Predicted Winners in BOLD

[7] Angelique Kerber (GER) vs. Annika Beck (GER) – I think Kerber is the biggest beneficiary of this half of the draw imploding.  Vika likely would have gone deep regardless, but Kerber can build on her strong 2015 season by making a late round at the opening slam of 2016.

[14] Victoria Azarenka (BLR) vs. Barbora Strycova (CZE) – Vika should keep the good times tolling.

[15] Madison Keys (USA) vs. Shuai Zhang (CHN) – I think Zhang wins a gritty 3 set match.

[21] Ekaterina Makarova (RUS) vs Johanna Konta (GBR) – Makarova is another major beneficiary of the draw imploding.