Predicted Winners in BOLD
Garbiñe Muguruza (ESP) [4] vs. Francesca Schiavone (ITA) – The defending champion versus the 2010 champion and 2011 runner-up. The draw gods were not kind to Muguruza. I am half tempted to have the defending champion losing the day after the #1 seed lost in the 1st round, but I think some form will remain.
Jennifer Brady (USA) vs. Kristina Mladenovic (FRA) [13] – Mladenovic might be a title contender in this draw.
Caroline Wozniacki (DEN) [11] vs. Jaimee Fourlis (AUS) – Wozniacki could play her way into the second week and then who knows.
Saisai Zheng (CHN) vs. Karolina Pliskova (CZE) [2] – I am not sure how Pliskova will like a surface that slows her serve a bit, but she is the highest seed remaining.
Samantha Stosur (AUS) [23] vs. Kristina Kucova (SVK) – The 2010 runner-up could win a few matches, but I don’t ever pick Stosur these days.
Jelena Jankovic (SRB) vs. Richel Hogenkamp (NED) – JJ turns back the clock for a round or two at least.
Mariana Duque-Marino (COL) vs. Irina-Camelia Begu (ROU) – I am always bullish on Romanian players for some reason.
Tennis Abides: Dan Martin on Tennis and Life 