The Bank of the West Classic, the first tournament in the U.S. Open Series, begins Monday, and there are a few first rounds of interest; indeed, there may be more once the qualifiers are placed. For now, here are some matches to watch:
Alisa Kleybanova vs. Ana Ivanovic: Ivanovic has a wild card for this event, and she didn't exactly get lucky, drawing Kleybanova in the first round. I have wondered before: How far could the Russian go if she were in a bit better shape and exercised more control over her shots? That question stands, but even at her current level, she can be a formidable opponent.
Melanie Oudin vs. Aleksandra Wozniak: They have played each other only once, in Charleston, and Oudin won decisively. Wozniack, a former Stanford champion, has regained some of her form, however, and this match could be close.
Shahar Peer (6) vs. Daniela Hantuchova: This could be the "popcorn match" of the first round.
Kimiko Date Krumm vs. Dinara Safina: This is a match of interest because Date Krumm, in pain and with one functioning leg, took Safina out in the first round of the French Open.
Ana certainly has no luck. I'm tired of her losing to Kleybs. I hope Ana can pull off the upset and get off to a good start this summer. Ajde!
ReplyDeleteIt's 'Wozniak,' not 'Wozniack'
ReplyDeleteOf course it is--typo. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteUm - Isn't Maria Sharapova playing on Monday vs Zheng Jie? - That use should be a match of interest as well - if any?
ReplyDeleteYes, she is, but for reasons more instinctual than evidential, I didn't include that match on my list. Certainly, it's of more interest than several of the other matches.
ReplyDelete