Australian Open 2014 Day 10 Preview

After some stunning results on Day 9, I look forward to the remaining quarterfinals on Day 10 of the 2014 Australian Open.

Simona Halep (11) vs. Dominika Cibulkova (20)

Cibulkova leads the head-to-head 2-1 including a well-fought win in Indian Wells last year. However, Halep is a different player since the second half of 2013 and looks set to climb even further up the rankings in 2014. I think Cibulkova has the edge when it comes to power, although Halep is the better mover on court. It's going to be an interesting match that should go the distance. Halep just might have the edge due to her greater consistency, while Cibulkova can be prone to unforced errors when she doesn’t finish points early.

Agnieszka Radwanska (5) vs. Victoria Azarenka (2)

This match is a repeat of the 2012 quarterfinal when Azarenka beat Radwanska on the way to her first Australian Open title. Radwanska has flown under the radar in Melbourne this year, but remains one of the craftiest players on tour. Historically, Azarenka has dominated this contest, always managing to overpower Radwanska’s guile. It’s a no contest if this match is played from the baseline, so for Radwanska to trouble Azarenka, she is going to have utilize slices and drop shots to capitalize on the Belorussian’s weakness when it comes to moving up and down the court. This Australian Open is making a mockery out of pundits predictions, but I am still going to back Azarenka to overcome Radwanska, though I wouldn’t be surprised if the fifth seed manages to take a set.

Rafael Nadal (1) vs. Grigor Dimitrov (22)

In a recent interview Nadal said that Dimitrov has all the tools required to become the next great tennis player. All the niceties will be left off court for this contest, as the pressure ramps up in the mens draw. After the exit of Novak Djokovic, the giants in the top half of the draw will feel the Australian open is there for the taking if they reach the final. Despite winning in straight sets, Nadal’s round of 16 win against Kei Nishikori was anything but straightforward. The Japanese put Nadal on the back foot by playing aggressively, and Dimitrov will have to employ the same tactics if he is to have any chance. Unlike Nishikori, an attacking game comes naturally to the Bulgarian, so there is a good chance he won’t hit as many unforced errors. I believe Nadal is in for a fight in this one, and he might lose his first set of the tournament, although I still back the world no.1 to win in four sets.

Andy Murray (4) vs. Roger Federer (6)

It’s the mouthwatering clash that everyone has been waiting for since the draw was made. Both had their doubters with Murray just returning from injury after four months out of the game, while Federer was written off on the back of poor performances at Wimbledon and the US Open last year. Murray has shown little signs of trouble as he’s eased through the draw, though there was a brief stutter in the last round when he lost a tie-break to lucky loser Stephane Robert. While impressive, it must be acknowledged that Murray’s opponents so far have included two qualifiers and a lucky loser. Federer is an opponent of a different calibre altogether. The Swiss maestro has been playing some resplendent tennis at the Australian Open this year. The win over Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in the fourth round was vintage Federer, leaving the big hitting Frenchman flatfooted by hitting winners from all parts of the court. These two played an intense five set semi-final last year, and I wouldn’t bet against a repeat this year. If omens mean anything, the lower ranked seed beat the higher ranked seed in the quarterfinals that stayed true to the draw, so despite many writing him off, a Federer win is not inconceivable. I am hesitant to make a call on this one. If it goes the distance, I am tempted to back Murray, while Federer’s best chance lies in finishing the match early.

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Australian Open 2014 Day 8 Matches to Watch

Serena Williams’ surprising exit dominated the headlines on Day 7 of the 2014 Australian, and with some enticing encounters lined up for Day 8, another upset or two certainly isn’t out of the question. I will have an eye on the following matches as the round of 16 draws to a close.

Dominika Cibulkova (20) vs. Maria Sharapova (3)

This match has all the makings of a real cracker for the fans at Rod Laver Arena. Sharapova shades the head-to-head 3-2, and the two occasions the two have met in grand slams, they split absolute thrashings at the quarterfinal stage. Sharapova is clearly the better player, however the Russian is just returning from injury, and she is nowhere close to her best despite making it to the fourth round. Cibulkova on the other hand is in sizzling form. After defeating veteran Francesca Schiavone in straight sets in the first round, the Slovak has dished out two consecutive 6-0 6-1 thrashings. Cibulkova doesn’t hold back when going for her groundstrokes and manages to generate tremendous power off both wings. This match is too close to call, and a lot will depend on Sharapova’s serve. If the Russian gives Cibulkova a look at her second serve, an upset will certainly be on the cards. If Sharapova was match fit, I would predict a routine win in her favour, but as things currently stand, its just too close to call.

Sloane Stephens (13) vs. Victoria Azarenka (2)

A rematch of last year’s semifinal sees Victoria Azarenka take on Sloane Stephens in the round of 16. Azarenka has looked in fine fettle after a tricky first round, with her forehands down the line generating consistent winners. Now that Serena has departed, the Belorussian will know in the back of her mind that she is the clear favourite to win her third successive Australian Open. Stephens has all the right tools to be a top player, but her poor starts often hinder her. Recovering from a bad start against the also-rans that populate the women’s draw is one thing, doing so against the top five is another matter altogether. Sloane’s time will come soon, and she will probably even crack the top ten this year. However, this match has come too soon for her, as I believe Azarenka’s desire and experience will take her to the quarters after a tough match.

Jelena Jankovic (8) vs. Simona Halep (11)

The most improved player of 2013 takes on the breakout star of 2013 in a battle between Jelena Jankovic and Simona Halep. The 11th seed leads the head-to-head 2-1, but tellingly all three matches have gone three sets, highlighting how evenly matched the two players are. Jankovic was slightly unconvincing in her third round win over Karumi Nara, hitting many unforced errors and losing her serve five times. After a slight hiccup in the first set of her second round match against Varvara Lepchenko, Halep has been almost flawless. The Romanian is one of the best players currently on tour at moving forward to finish points, and this match in essence will come down to Halep’s offence versus Jankovic’s defence. I think this contest will stay true to their history and go the distance with the outcome impossible to predict.

Rafael Nadal (1) vs. Kei Nishikori (16)

I could just as easily copy and paste the paragraph I wrote before Nadal’s last match against Gael Monfils. The world no.1 seems to playing on a different planet right now, and one wonders whether he and rival Novak Djokovic are engaged in a competition to see who can hand out the more decisive thrashing in each round. Djokovic lost only five games against Fabio Fognini, and something tells me Nishikori will give Nadal a better fight. A better fight is all one can expect though, as the Japanese simply doesn’t have the offensive weapons in his game to hurt Nadal. There is the possibility of a tie-break, but I see Nadal winning in straight sets.

Jo-Wilfried Tsonga (10) vs. Roger Federer (6)

After playing four grand slam quarterfinals and one grand slam semi against each other, it seems surreal for Roger Federer and Jo-Wilfried Tsonga to meet in the round of 16 at the Australian Open. Last year Federer came out on top in a titanic five-set tussle in the quarters, before Tsonga claimed his revenge by winning in straight sets at Roland Garros. That defeat was Federer’s last appearance in the last eight of a grand slam. Both players have yet to lose a set and come into the match in excellent form. Federer seems to have adjusted to a larger racquet frame, and under the guidance of Stefan Edberg is looking to finish points faster. Tsonga knows he can beat Federer having done it twice before in grand slams. I am expecting plenty of fireworks and some sublime tennis from the two in a very unpredictable match. Due to the cooler conditions in the second week, I think Federer has a slight advantage as he can generate more spin through the air, but I wouldn’t bet on the outcome of this encounter.

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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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US Open Day 2 Matches to Watch

The second day of the US Open might not present too many headline acts, but nonetheless they are some match-ups that cater to the tennis enthusiast.

Lukasz Kubot vs. Jarkko Nieminen

The history of grand slams are riddled with surprise quarter-finalists, but it would be difficult to remember a run to the last eight as unexpected as Kubot's at Wimbledon this year. The story was all the more remarkable considering the fact that Kubot probably has one of the most unremarkable games on tour. Kubot has a huge first serve, but his ground strokes though powerful are extremely erratic. Nieminen himself has been a surprise quarter finalist at grand slams three times, and a more rounded game coupled with a swinging lefty serve, should see him through in four sets punctuated by aces.

Maria Kirilenko (14) vs. Yanina Wickmayer

I enjoy watching Kirilenko, as the Russian isn't overtly reliant on power to win points. An excellent scrambler, Kirilenko can mix up slices and drop shots cleverly ensuring her opponents are always on the run. Wickmayer made the semi finals at the US Open in 2009, and was touted by many as a possible successor to her more esteemed compatriots Kim Clijsters and Justine Henin. Unfortunately, the Belgian hasn't elevated her game to the levels expected of her. Nevertheless, at the age of 23 Wickmayer can still improve, and will prove a dangerous opponent for Kirilenko in the first round.

Denis Istomin vs. Nicolas Almagro (15)

Another match between two big servers on the ATP tour. Almagro should have been celebrating a career year at the grand slams, but two horrible meltdowns after being two sets up against compatriots David Ferrer and Tommy Robredo in Melbourne and Paris respectively have resulted in the Spaniard coming to Flushing Meadows with many doubts. Istomin is a tricky opponent, and in addition to possessing a brilliant first serve, is a shot maker capable of hitting winners from ridiculous angles. Almagro has the greater finesse, and the fact that he can generate the same amount of power from either backhand or forehand should ensure a tight win over Istomin in a match that is bound to feature a few tie breaks.

Heather Watson vs. Simona Halep (21)

Watson has had a tough year dealing with glandular fever. It takes a while for a tennis player to get back to their peak after recovering from such a serious illness, but the Brit is a fierce competitor, and would love nothing more than to follow in the footsteps of her compatriot Laura Robson, who had a good win on day one. However, Watson faces a difficult opponent in the 21st seed Simona Halep. The Romanian is coming into the US Open on the back of a fantastic run in Cincinnati, where she beat Wimbledon champion Marion Bartoli and followed it up with a win over former US Open champion Samantha Stosur. Impressively, Halep then won the final tune up event at New Haven, brushing aside Petra Kvitova in the final. Watson will probably end up being the better player in the long run, but she might struggle to match her opponent physically in their match up this year, as Halep is extremely adept at extending rallies due to her excellent defence from the baseline. It should make for a nervy cat and mouse encounter, with Halep having the edge due to her current form.

Tommy Haas (12) vs. Paul-Henri Mathieu

Haas' achievements this year are a testament to his fitness and determination, reaching the quarterfinals at Roland Garros and the round of 16 at Wimbledon, only to lose to Novak Djokovic on both occasions. With his backhand still purring at the age of 35, Haas remains one of the most aesthetically pleasing players to watch. Mathieu has never lived up to his potential, with the Frenchman sadly not able to overcome mental hurdles in the middle of matches. At one time, a shot maker with a penchant for flair, Mathieu now relies on his defensive qualities to stay in matches. Expect some great rallies in this match, but ultimately Haas should prevail after three sets of good committed tennis.

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Reflections from the WTA Western & Southern Open in Cincinnati

Bartoli's retirement

After a surprise loss to Simona Halep, Wimbledon champion Marion Bartoli announced an even more surprising retirement from the game. Bartoli cited injuries and the fact that her body simply couldn't cope anymore with the rigours of the tour. The Frenchwoman has always had a physical intensity to her game, and if she doesn't believe her body can cope on the tour anymore, she has every right to take the decision.

From a fan's perspective though, I have to say the decision is really disappointing. In the immediate aftermath of her victory at Wimbledon, Bartoli claimed she saw no reason why she couldn't win more grand slams. For Bartoli to then say she doesn't have the competitive desire a month after winning at SW19 without dropping a set, seems extremely rash and frankly reflects poorly on her desire and motivation to succeed.

I can't help but wonder, if deep down Bartoli believes she will never have the luck of the draw at a grand slam again like she did at Wimbledon, when the top players stumbled out left, right and centre. When we look back at her career in a few years time, I think many in the tennis world will remember Bartoli for her eccentric personality rather than her prowess on the tennis court. At least she quit while still being a grand slam champion, unlike Iva Majoli and Anastasia Myskina who drifted into anonymity after winning the French Open.

Sharapova's split from Connors

Maria Sharapova competed with Bartoli to become the story of the tournament at the Western & Southern Open this year. The world no. 3 has gone into a rather alarming rut since her loss to Serena Williams in the finals of the French Open this year. In order to sort issues with her form, Sharapova hired tennis legend Jimmy Connors to coach her.

Sharapova hoped Connors would ensure that she was in the right frame of the mind going into the US Open. However, after a tough to loss to rising star Sloane Stephens, Sharapova dispensed with Connors' services. Sharapova is the only player currently on the WTA tour other than Serena to win all four grand slams, yet the prevailing feeling is that the Russian won't be remembered as a truly great player.

Tactics certainly aren't Sharapova's forte, and if she decided that Connors' know-how and expertise wasn't going to help her on court, then she needs to do some serious thinking about how to progress in her tennis career. It's all well and good engaging in verbal spats with Serena, but maybe she should take a cue from how the world number one has dedicated herself to further improving her game after the age of 30.

Azarenka likely to be Serena's biggest threat at the US Open

After pulverizing all her opponents on her way to victory at the Rogers Cup in Toronto, many expected Serena to simply repeat the feat in Cincinnati. However, Victoria Azarenka threw a spanner in the works, with a brilliant comeback victory in the final. In a three-set thriller, Williams and Azarenka traded the first two sets with an identical 6-2 score, before the Belorussian came through 8-6 in a third set tie break.

From the outset of the tournament, it was obvious that Serena wasn't playing her best tennis in Cincinnati. After a close shave against rising Canadian star Eugenie Bouchard, Serena herself admitted that she needed to step up or go home. She seemed somewhat closer to her best in the next two rounds, before Li Na really tested her in a high quality semifinal.

Serena certainly played like she meant business in the first set of the final, but Azarenka battled back to win the tournament with some superb tennis. Unlike the US Open final year, the world number two didn't rely on Serena's game faltering, in stead Azarenka played some of her best tennis since winning the Australian Open at the beginning of the year. The victory gives Azarenka a huge shot of confidence, and will keep her in good stead if a similar situation arises at Flushing Meadows, where she spectacularly choked in the final against Serena last year.

The best of the rest on the WTA

It's hard to see a US Open winner other than the top two, especially in light of Sharapova's current struggles. The closest we can come to in terms of a challenger is Agnieszka Radwanska. The world number four was the only player to challenge Serena in Toronto, and looked on course for another deep run until the unfortunate death of her grandfather resulted in her pulling out before a quarterfinal against Li Na. Radwanksa looked imperious while she was in Cincinnati, and will look to continue in the same vein of form in New York.

Jelena Jankovic has had a decent 2013 on tour, and played some high quality tennis at the Western & Southern Open. The second serve is still vulnerable, but once she got into long rallies Jankovic's amazing defence - a trademark during her brief period as world no. 1, ensured she won many long games in tight contests. Hopefully the Serbian can gain confidence from her run to the semis - where she gave Azarenka a fright, and make it far into the draw at the US Open.

One of the players that Jankovic beat was Wimbledon finalist Sabine Lisicki, and the manner in which the German lost the third set suggested it's going to be a while before the German recovers from her monumental meltdown at SW19. Lisicki is now playing at New Haven, but it seems like her chances of making it far at the US Open are pretty slim.

Like her boyfriend Rory McIlroy at the PGA Championship the week before, there were brief glimpses of Caroline Wozniacki returning to her best form. Wozniacki was especially impressive in a win against Petra Kvitova, always managing to get the ball back into the court from improbable positions, and hung tight in a tough second set before succumbing in a tie break to Azarenka's greater power in the quarterfinals. The US Open is the grand slam where the Dane has had the most success, and her performance in Cincinnati should hopefully inspire her to make a deep run in New York.

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