Saturday, February 14, 2009

Interesting first rounds in Dubai

Probably the most interesting first round match coming up in Dubai next week is Radwanska vs. Radwanska. The sisters will have to face each other to determine who goes to the next round. Other first rounds of interest:

Sam Stosur vs. Magdalena Rybarikova: If Stosur is going to have another loss of confidence, the young Rybarikova could clean up. But if the Australian plays the way she did in Fed Cup against Thailand, she should advance.

Amelie Mauresmo vs. Anabel Medina Garrigues: If Mauresmo is in form, she can get through this match with focused effort. If not, the relentless Medina Garrigues will make it hard for her.

Alize Cornet vs. Anna-Lena Groenefeld: Groenefeld has not impressed much since her outstanding 2008 U.S. Open comeback. But on a good day, she is a tough competitor, and if she can get into Cornet's head, she has a chance.

As far as I can tell, there is only one really interesting first round coming up in Memphis: Melanie Oudin will play her Fed Cup teammate, Jill Craybas.

6 comments:

Sasha said...

The singles draw has three sets of sisters (Williams, Radwanska, Bondarenko) playing. That has ot to be the first time in a long time that has happened in a non Grand Slam event.

Diane said...

That really is unusual. It's funny--I saw all their names but didn't make that connection. Thanks, Sasha.

dearg said...

Hi Diane,
I have been following your blog with interest for some time. Unfortunately I'm venting my frustration to you! I have just found out that Shahar Peer has been denied a Visa to the U.A.E. Larry Scott has issued a statement but I feel it's only talking about future sanctions. He is letting them off the hook. Also the very rich women of the WTA would never dream of walking from this tournament. The middle east has just imploded again…

Herzblut said...

Diane,
just watching the final and the Eurosport commentators had some breaking news......Shahia Peer has been refused entry to the Dubai tournament next week, by the UAE.....

Herzblut said...

oops......should have read all the way down before I posted...sorry, dearg, and Diane!

Diane said...

Dearg and Claire,

Just getting to you because I was watching the Paris final. I will be posting on this turn of events later.