Interesting Potential Early Matches

Kim Clijsters vs. Li Na could be a great re-match in the round of 16.

Maria Sharapova could have a nice match with Serena Williams, but I don’t think Sharapova will get there without having a reliable serve.  My gut says Sabine Lisicki clips Sharapova.

Final 8 Picks

1 Caroline Wozniacki vs. 11 Kim Clijsters (although 5 Li Na could make it this far)

3 Victoria Azarenka vs. 10 Francesca Schiovone

12 Serena Williams vs. 14 Sabine Lisicki

6 Sam Stosur vs. 2 Petra Kvitova

Final 4 Picks

11 Kim Clijsters vs. 3 Victoria Azarenka

12 Serena Williams vs. 2 Petra Kvitova

Finalists

3 Victoria Azarenka vs. 12 Serena Williams

Champion

12 Serena Williams

Serena Williams looks fit and prepared.  Having a day off between matches that are not any longer than regular WTA matches will help with her ankle injury.  She has also had her greatest success down under, so I am picking Serena.  I think this may be her last Grand Slam title because Kvitova is coming on strong, but Serena likely has one more big run.  Since she is looking fit, I think she wins.  As a fan, I think Kvitova winning a 2nd slam and taking over the tour is the best result for women’s tennis.  However, many good stories can emerge in Melbourne so this should be a great event for the women’s game.