[18] Venus Williams (USA) vs Madison Keys (USA)

This one is hard to predict.  Venus looks a lot like her old self.  Keys is on the uptick.  Venus’ biggest issue lately when she plays well has been maintaining a high level from one match to the next.  I just picked against Venus and came out on the wrong end of the ledger lately.  If Keys is nervous, Venus should roll. Otherwise, I think this is a 50-50 match.  My guess is Keys is not going to be overly nervous.  I expect a great match.  Venus Williams d. Madison Keys 3-6, 6-4, 6-4

[1] Serena Williams (USA) vs. [11] Dominika Cibulkova (SVK)

If Serena serves well and keeps Cibulkova from returning the way she did vs. Vika, I think this match will be played and won on Serena’s terms.  If Serena is missing first serves and making a lot of errors, Cibulkova could get hot and play clean enough aggressive tennis to win.  I just think the match-up does not favor the uber aggressive Cibulkova as she will have to counter-punch at times versus Serena to have a chance.    Serena Williams d. Dominika Cibulkova 6-4, 6-2