2016 Miami Open- Victoria Azarenka vs Garbine Muguruza

One of the most anticipated clashes in tennis this year is set to take place in Miami today, with 13th seed Victoria Azarenka facing 4th seed Garbine Muguruza for a place in the Quarter-Finals of the Miami Open. This extremely interesting fourth round clash is set to take place at any time after 15:00 Miami Time (20:00 UK Time) and the winner will face 32nd seed Monica Niculescu or 24th seed Johanna Konta in the Quarter-Final.

Both Azarenka and Muguruza received a bye in the first round, and it has been Azarenka who has been the most comfortable so far. The Belorussian eased past Monica Puig in the second round and stormed past qualifier Magda Linette in the third round for the loss of just three games; she has certainly continued her fine form from Indian Wells. Muguruza had an extremely tricky second round clash, battling past Dominika Cibulkova in three sets, though played her best match of the year as she stormed past qualifier Nicole Gibbs for the loss of just one game; the Spaniard has impressed with a tricky road and is finding form again.

Both women are extremely powerful, so it will be extremely interesting to see who is able to dictate and control the majority of play. Azarenka has certainly been in form this year and will look to continue the strong serving she has shown, and will also look to try and attack Muguruza’s serve as much as possible. The former world number one should also try to move the Spaniard around court, as Muguruza is not as good at moving as the 13th seed and could be on the back foot if Azarenka can control play. Muguruza must make sure that she is serving at a high percentage and must limit the number of errors she has made in big matches this year. The 4th seed should also try to finish points as quickly as possible, as she could have a chance of dictating rallies from early on.

This is the first meeting between the two; another factor that makes this clash so interesting. This should be an evenly fought contest and could well be tight, considering Muguruza has seemingly returned to form. Despite that, Azarenka has been consistent for almost the whole season and should be able to edge this.

Prediction: Azarenka in 3

2016 Miami Open- Dominika Cibulkova vs Garbine Muguruza

One of the most interesting clashes of the day sees two Grand Slam finalists face off, with Dominika Cibulkova facing 4th seed Garbine Muguruza at the Miami Open. This clash takes place on Grandstand at around 13:00 Miami Time (17:00 UK Time) and the winner will face 27th seed Kiki Mladenovic or wildcard Nicole Gibbs in the 3rd round.

Cibulkova has had a decent start to the season so far and rebounded well in the first round, coming from behind to beat Johanna Larsson 4-6 6-1 6-2 to set up this clash; the Slovakian has played some good tennis this season and will be hard to beat. As a seeded player Muguruza has the advantage of receiving a bye in the first round, but the Spaniard has not been at her best this season; she’ll probably need to play quite well today.

Muguruza does have the biggest weapons of the two, due to her height and power advantage over Cibulkova, but has been erratic so far this season and must not make too many errors against such as solid opponent. The Spaniard should also look to serve well against a decent returner and should look try and finish points off as quickly as possible, as Cibulkova is a decent defender and is capable of hanging in when under attack. As for Cibulkova, her serving can be erratic and she must look to serve at a high first serve percentage, as Muguruza can be a good returner. The Slovakian is also a good attacker and should try to attack as much as possible, especially on Muguruza’s serve, and she will need to defend well against Muguruza’s raw power.

Muguruza leads the head to head 2-0, winning their last meeting in Stanford in 2014 in three sets. The Spaniard will need to improve her level to win this match and with Cibulkova playing some decent tennis this could be a tight clash. Muguruza does have more power than the Slovakian, though it seems that Cibulkova could pull off the upset here.

Prediction: Cibulkova in 3

 

 

Radwanska and Santina end year on top of the world in Singapore

It was a fantastic end of the year for Agnieszka Radwanska and the doubles pairing of Sania Mirza and Martina Hingis (aka ‘Santina’) as they won the WTA Finals in Singapore.

Radwanska, who barely made it out of the group, battled past Petra Kvitova to record a 6-2 4-6 6-3 victory and win her biggest career title to date. Things were much more comfortable for Hingis and Mirza, as they cruised past the Spanish pairing of Garbine Muguruza and Carla Suarez Navarro 6-0 6-3 in just over an hour. It was a successful title defence for world No.1 Mirza, who won the title last year with Cara Black.

It was Radwanska’s 17th career title and her third of year, following victories in Tokyo and Tianjin. The Polish star got off to a slow start this year, though she turned her year around following a 1st round loss at the French Open. As for ‘Santina’, they are now on a twenty-two match winning streak which has seen Mirza become the doubles world No.1, Hingis rise to No.2 and has also seen the pair win the US Open and Wimbledon. It was their 9th title of the year together.

2015 WTA Finals- Garbine Muguruza vs Agnieszka Radwanska

The first WTA Finals semi-final of 2015 sees 2nd seed and White Group winner Garbine Muguruza face 5th seed and Red Group runner-up Agnieszka Radwanska. This match takes place any time after 15:00 Singapore Time (07:00 UK Time).

Muguruza come into this semi-final undefeated and has so far continued her strong form from the Asian Swing. She began with relatively comfortable wins over Lucie Safarova and Angelique Kerber though was pushed on Friday by Petra Kvitova, battling to a 6-4 4-6 7-5 win. Muguruza has played well in all three of her matches and if she continues that form she’ll be hard to beat. Coming into Thursday it looked extremely unlikely that Radwanska would reach the semi-finals, following a three set loss to Maria Sharapova and a straight sets loss to Flavia Pennetta, but an impressive 7-6 6-1 win over top seed Simona Halep (Radwanska’s best performance of the week, though she didn’t play badly in her losses) coupled with Sharapova defeating Pennetta in straight sets saw the Polish star through to the semi-finals just like last year- where she also had a 1-2 record in the group stages. Her tennis has slowly improved throughout the week, so she’ll be growing in confidence coming into this.

Muguruza is the favourite for this match and one reason for that is that she leads the head to head 4-2- with all four of her wins coming in their four meetings this year. Three of their meetings this year have gone to three sets, though Muguruza has seemed to have a bit too much powerful for Radwanska to deal with at the end of the day. It will be tough for Radwanska to win if Muguruza plays like she has the past few weeks, though Radwanska could have fitness on her side. Muguruza has also taken part in the Doubles competition and that may mean she has less energy- also, she has little time to turn around from her long match against Kvitova on Friday. Radwanska will probably need to frustrate Muguruza, but she must also not give the Spaniard too many opportunities on serve.

This match could be tight, though it is clear that Muguruza is in much better form than Radwanska. The Spaniard has already faced a counterpuncher in the form of Kerber, so she’ll be prepared for Radwanska, and she should be able to win this one. However she could be tired, and with Radwanska in improving form she will probably make it difficult.

Prediction: Muguruza in 3

2015 WTA Finals- Garbine Muguruza vs Petra Kvitova

Garbine Muguruza and Petra Kvitova face off for the first time in an extremely interesting match which could be extremely influential in deciding who qualifies from the White Group. This match takes place any time after 14:00 Singapore Time (06:00 UK Time). Neither women is through yet, so they will both

Muguruza has been in impressive form so far. She was the in-form player coming into the tournament and has so far seen off Lucie Safarova in a 6-3 7-6 scoreline and then Angelique Kerber in a 6-4 6-4 scoreline- neither Safarova or Kerber played badly. It is extremely unlikely that she won’t qualify for the semi-finals- she can seal her place by winning just one set today. It’s been an up and down tournament for Kvitova though. Her and Muguruza were the favourites to qualify from this group, though a 6-2 7-6 loss to Kerber in her first match (Kerber did play well, though Kvitova was poor) dented her chances- she could best Muguruza and still go out. She did, however, get things back on track with a tough 7-5 7-5 win over Safarova, where her level of tennis was better.

Both women are extremely powerful and if they both at their best we will get a fantastic, high quality match. Muguruza has played better so far and she must look to continue playing just as well, especially if Kvitova is near her best. The Spaniard has been a bit vulnerable on her serve sometimes, so she must look to try to serve well whilst Kvitova must look to attack Muguruza’s serve at every opportunity. Kvitova’s level will probably need to be higher than it has been so far, especially if Muguruza is in good form, but Kvitova is always capable of playing unbeatable tennis.

This match is set to be tight and hopefully we get some high quality tennis. Muguruza is certainly in better form and that has been the case in the past few weeks, though Kvitova can always bring out her best. I would think that with the confidence she has Muguruza would edge this, though it would be unwise to rule out Kvitova.

Prediction: Muguruza in 3

2015 WTA Finals- Garbine Muguruza vs Angelique Kerber

Two women who got their WTA Finals off to a great start face off in the second singles match of Wednesday as 2nd seed Garbine Muguruza faces 6th seed Angelique Kerber, in a match which could see one of them guarantee a spot in the semi-finals. This match takes place any time after 19:30 Singapore Time (11:30 UK Time).

Both Muguruza and Kerber got their campaigns off to a great start. Muguruza, who has been in superb form in her past few tournaments, got off to a good start as she beat Lucie Safarova 6-3 7-6 with not too much difficulty. The fact that she continued her good form shows she is a strong contender for the title here. Kerber caused what was arguably the biggest surprise of the opening round, as she eased past Petra Kvitova 6-2 7-6 with relative ease. Kerber played very well against Kvitova and that win has given her a good chance of reaching the semi-finals- will she be able continue her good form?

The head to head between the two is tied at 3-3, but Muguruza has won the last three meetings between the two- She’s 3-1 up against Kerber this year. Muguruza seemingly has a bit too much power for Kerber, though Muguruza will be keen to play well as Kerber was able to exploit Kvitova’s poor play on Monday and you would back her to do so again. Kerber may have to play slightly better than she did against Kvitova as Muguruza is in better form than the Czech star was, and, as usual, Kerber must have a high serve percentage so she doesn’t give Muguruza too many opportunities on her second serve.

Both women will be confident after their wins on Monday and it should be a competitive match. Whilst Kerber has been in good form of late, Muguruza has been in great form and she should have too much power for the German. However it would be a mistake to rule Kerber out of this completely.

Prediction: Muguruza in 3

2015 WTA Finals- Garbine Muguruza vs Lucie Safarova

Two women making their debut WTA Finals appearances face off in the first singles match of Monday as 2nd seed Garbine Muguruza faces 8th seed Lucie Safarova, in an interesting match between two women who were grand slam finalists this year and have already faced off in the doubles this tournament. This match takes place any time after 18:00 Singapore Time (10:00 UK Time).

Safarova is clearly not at her best coming into this tournament. She didn’t play amazingly well throughout the Grass and American Hard Court season, a low point being a 1st round exit at the US Open, and she then missed the Asian swing with an illness. She has lost in her first matches at Linz and Moscow since, so is clearly not in the form that took her to the French Open final and Doha title. In contrast, Muguruza had an extremely successful Asian swing. After having a disappointing US Hard Court swing, in which she failed to build on her French Open quarter-final run and Wimbledon runner-up run, she reached the final in Wuhan and won her 2nd career title in Beijing. Muguruza played some great tennis during the Asian swing, but what was most impressive during this point of the year was that she was able to win when she wasn’t at her best.

It will be tough for Safarova but she does have an advantage of winning their only previous meeting- a 7-6 6-3 win in the quarter-finals of the French Open this year. Muguruza is, however, playing much better than she was then and will be difficult to face, though the Spaniard has had some poor passages in matches which Safarova will need to capitalize on if they happen.

Whilst she lost their only previous meeting, Muguruza is a clear favourite for this match and the win for Safarova is the only thing really going for the Czech star that suggests she has a chance. It may be tight, though I’d expect that if the match goes with current form it will be comfortable for Muguruza.

Prediction: Muguruza in 2

2015 China Open- Garbine Muguruza vs Timea Bacsinszky

Two of the in-form players this year face off in the China Open final as the 5th seed Garbine Muguruza takes on 12th seed Timea Bacsinszky at 16:00 Beijing Time (09:00 UK Time). It should be a great final- here is my prediction!

Muguruza has played some good tennis to get to this stage, though it hasn’t always been easy for her. She received a bye in the 1st round after reaching the final in Wuhan, but wasn’t affected as she stormed past Irina Falconi 6-2 6-1. She then had a tough match against Mirjana Lucic-Baroni, eventually prevailing 1-6 6-2 6-1, before easing past Bethanie Mattek-Sands 6-1 7-5 in the quarter-finals. She then had a difficult semi-final against 4th seed Agnieszka Radwanska, which she eventually won 4-6 6-3 6-4 despite failing to serve the match out twice in the deciding set. She has played some good tennis, but she will have to give Bacsinszky very few opportunities here.

It’s been an extremely tough road for Bacsinszky, though she has made her 4th final of the year. She started with a comeback 1-6 6-4 6-3 win over the tricky Camila Giorgi, and then had her most comfortable win as she eased past Marina Duque Marino 7-5 6-2. She then had a tough match against 7th seed Carla Suarez Navarro, prevailing 6-4 4-6 7-5, before coming back to beat Sara Errani 0-6 6-3 7-5 in the quarter-finals. She then came back from behind to win her semi-final against 6th seed Ana Ivanovic, coming through 5-7 6-4 6-1- a win that means she makes the top 10 for the first time. It’s certainly been a tough road for her- can she get off to a quicker start against Muguruza?

Muguruza is certainly the most powerful of the two and if she is at her best it will be extremely hard for Bacsinszky to beat her. However despite how well Muguruza has played at some points, she has also had some dips of form during the week- Bacsinszky is entirely capable of taking advantage of these, if they happen. Bacsinszky could well be tired coming into this, so she must try to finish the points as quickly as possible and frustrate Muguruza as much as possible. As a natural defender she needs to hang in, but almost must attack at the opportunities she gets.

They have played each other twice before- both times this year- and Muguruza won 6-3 4-6 6-0 at the Australian Open, before winning 7-5 6-3 at Wimbledon. Both women have been erratic this week, but it seems likely that the power of Muguruza will help her take this one- it should be tight though.

Prediction: Muguruza in 3

2015 China Open- Garbine Muguruza vs Agnieszka Radwanska

The second women’s semi-final sees a real contrast of style as the powerful 5th seed Garbine Muguruza takes on the delicate play of 4th seed Agnieszka Radwanska. This should be an interesting match, taking place in the final match of the day session. Here is my prediction!

Muguruza has continued a strong run of form from Wuhan to reach this stage. Receiving a bye in the opening round, she stormed past Irina Falconi 6-2 6-1 to reach the 3rd round. Despite losing the 1st set, she came back to beat Mirjana Lucic-Baroni 1-6 6-2 6-1- a win that secured her place at the WTA Finals. She then continued her impressive form with a 6-1 7-5 win over Bethanie Mattek-Sands in the quarter-finals. It’s been another good week for the Spaniard- will she be able to overpower Radwanska with ease?

Radwanska didn’t start with a full match in Beijing, as she had won the 1st set 6-3 when Coco Vandeweghe retired. She then had a difficult 2nd round match, eventually battling past Mona Barthel 4-6 6-1 6-4, before benefiting from another retirement as 14th seeded Madison Keys pulled out their match- like her match against Vandeweghe, the Pole had won the 1st set 6-3. It was a strong performance in the quarter-finals though, as she saw off the dangerous 10th seed Angelique in a relatively comfortable 6-1 6-4 win. It’s been an good week for Radwanska- will she be able to outfox Muguruza?

The Spaniard leads the head to head 3-2, with her three wins all coming in their only meetings this year- Sydney, Dubai and Wimbledon. When Muguruza is firing at all cylinders it is extremely hard for Radwanska to stop her, and it seems likely that that will not change here- if Muguruza is at her best. Radwanska can, however, frustrate the Spaniard (especially if Muguruza is not completely firing) and the two retirements she has received may have benefited her physically.

This will be an interesting match to watch between two very different styles of tennis, and it seem the crowd will get a treat. Radwanska has been playing well of late, though Muguruza has arguably been playing better and if she continues her recent form this should be comfortable for her.

Prediction: Muguruza in 2

2015 China Open- Women’s Quarter-Finals

Eight women are left standing in Beijing, with many chasing valuable points in the Road To Singapore. It should be a great day, with many surprise names in action as well as a few bigger names- here are my predictions!

Timea Bacsinszky vs Sara Errani

12th seed Timea Bacsinszky and Sara Errani start action the Lotus Court in a match that will see the loser fall out of contention for Singapore. Bacsinszky has been one of the biggest stories this year, rising over 30 places, though she had a six match losing streak coming into this. She has beaten Camila Giorgi, Marina Duque-Marino and 7th seed Carla Suarez Navarro so far and will be a dangerous player with the confidence she has. Errani has had another consistent year and caused a massive upset in the 1st round, beating 2nd seed Petra Kvitova, and has backed that up with tight victories over Caroline Garcia and 13th seed Andrea Petkovic. Neither women is particularly powerful and with both being good defenders we could have a long match- like their one in Monterrey, which Bacsinszky won in 3 sets. Bacsinszky will be tough to beat with so much confidence, though I’d back Errani to tough this out.

Prediction: Errani in 3

Agnieszka Radwanska vs Angelique Kerber

Arguably the most intriguing women’s quarter-final sees 4th seed Agnieszka Radwanska face 10th seed Angelique Kerber in the 2nd match on the National Tennis Stadium- both women look good for Singapore, though would love to win here to make it even more difficult for others to qualify. Kerber has been playing good tennis of late, and after her bye in the 1st round (following her last 4 appearance in Wuhan) she has put in two comfortable performances against Dominika Cibulkova and 8th seed Caroline Wozniacki. Radwanska, meanwhile, had a tricky 2nd round match against Mona Barthel which she won in three sets though has benefited from the retirements of both Coco Vandeweghe and Madison Keys to get to this stage- have we seen her real form yet? The head to head is tied at 5-5, with Kerber winning their last match in a thrilling 3 sets in Standford, and we should get another tight match here. Based on her current form, it is hard to bet against Kerber to take this one.

Prediction: Kerber in 3

Ana Ivanovic vs Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova

6th seed Ana Ivanovic needs to beat Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova to keep her hopes alive of making Singapore. Ivanovic’s 2015 season has failed to live up to the heights of 2014, though she started well here with impressive wins over Casey Dellacqua and Venus Williams. She did however have to work hard to beat Svetlana Kuznetsova in the 3rd in the night session- will that have taken much out of her? Pavlyuchenkova caused an upset in the 3rd round, coming from a set down to beat 3rd seed Flavia Pennetta, and also caused and upset in the 2nd round with another 3 set win over 16th seed Elina Svitolina- before that she beat Julia Gorges in straight sets. Whilst Pavlyuchenkova is erratic at her best she could beat Ivanovic, though the fact that Ivanovic leads the head to head 6-1 and Pavlyuchenkova’s only win was from Ivanovic retiring suggests she would have to play a flawless match to beat the Serb. Whilst this is possible, Ivanovic should have enough for this one.

Prediction: Ivanovic in 3

Bethanie Mattek-Sands vs Garbine Muguruza

Two women who will be full of confidence coming into this face off as qualifier Bethanie Mattek-Sands faces 5th seed and newly-qualified WTA Finalist Garbine Muguruza. The Spaniard qualified for Singapore with her three set win over the tricky Mirjana Lucic-Baroni, but stormed past Irina Falconi in her 2nd round match following an impressive run to the final in Wuhan. Bethanie Mattek-Sands would have gained some confidence by coming through via qualifying, and would have got even more confidence following wins over Alize Cornet, Lara Arruabarrena and then the inform 15th seed Roberta Vinci. The two have never played before so we can’t look at previous results to guess a winner, though based on current form it is hard to go against another strong Muguruza performance.

Prediction: Muguruza in 2