Poland [1] v. Australia [7]
Agnieszka Radwanska [Poland] versus Samantha Stosur [Australia]
Tennis is all about match ups. Stosur, who has been poor this week, goes into this match with a 3-1 record against the Pole. Not only that, Stosur's one loss to Radwanska came nearly 5 years ago. Radwanska doesn't have much power, so it give Stosur some time on the ball to really get set for that big forehand. Stosur's shots have a lot of top spin and Radwanska does not like the ball around shoulder height, that could be the difference.
My winner: Stosur in three.
Grzegorz Panfil [Poland] versus Bernard Tomic [Australia]
Bet against Panfil at your own peril. The Pole has been the giant killer of the Hopman Cup, but how long can this last? Panfil hasn't played someone like Tomic before and he may be thrown off his guard. The pressure will be off Tomic here because Australia are already out of the Hopman Cup, which could be a bad thing, there's no motivation for the one lacking motivation. His talent should get him through.
My winner: Tomic in two.
Radwanska/Panfil [Poland] versus Stosur/Tomic [Australia]
Tomic was absolutely woeful in the doubles match against Italy, no foot movement, no power on his volleys, an all around shocker. Radwanska and Panfil will have more motivation in order to move through to the final and should take this one fairly comfortably.
My winner: Poland in two.
Wednesday, 1 January 2014
Hopman Cup: Preview and Predictions (Day 6)
Canada [4] v. Italy [6]
Eugenie Bouchard [Canada] versus Flavia Pennetta [Italy]
The young Canadian has been mightily impressive this week, beating Stosur and almost upsetting world number 5 Radwanska. This match is evenly poised, it should be a close encounter. Bouchard will have the extra fire power and Pennetta will have a little extra craft. Pennetta has the experience as well and I think that'll be the difference at the end of a long three setter.
My winner: Pennetta in three.
Milos Raonic [Canada] versus Andreas Seppi [Italy]
Raonic was the victim to one of the biggest upsets in Hopman Cup history when he lost to Pole, Panfil. Panfil was able to rush Raonic off the ball, I can't see Seppi having this ability. Seppi's game will give Raonic a bit more time to settle and to get into a rhythm. This match should see Raonic get back into the winners circle.
My winner: Raonic in two.
Bouchard/Raonic [Canada] versus Pennetta/Seppi [Italy]
The Canadians have been hot and cold in their mixed doubles, if they're luke-warm at all the Italian's will take full advantage. Pennetta bossed the court in their mixed doubles match against Australia and she'll be looking to take control again. Both Raonic and Bouchard don't have a lot of doubles experience and whilst they have the bigger game, Italy has the craft and doubles prowess.
My winner: Italy in two.
Italy always make a good account of themselves at the Hopman Cup, but always seem to just come up short of the final.
Eugenie Bouchard [Canada] versus Flavia Pennetta [Italy]
The young Canadian has been mightily impressive this week, beating Stosur and almost upsetting world number 5 Radwanska. This match is evenly poised, it should be a close encounter. Bouchard will have the extra fire power and Pennetta will have a little extra craft. Pennetta has the experience as well and I think that'll be the difference at the end of a long three setter.
My winner: Pennetta in three.
Milos Raonic [Canada] versus Andreas Seppi [Italy]
Raonic was the victim to one of the biggest upsets in Hopman Cup history when he lost to Pole, Panfil. Panfil was able to rush Raonic off the ball, I can't see Seppi having this ability. Seppi's game will give Raonic a bit more time to settle and to get into a rhythm. This match should see Raonic get back into the winners circle.
My winner: Raonic in two.
Bouchard/Raonic [Canada] versus Pennetta/Seppi [Italy]
The Canadians have been hot and cold in their mixed doubles, if they're luke-warm at all the Italian's will take full advantage. Pennetta bossed the court in their mixed doubles match against Australia and she'll be looking to take control again. Both Raonic and Bouchard don't have a lot of doubles experience and whilst they have the bigger game, Italy has the craft and doubles prowess.
My winner: Italy in two.
Italy always make a good account of themselves at the Hopman Cup, but always seem to just come up short of the final.
Hopman Cup: Preview and predictions (Day 5)
USA [2] v. France [3]
Sloane Stephens [USA] versus Alize Cornet [France]
Cornet was quite impressive in her opener against Kvitova, she's definitely on the way back up after dropping from her peak rank of eleven in 2009. Stephens was too good Medina Garrigues and I think it'll be more of the same here. Cornet has more power than Medina, but does play a similar game. Expect some long, exciting rallies in this match.
My winner: Stephens in two.
John Isner [USA] versus Jo-Wilfried Tsonga [France]
Isner can keep up with any player on tour because he may as well serve out of a tree. I expect this to be the case against Tsonga, the sets will be tight, possible a couple tie breakers. Tsonga's quickness and athleticism will be the difference here, he should be able to get a lot of balls back and make the big American play one more ball.
My winner: Tsonga in two.
Stephens/Isner [USA] versus Cornet/Tsonga [France]
This match should be close, it's extremely hard to call. Both teams had good first up wins. Both girls seem fairly even in doubles, but the difference for me should be Isner. His presence alone on a doubles court is extremely intimidating. Tsonga really needs to be active and authoritative for France to have a chance. This one could go either way.
My winner: USA is three.
If USA win, it starts to look like they are favourites to get through group B.
Sloane Stephens [USA] versus Alize Cornet [France]
Cornet was quite impressive in her opener against Kvitova, she's definitely on the way back up after dropping from her peak rank of eleven in 2009. Stephens was too good Medina Garrigues and I think it'll be more of the same here. Cornet has more power than Medina, but does play a similar game. Expect some long, exciting rallies in this match.
My winner: Stephens in two.
John Isner [USA] versus Jo-Wilfried Tsonga [France]
Isner can keep up with any player on tour because he may as well serve out of a tree. I expect this to be the case against Tsonga, the sets will be tight, possible a couple tie breakers. Tsonga's quickness and athleticism will be the difference here, he should be able to get a lot of balls back and make the big American play one more ball.
My winner: Tsonga in two.
Stephens/Isner [USA] versus Cornet/Tsonga [France]
This match should be close, it's extremely hard to call. Both teams had good first up wins. Both girls seem fairly even in doubles, but the difference for me should be Isner. His presence alone on a doubles court is extremely intimidating. Tsonga really needs to be active and authoritative for France to have a chance. This one could go either way.
My winner: USA is three.
If USA win, it starts to look like they are favourites to get through group B.
Monday, 30 December 2013
Hopman Cup: Preview and Predictions (Day 4)
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.
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.
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.
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