Predicted Winners in BOLD

[10] Karolina Pliskova (CZE) vs Ana Konjuh (CRO) – This is an intriguing match-up. Pliskova is riding a 10 match winning streak and just won a 3rd set tiebreak against a legend of the sport.  Konjuh is the top 2016 bracket buster who keeps defying the odds. Each player has an incredible opportunity.  Pliskova beat the 2016 Roland Garros and Australian Open champions back-to-back to win Cincinnati and has momentum from defeating Venus Williams.  The main thing I think Pliskova has going for her is her world class serve and ability to dictate play with clean shot-making.  In short, Pliskova has the game and the belief to take another step.

[1] Serena Williams (USA) vs [5] Simona Halep (ROU) –  If Halep is playing well and Serena’s power game is a little more error prone than usual, this match may be quite a fight.  I think Serena wins because her serve gives her an advantage in terms of where rallies begin on her service game and her return vs. Halep’s serve should do the same when returning.  Starting most points at an advantage is a good path to victory.