[3] Simona Halep (ROU) vs [10] Ekaterina Makarova (RUS)

This should be a good match.  Halep is a tough minded grinder and Makarova is a lefty shot-maker.  If Makarova can make simple work of her service games utilizing her slice serve, she can then pressure Halep’s service games even more.  Halep on the other hand has to elicit some errors as well as take initiative in points when short balls present themselves.  I think this is going to be close for at least one set, but that Halep in the end is too solid to lose.  Simona Halep d. Ekaterina Makarova 7-5, 6-3

[2] Maria Sharapova (RUS) vs [7] Eugenie Bouchard (CAN)

Sharapova has looked quite solid to this point.  Last fall, Bouchard looked a half level below the top players on the WTA Tour.  Perhaps she was fatigued from a breakout year that resulted in many new media and fan obligations.  However, based on the form Maria has had to this point and her status as a known commodity, I think Sharapova is the favorite.  If Bouchard can absorb a first strike and then redirect a point, Sharapova may struggle.  Still, Sharapova’s movement has looked solid so far in Melbourne.  Bouchard will also have to pressure Sharapova’s serve.  This could go either way, but Bouchard has a longer list of things she needs to do well in order to win.  Maria Sharapova d. Eugenie Bouchard 6-4, 6-2