Italy [6] v. Australia [7]
Flavia Pennetta [Italy] versus Samantha Stosur [Australia]
Stosur's woes in Australia continued when she slumped to a three-set loss to Eugenie Bouchard. The news gets even worse for Stosur, her record against Pennetta is unfavourable. The crafty Italian has the experience and knowledge to know how to play against the Australian. Pennetta will attack the backhand and move her opponent around. This all adds up to an Italian victory.
My winner: Pennetta in three.
Andreas Seppi [Italy] versus Bernard Tomic [Australia]
Seppi is expected to be healthy enough to play again after withdrawing from the first tie against Poland. The winner of this match will come down to who is more motivated. Tomic will feel that he has something to prove after an abysmal effort against Raonic. Seppi's game will give the Australian enough time to use his varied arsenal.
My winner: Tomic in two.
Pennetta/Seppi [Italy] versus Stosur/Tomic [Australia]
The Aussie's combined well against the Canadians, look for them to battle hard and to be extremely motivated here. Seppi isn't aggressive enough, nor does he have the presence at the net to dominate the match. Look for the best doubles player here, Stosur, to really shine in this match.
My winner: Australia in two.
Australia should redeem themselves a little in this tie. It'll be interesting to see how well Seppi recovers from his illness or whether young Aussie Oliver Anderson will have to step in again.
Monday 30 December 2013
Hopman Cup: Preview and Predictions (Day 3 - Night)
France [3] v. Czech Republic [5]
Alize Cornet [France] versus Petra Kvitova [Czech Republic]
Kvitova was on fire in her first match against an under-powered Medina Garrigues. The problem for Cornet here is that she plays a similar style to the Spaniard and Kvitova will be out for blood. Like most matches the Czech plays, it'll come down to whether her thunderous shots are landing in or out. The good news for Petra Kvitova, she appears to be in good form and has that winning feeling. Cornet doesn't have much to trouble her.
My winner: Kvitova in two.
Jo-Wilfied Tsonga [France] versus Radek Stepanek [Czech Republic]
While Stepanek looked good in his opening tie, the Frenchman Tsonga is a different kettle of fish. Tsonga looked good in his opening tournament in the middle east, knocking off Andy Murray. He'll be looking to continue the momentum here. Stepanek, as we know, will throw everything at Tsonga and he may even sneak a set.
My winner: Tsonga in three.
Cornet/Tsonga [France] versus Kvitova/Stepanek [Czech Republic]
The Czech's surprised me in the first tie, they gelled even better than I thought they would. Stepanek really is a great doubles player, he'll dominate the match here again. Both Tsonga and Cornet can be quite volatile, so I can see Stepanek frustrating the pair with good net play.
My winner: Czech Republic in two.
Cornet steps in for the recently retired Wimbledon champion Marion Bartoli. Her retirement dissipated the chances for France to win the Hopman Cup.
Alize Cornet [France] versus Petra Kvitova [Czech Republic]
Kvitova was on fire in her first match against an under-powered Medina Garrigues. The problem for Cornet here is that she plays a similar style to the Spaniard and Kvitova will be out for blood. Like most matches the Czech plays, it'll come down to whether her thunderous shots are landing in or out. The good news for Petra Kvitova, she appears to be in good form and has that winning feeling. Cornet doesn't have much to trouble her.
My winner: Kvitova in two.
Jo-Wilfied Tsonga [France] versus Radek Stepanek [Czech Republic]
While Stepanek looked good in his opening tie, the Frenchman Tsonga is a different kettle of fish. Tsonga looked good in his opening tournament in the middle east, knocking off Andy Murray. He'll be looking to continue the momentum here. Stepanek, as we know, will throw everything at Tsonga and he may even sneak a set.
My winner: Tsonga in three.
Cornet/Tsonga [France] versus Kvitova/Stepanek [Czech Republic]
The Czech's surprised me in the first tie, they gelled even better than I thought they would. Stepanek really is a great doubles player, he'll dominate the match here again. Both Tsonga and Cornet can be quite volatile, so I can see Stepanek frustrating the pair with good net play.
My winner: Czech Republic in two.
Cornet steps in for the recently retired Wimbledon champion Marion Bartoli. Her retirement dissipated the chances for France to win the Hopman Cup.
Sunday 29 December 2013
Hopman Cup: Preview and Predictions (Day 3)
USA [2] v. Spain [8]
Sloane Stephens [USA] versus Anabel Medina Garrigues [Spain]
As they were in their tie against Czech Republic, Spain will take the role as the passenger again. Stephens has a lot more game and power than Medina. Both are quick and both can scrap, but the edge in this match will be the extra fire power and athleticism from Stephens, she was born to be an athlete. Stephens likes the conditions in Australia, evident in her semi-final run at the Australian Open last year, she'll be looking to break the top 10 barrier this year, she'll need to be in form from the get-go if she wants to be there.
My Winner: Stephens in two.
John Isner [USA] versus Daniel Munoz-De La Nava [Spain]
It's de ja vu, a lot will depend on how the bigger, more powerful player (Isner) plays. The American is nearly impossible to break, I can't see Munoz having the game here to upset Isner. The Spaniard will fight hard and I think he will keep the sets fairly competitive, he needs to be tidy on his own serve because we know he won't get many chances on the return.
My Winner: Isner in two.
Stephens/Isner [USA] versus Medina Garrigues/Munoz-De La Nava [Spain]
The Americans are formidable in singles, but the presence of Isner in doubles is going to be daunting. Stephens will equip herself well against the male players and the two will be tough to beat. This one will be competitive due to the inexperience in doubles from the American's and the experience that the Spaniard's have in doubles. Isner's presence will be a difference maker.
My Winner: USA in three.
USA could even take down my favourites, the Czech's, if they are on point. Group B looks like it'll be a battle royale between the two countries.
Sloane Stephens [USA] versus Anabel Medina Garrigues [Spain]
As they were in their tie against Czech Republic, Spain will take the role as the passenger again. Stephens has a lot more game and power than Medina. Both are quick and both can scrap, but the edge in this match will be the extra fire power and athleticism from Stephens, she was born to be an athlete. Stephens likes the conditions in Australia, evident in her semi-final run at the Australian Open last year, she'll be looking to break the top 10 barrier this year, she'll need to be in form from the get-go if she wants to be there.
My Winner: Stephens in two.
John Isner [USA] versus Daniel Munoz-De La Nava [Spain]
It's de ja vu, a lot will depend on how the bigger, more powerful player (Isner) plays. The American is nearly impossible to break, I can't see Munoz having the game here to upset Isner. The Spaniard will fight hard and I think he will keep the sets fairly competitive, he needs to be tidy on his own serve because we know he won't get many chances on the return.
My Winner: Isner in two.
Stephens/Isner [USA] versus Medina Garrigues/Munoz-De La Nava [Spain]
The Americans are formidable in singles, but the presence of Isner in doubles is going to be daunting. Stephens will equip herself well against the male players and the two will be tough to beat. This one will be competitive due to the inexperience in doubles from the American's and the experience that the Spaniard's have in doubles. Isner's presence will be a difference maker.
My Winner: USA in three.
USA could even take down my favourites, the Czech's, if they are on point. Group B looks like it'll be a battle royale between the two countries.
Hopman Cup: Preview and Predictions (Day 2 - Night)
Poland [1] v. Canada [4]
Agnieszka Radwanska [Poland] versus Eugenie Bouchard [Canada]
Both players had good opening victories and this looks to be a tight match. Bouchard does have the fire power to upset Radwanska, and the maturity this young girl is golden. Bouchard just needs to stay patient, if she commits too many errors then she is feeding right into the hands of Radwanska. Agnieszka will have too much experience in the end.
My winner: Radwanska in three.
Grzegorz Panfil [Poland] versus Milos Raonic [Canada]
Panfil surprised many against Italy, he has fire power and good net ability. Raonic is a different player to an injured Seppi however, Raonic will be looking to have a big year and SHOULD, I stress the should, have too much for Panfil. Panfil is having fun out there and has nothing to lose, he'll keep it competitive.
My winner: Raonic is two.
Radwanska/Panfil [Poland] versus Bouchard/Raonic [Poland]
Panfil totally shocked me with his form against Italy, the depth in tennis is amazing considering he is well outside the top 200. The Pole's seem to gel well and I'm going to call an "upset" here, even though Poland are still the number one seeds. I think it'll be close, but I can see Panfil really taking the net by storm. Raonic on the other hand doesn't have the natural ability in the fore-court.
My winner: Poland in three.
Poland are starting to look like they can get out of group A and into the final. No one would have seen this coming after their star Janowicz, withdrew.
Agnieszka Radwanska [Poland] versus Eugenie Bouchard [Canada]
Both players had good opening victories and this looks to be a tight match. Bouchard does have the fire power to upset Radwanska, and the maturity this young girl is golden. Bouchard just needs to stay patient, if she commits too many errors then she is feeding right into the hands of Radwanska. Agnieszka will have too much experience in the end.
My winner: Radwanska in three.
Grzegorz Panfil [Poland] versus Milos Raonic [Canada]
Panfil surprised many against Italy, he has fire power and good net ability. Raonic is a different player to an injured Seppi however, Raonic will be looking to have a big year and SHOULD, I stress the should, have too much for Panfil. Panfil is having fun out there and has nothing to lose, he'll keep it competitive.
My winner: Raonic is two.
Radwanska/Panfil [Poland] versus Bouchard/Raonic [Poland]
Panfil totally shocked me with his form against Italy, the depth in tennis is amazing considering he is well outside the top 200. The Pole's seem to gel well and I'm going to call an "upset" here, even though Poland are still the number one seeds. I think it'll be close, but I can see Panfil really taking the net by storm. Raonic on the other hand doesn't have the natural ability in the fore-court.
My winner: Poland in three.
Poland are starting to look like they can get out of group A and into the final. No one would have seen this coming after their star Janowicz, withdrew.
Saturday 28 December 2013
Hopman Cup: Preview and Predictions (Day 2)
Czech Republic [5] v. Spain [8]
Petra Kvitova [Czech Republic] versus Anabel Medina Garrigues [Spain]
It's the first tie for group B and it sees my pick for the tournament Czech Republic take on Spain. The opener couldn't be more on Kvitova's racquet. Medina will fight, she's a Spanish clay courter after all, she's as a feisty as they come. Despite all of this, it will depend on whether Kvitova's shots are landing in or not.
My winner: Kvitova in two.
Radek Stepanek [Czech Republic] versus Daniel Munoz-De La Nava [Spain]
Munoz is the replacement for the injured Robredo. Stepanek is well passed his best, however he's the epitome of a wily old veteran and he will battle for every point. The Czech is as crafty as they come, he will use the net to his full advantage and frustrate the Spaniard to no end. Stepanek will get into Munoz's head to give himself a mental edge.
My winner: Stepanek in three.
Kvitova/Stepanek [Czech Republic] versus Medina Garrigues/Munoz-De La Nava [Spain]
Again, the match is on the Czech's racquet. Stepanek will be all over the net here and will look dominate the Spaniards in the fore court. The Spaniards will fight and I think they'll take this to a super tie-break. Kvitova's big lefty swinging serve will allow Radek to knock off a lot of easy volleys at the net.
My winner: Czech Republic in three.
My favourite for the tournament should in theory dominate this tie, the Spaniards just don't have the fire power to match it with them.
Petra Kvitova [Czech Republic] versus Anabel Medina Garrigues [Spain]
It's the first tie for group B and it sees my pick for the tournament Czech Republic take on Spain. The opener couldn't be more on Kvitova's racquet. Medina will fight, she's a Spanish clay courter after all, she's as a feisty as they come. Despite all of this, it will depend on whether Kvitova's shots are landing in or not.
My winner: Kvitova in two.
Radek Stepanek [Czech Republic] versus Daniel Munoz-De La Nava [Spain]
Munoz is the replacement for the injured Robredo. Stepanek is well passed his best, however he's the epitome of a wily old veteran and he will battle for every point. The Czech is as crafty as they come, he will use the net to his full advantage and frustrate the Spaniard to no end. Stepanek will get into Munoz's head to give himself a mental edge.
My winner: Stepanek in three.
Kvitova/Stepanek [Czech Republic] versus Medina Garrigues/Munoz-De La Nava [Spain]
Again, the match is on the Czech's racquet. Stepanek will be all over the net here and will look dominate the Spaniards in the fore court. The Spaniards will fight and I think they'll take this to a super tie-break. Kvitova's big lefty swinging serve will allow Radek to knock off a lot of easy volleys at the net.
My winner: Czech Republic in three.
My favourite for the tournament should in theory dominate this tie, the Spaniards just don't have the fire power to match it with them.
Hopman Cup: Preview and Predictions (Day 1 - Night)
Australia [6] v. Canada [4]
Samantha Stosur [Australia] versus Eugenie Bouchard [Canada]
With Seppi ill, group A will open up even more - these two teams have a great opportunity to make the final. Both teams are very solid and this tie is hard to predict, either way I think it will go down to the wire. We all know Stosur freezes when playing in Australia, but with the relaxed Hopman Cup atmosphere, the Aussie should be cool as ice. The match will be close (like their tight match in Osaka that Stosur won). My heart says Stosur - it could go either way.
My winner: Stosur in three.
Bernard Tomic [Australia] versus Milos Raonic [Canada]
Tomic is the complete opposite to Stosur, he thrives in front of the home crowd. The Gold Coast native just lacks drive, he lacks passion... will that ever change? The question probably won't be answered this Summer, but I think this will be a close match. Raonic will be looking to make a big move in to the top ten in 2014 and his serve will be the difference here.
My winner: Raonic in three.
Stosur/Tomic [Australia] versus Bouchard/Raonic [Canada]
Stosur is the best credentialed player in this match - it's just the combination with Tomic that worries me... will they gel? Probably not. I can't imagine two Aussie's with less ability to have chemistry than these two. Again, Raonic's serve will be tough to handle, for Stosur and Tomic - I'm looking for Raonic to dominate the match. If Eugenie can go with him, they'll be the winners. I expect the Australian's to fight hard in front of their home crowd.
My winner: Canada in three.
Canada look the goods here - but this group is so open, anything could happen with Janowicz and now Seppi out. Australia will get better as the competition goes on.
Samantha Stosur [Australia] versus Eugenie Bouchard [Canada]
With Seppi ill, group A will open up even more - these two teams have a great opportunity to make the final. Both teams are very solid and this tie is hard to predict, either way I think it will go down to the wire. We all know Stosur freezes when playing in Australia, but with the relaxed Hopman Cup atmosphere, the Aussie should be cool as ice. The match will be close (like their tight match in Osaka that Stosur won). My heart says Stosur - it could go either way.
My winner: Stosur in three.
Bernard Tomic [Australia] versus Milos Raonic [Canada]
Tomic is the complete opposite to Stosur, he thrives in front of the home crowd. The Gold Coast native just lacks drive, he lacks passion... will that ever change? The question probably won't be answered this Summer, but I think this will be a close match. Raonic will be looking to make a big move in to the top ten in 2014 and his serve will be the difference here.
My winner: Raonic in three.
Stosur/Tomic [Australia] versus Bouchard/Raonic [Canada]
Stosur is the best credentialed player in this match - it's just the combination with Tomic that worries me... will they gel? Probably not. I can't imagine two Aussie's with less ability to have chemistry than these two. Again, Raonic's serve will be tough to handle, for Stosur and Tomic - I'm looking for Raonic to dominate the match. If Eugenie can go with him, they'll be the winners. I expect the Australian's to fight hard in front of their home crowd.
My winner: Canada in three.
Canada look the goods here - but this group is so open, anything could happen with Janowicz and now Seppi out. Australia will get better as the competition goes on.
Friday 27 December 2013
Hopman Cup: Preview and Predictions (Day1)
Poland [1] v. Italy [6]
Agnieszka Radwanska [Poland] versus Flavia Pennetta [Italy]
It's the world number five (Radwanska) against the world number thirty-one (Pennetta). Flavia is great on hard courts, evident in her semi-final run at the 2013 US Open. However, Agnieszka or Aga is world number five for a reason. Radwanska is troubled by the girls with immense power and Pennetta just doesn't have that. Radwanska will be too crafty and solid.
My winner: Radwanska in two.
Grzegorz Panfil [Poland] versus Andreas Seppi [Italy]
Panfil is a replacement for the injured Jerzy Janowicz. The Pole appears to be way out of his depth here against the ever solid Seppi. I don't know much about Panfil, but I think his ranking says it all and looking at his results is not quite ready to take on the main tour players. Seppi won't do anything special but will be too solid.
My winner: Seppi in two.
Radwanska/Panfil [Poland] versus Pennetta/Seppi [Italy]
On one side you have a seasoned doubles team in Italy, we know they'll do all the right things. The wildcard is the Polish team, and they may surprise some people, due to Radwanska's exquisite touch and feel. I feel in the end that the Italians will just have too much experience and savvy.
My winner: Italy in two.
Overall this adds up to a 2-1 victory for Italy. They'll be tough to beat as a combination, the experience and doubles expertise will come in handy at the Hopman Cup, it always does.
Agnieszka Radwanska [Poland] versus Flavia Pennetta [Italy]
It's the world number five (Radwanska) against the world number thirty-one (Pennetta). Flavia is great on hard courts, evident in her semi-final run at the 2013 US Open. However, Agnieszka or Aga is world number five for a reason. Radwanska is troubled by the girls with immense power and Pennetta just doesn't have that. Radwanska will be too crafty and solid.
My winner: Radwanska in two.
Grzegorz Panfil [Poland] versus Andreas Seppi [Italy]
Panfil is a replacement for the injured Jerzy Janowicz. The Pole appears to be way out of his depth here against the ever solid Seppi. I don't know much about Panfil, but I think his ranking says it all and looking at his results is not quite ready to take on the main tour players. Seppi won't do anything special but will be too solid.
My winner: Seppi in two.
Radwanska/Panfil [Poland] versus Pennetta/Seppi [Italy]
On one side you have a seasoned doubles team in Italy, we know they'll do all the right things. The wildcard is the Polish team, and they may surprise some people, due to Radwanska's exquisite touch and feel. I feel in the end that the Italians will just have too much experience and savvy.
My winner: Italy in two.
Overall this adds up to a 2-1 victory for Italy. They'll be tough to beat as a combination, the experience and doubles expertise will come in handy at the Hopman Cup, it always does.
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