wildcard to enter the main draw. Her dismantling of Petra Kvitova in the last round had many questioning if the roles of grand slam champion and wildcard had been reversed. After a decent run to the third round of Wimbledon, I wasn't expecting to hear much of Riske for the rest of the year. However, the American has confounded many critics, and she certainly has a shot against the Slovakian Hantuchova, who while possessing the greater experience, can falter in the face of the crowd's raucous support for the home favourite and underdog. Riske has the bigger shots, and against an opponent who suffered a physically exhausting three-setter in the last round, it might be enough to progress and seal a dream quarterfinal appearance.

Ana Ivanovic (13) vs. Victoria Azarenka (2)

A match between two former world number one's, though of course Azarenka is still in the equation to regain that ranking, while Ivanovic is trying her best to crack the top ten again. Both players also struggled in the last round before prevailing in three sets. Azarenka stepped up her game considerably after losing the first set against Alize Cornet, but Ivanovic was lucky to escape after Christina McHale served for the match in the second set. Ivanovic was guilty of being too passive against McHale, and she will be inviting trouble against Azarenka if she persists with the same approach. To stay competitive, Ivanovic's best bet would be to redirect Azarenka's fearsome baseline shots diagonally, but even then it's hard to see Azarenka struggle too much unless she commits a barrage of errors. The world number two should win and get her bid for the US Open back on track after a stumble in the third round.

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