Predicted Winners in BOLD

Thursday, March 30, 2017
Order of play

Stadium (1 p.m. start)

[2] Karolina Pliskova (CZE) vs. [12] Caroline Wozniacki (DEN) – I think this match will be a war between one who wants to hit big and dictate and one who wants to counter punch.  I think Wozniacki’s results will keep trending upward with her new hitting partner who used to work with Serena Williams and Victoria Azarenka.  Pliskova’s clear strategic path offers her clarity of purpose on court.  Also, the match will likely be on Pliskova’s racquet in terms of her first serve percentage and unforced error count likely deciding who wins.

My prediction: K Pliskova d. Wozniacki 3-6, 6-3, 6-2

[11] Venus Williams (USA) vs [10] Johanna Konta (GBR) – Venus is playing some great tennis in 2017.  I thought Kerber would grind out a win due to mobility and her lefty forehand.  I was quite wrong.  Venus is playing at a top 5 level.  I think Venus will dictate play with her serve and powerful ground strokes.  If Venus’ error count and double fault count are low, she should win.

My prediction: V. Williams d. Konta 6-4, 6-3