US Open 2016: September 6th Women’s Predictions

Predicted Winners in BOLD [2] Angelique Kerber (GER) vs [7] Roberta Vinci (ITA) – Kerber should end Vinci’s latest US Open run.  Vinci has a lot of variety, a great slice backhand that produces patterns most players don’t like, and an ability to finish points at the net.  Still, Kerber has great defensive skills and can…

US Open 2016: September 2nd Women’s Predictions

Predicted Winners in BOLD Monica Niculescu (ROU) vs. Caroline Wozniacki (DEN) – Wozniacki is showing signs of life after a rough 2016.  I am bullish on Romanian and German players at this US Open. [8] Madison Keys (USA) vs [Q] Naomi Osaka (JPN)  – I like Keys’ potential for a final four run. [2]  Angelique Kerber (GER) vs…

US Open 2016: August 31st Women’s Singles Predictions

Predicted Winners in BOLD [14] Petra Kvitova (CZE) vs. Cagla Buyukakcay (TUR) – I think Petra is good for this round as well. [9] Svetlana Kuznetsova (RUS) vs Caroline Wozniacki (DEN) – Which career would you prefer?  Kuznetsova has won 2 majors in singles while Wozniacki spent many weeks ranked #1 with no major titles….

US Open 2016: August 29th Women’s Predictions

#Tennis U.S. Open a chance for Monica Puig to prove Olympic gold was … https://t.co/Btjxxn6shY pic.twitter.com/cSSPlZTIu6 — Tennis daily post (@epeaktennis) August 28, 2016   Predicted Winners in BOLD [7] Roberta Vinci (ITA) vs. Anna-Lena Friedsam (GER) – I do not see a repeat trip to the championship match, but Vinci should win this match….

US Open 2016: Quick Thoughts on the Women’s Draw

Is round 3 possible? Sure. Serena Williams’ Quarter Serena Williams received no favors from her 2016 US Open draw.  Ekaterina Makarova is far from an ideal first round opponent.  Simona Halep won Montreal and played reasonably well in Cincinnati.  Heather Watson or Lucie Safarova could await Serena in the final 8 if Halep fails to reach…

Cincinnati 2016: Reflections on Semifinal Saturday

Prelude: Burritos to Go? My semifinal Saturday, started with an unexpected surprise.  Before entering the grounds with Mike Kooris (a good friend who is a better tennis player than me), and I went to Chipotle to get less expensive food than what is offered on site.  While eating a tall Canadian entered the restaurant and…

Cincinnati 2016: WTA Semifinal Predictions

Predicted Winners in BOLD (15) Karolina Pliskova VS (4) Garbiñe Muguruza – Pliskova is quite tall (1.86 M/6’1″), but moves well for a player of her height.  Muguruza is also tall (1.82 M/6′) and moves well too.  One thing Muguruza has going for her is superior power when hitting outside of her preferred comfort zones.  Garbine has all…

Cincinnati 2016: WTA Quarterfinal Predictions

Predicted Winners in BOLD (9) Carla Suárez Navarro VS (2) Angelique Kerber – I think Kerber should eventually solve CSN so long as her nerves about the quest for #1 doesn’t get the better of her (a real possibility). (5) Agnieszka Radwanska VS (3) Simona Halep – Aga has more feel and variety than Halep, but…