Predicted Winners in BOLD

First, a big thanks to the ATP’s website for listing the men’s schedule.  I had to go to the olympic site to get a listing of women’s olympic matches.  The WTA should list the schedule too.  The women’s slate for August 6th features a lot of good matches so I’ll jump into my predictions.

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IVANOVIC Ana vs. SUAREZ NAVARRO Carla – Ivanovic certainly can win this match, but she has not player overly well in 2016.  CSN is a solid competitor and should give Ivanovic a fight.

FLIPKENS Kirsten vs. WILLIAMS Venus – It is not 2000 anymore and Venus’ best shot at a medal seems to be in doubles where she is a favorite for a 4th gold in that event.  Still, I like her to do well in Rio.

KEYS Madison vs.  KOVINIC Danka – Keys was runner-up in Montreal and should advance here.

ZHENG Saisai vs.  RADWANSKA Agnieszka

STRYCOVA Barbora vs. WICKMAYER Yanina – This is a 50-50 match in my eyes.

PETKOVIC Andrea vs. SVITOLINA Elina – Svitolina has put up nice result this summer. Her odyssey to reach Rio will not be without some reward.  Still, Petkovic would be my normal pick here minus Svitolina’s solid recent form.

ERRANI Sara vs. BERTENS Kiki – Errani can drive a player crazy, but I think Bertens wins.

WATSON Heather vs. PENG Shuai – This match depends a lot on Watson’s form and health.

BOUCHARD Eugenie vs. STEPHENS Sloane – Bouchard showed some signs of life in Montreal as one might expect.  Stephens loss at the Washington, DC event is still a head scratcher.  I am quite divided on who wins this one.  I think Stephens is the better player if both are playing well, but who is better when neither is playing well?  I will take Bouchard to win but barely.

SCHMIEDLOVA Anna Karolina vs. VINCI Roberta – Vinci’s slice backhand will be in full effect.

BACSINSZKY Timea vs. ZHANG Shuai – The Swiss team has shots at medals even with their two top men missing.

SAFAROVA Lucie vs. KNAPP Karin – Knapp is a fighter on court, but I think if Safarova wins if she plays with enough intensity.

KONJUH Ana vs. BECK Annika

WOW! What a rush!!! Let’s go @TeamUSA @serenawilliams @CoCoVandey @Madison_Keys @SloaneStephens #OpeningCeremony pic.twitter.com/hz3YQ81udg

— Bethanie MattekSands (@BMATTEK) August 6, 2016