Apia International 2012 Preview : Main Draw and Predictions

The Sydney Premier event is one of the strongest in this beginning of the year as the top players want to get ready for the Australian Open, the upcoming week. In fact, appart from Maria Sharapova, still recovering from an ankle injury, all the Top 10 is present in Sydney to try to play some matches and to get some confidence before the first Slam of the year. Last Year, Li Na, won there against Kim Clijsters in the final, which was the beginning of a great season for the chinese player. But, now Let's take a look first at the draw

THE MAIN DRAW

(1/DEN) Caroline Wozniacki vs BYE

(SVK) Dominika Cibulkova vs (CHN) Shuai Peng 

(RUS) Anasatasia Pavlyuchenkova vs (GER) Andrea Petkovic 

QUALIFIER vs (7/POL) Agniezska Radwanska

(3/BLR) Victoria Azarenka vs QUALIFIER

(SRB) Jelena Jankovic vs (GER) Julia Goerges

(WC/AUS) Jelena Dokic vs (WC/AUS) Isabella Holand 

QUALIFIER vs (8/FRA) Marion Bartoli

(6/RUS) Vera Zvonareva vs (RUS) Svetlana Kuznetsova

(CZE) Lucie Safarova vs (SRB) Ana Ivanovic

(ITA) Flavia Pennetta vs QUALIFIER

QUALIFIER vs (4/CHN) Li Na 

(5/AUS) Samantha Stosur vs (ITA) Francesca Schiavone 

(ITA) Roberta Vinci vs (SVK) Daniela Hantuchova 

QUALIFIER vs (GER) Sabine Lisicki 

BYE vs (2/CZE) Petra Kvitova

Interesting 1st rounds matchs-up 

(SVK) Dominika Cibulkova vs (CHN) Shuai Peng 

Two players who are really able to pull out big upsets and play great tennis when they are on. Shuai Peng is back from injury and played a strong first half of season in 2011, she's got a lot of points to defend while Dominika have beatten Caroline Wozniacki, the world number one, in Sydney, in the second round. This match will be a great test for the chinese player who will figure out how much she still have to work to be back to the level she had. Dominika Cibulkova is indeed, one of the solidest and steadiest players on tour, no doubt she'll force Shuai to play strongly to beat her. The play should be around who will be the best at backhand as it's both ladies' biggest weapon on court. The player who will make the other hit the extra shot will probably take this one. 

Prediction : Dominika Cibulkova in two sets

 (RUS) Anasatasia Pavlyuchenkova vs (GER) Andrea Petkovic

 A good opposition to start with for both ladies who have been upset by the same Kaia Kanepi in Brisbane and had not the occasion to face each other. But here it is. Andrea Petkovic always got a quite good level during matches, she's very solid and stable from the baseline. Most of all, she's got a quality that Anastasia yet lacks of : regularity. Even when her level drops, Andrea Petkovic still has a minimum that allows her to win matches while Pavlyuchenkova, when she's off, can lose to anyone. It will really depend on how Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova shows up, if she plays good she should take this match. Let's bet on it, with her powerful backhand she'll force Andrea to defend from the baseline , but the german won't make it any easier... 

Prediction : Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova in three sets 

 (SRB) Jelena Jankovic vs (GER) Julia Goerges

Two talented ladies are going to face each other during this first round : both Jelena and Julia got a great tennis even though their style are very different. While Julia is a grinder from the baseline who hits the ball flat, hard and deep, Jelena really knows to do everything with the ball and prefer to stay behind the baseline striking and defending her side. The one who will take advantage will be the one who will make the less errors and the one who will also take chances when they will be some. By the way, Jelena's tennis seemed to improve from last year, during the Brisbane tournament and we hope this dynamic will keep on and that she'll play a good tournament in order to get right in track for the Australian Open ! Julia will count on her awesome forehand, on her solid serve and her sense of game, she's lived a great 2011 season and has to confirm this year. She's got what it takes to beat Jelena but will she handle the preassure out there ? 

Prediction : Jelena Jankovic in three sets

(6/RUS) Vera Zvonareva vs (RUS) Svetlana Kuznetsova

All Russian match between Vera Zvonareva and Svetlana Kuznetsova. Svetlana has been struggling with herslef for two year now and I can't see her coming back on track, even though she had a run until the semi-finals at Auckland last week. In fact, her tennis collapses when she faces a solid tennis player who can hit one more single shot again and again and this is exactly what Vera Zvonareva does the best. We can count on Vera when it's about being regular and steady because all her game is based on those two qualities that could make her prevail. 

Prediction : Vera Zvonareva in two sets 

(CZE) Lucie Safarova vs (SRB) Ana Ivanovic

Those two players are one of the most talented of their generation, Ana showed it by winning Roland Garros three years ago... Then nothing, or almost... Ana, when her forehand is on can beat anyone, when she hits deeply and hard she's one of the best in the world while Lucie's left-hand is one of the best out there. She's able to do whatever she wants with the ball and, when she's on, produce one of the cleanest ball striking but she's way too iregular... Her left hand will make her find Ivanovic's forehand on her backhand which could cause some troubles

Prediction : Ana Ivanovic in three set

Predictions for the title : Petra Kvitova, Ana Ivanovic, Victoria Azarenka
Outsiders : Sabine Lisicki, Vera Zvonareva, Caroline Wozniacki, Marion Bartoli
Able to make big surprises : Jelena Dokic, Dominika Cibulkova, Daniela Hantuchova

Brisbane International Final Preview : Daniela Hantuchova vs Kaia Kanepi

Kaia Kanepi's forehand, a strong weapon that can sometimes, collapse (Brisbane, Australia)

Sorry for this little absence, been busy with exams and I work on that blog on my own. I bet you already know everything about Brisbane's result of the week, about both Kim Clijsters and Serena Williams getting injuried during matches. I really hope both will be able to compete at their best during the Australian Open. However, Daniela Hantuchova's been lucky on her way to the final, because of both Serena and Kim's retirement she had on her way to the final while Kaia Kanepi had to fight at a great level to win against players such as Andrea Petkovic, Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova and Francesca Schiavone.

Tomorrow, those both ladies will compete in order to win the first Premier Tournament of the year. No doubt they will try all their best to do so. By the way, the objective is also about getting (well) seeded at the Australian Open. In fact, this will be the last week before seeding and it would be a great way for both to improve their rankings.

If Daniela Hantuchova wins the tournament she'd reach the 21th spot at the WTA Rankings while Kaia Kanepi would grab the 26th if she somehow manages to win the title. This shows that both ladies are approximately at the same level in term of rankings. But what about game ?  I know that Kaia Kanepi played solid tennis in order to reach the final, she's been really mentally strong and sometimes, tennistically, impressive but I still believe that Daniela Hantuchova got all what it takes in her racquet to clinch the Brisbane title.  In fact, while Kanepi hits the ball really flat and hard, Daniela knows to do a bit more with the ball and hits more pure and much cleaner baseline storkes. She'll have to try to set up the game around her forehand, which, for me, when, it's on, is her best shot, by faf. It's anyway,  her match to win or to lose, and I think she'll take her chance and win it in a tough three-setter as Kaia Kanepi will be here and play a great tennis during the final.

This final could be really important for Daniela Hantuchova. In fact, she's the kind of player with a really fragile confidence but that could also be highly boosted with a big title, like the Brisbane International. This is already a big moment for Daniela as, if she manages to hold her nerves and to win this. Actually, I can see this potential title being a start to a really strong season to one of the most talented players on the tour...

Daniela Hantuchova focussing on the ball (Brisbane, Australia)

Brisbane International : Second Round Preview

First round is over in Brisbane and there was no big suprises, except maybe Benesova beating Safarova, I mean, I was a little bit suprised and of course Bratchikov's breakthrough beating Klara Zakopalova.  Now, Let's head onto to the second round. Let's first take a look at the 2nd round draw

THE SECOND ROUND DRAW

(1/AUS) S.Stosur vs (CZE) I.Benesova

(SRB) A.Ivanovic vs (BEL/5) K.Clijsters

(USA/4) S.Williams vs  (SRB) B.Jovanovski

(USA) V. King vs (SVK) D.Hantuchova 

(SRB) J.Jankovic vs (RUS) N.Bratchikov 

(KAZ) G.Voskoboeva vs (ITA) F.Schiavone 

(RUS) A. Pavlyuchenkova vs (EST) K.Kanepi 

(CZE) B. Zahlavova vs (GER) A.Petkovic

Interesting 2nd Rounds match-ups

(SRB) Ana Ivanovic vs (BEL/5) Kim Clijsters

One of the most interesting match-ups in this 2nd round. Kim Clijsters is coming back from injury and played a quite strong tennis in order to win the first round while Ana Ivanovic came up strong too at the end of the year to clinch the Bali Masters. If both players are able to produce great tennis at the same level, then this could be one of the greatest matches in the tournament so far. 

Predictions : Kim Clijsters in three sets

(RUS) A.Pavlyuchenkova vs (EST) K.Kanepi 

Two talented players are going to face each other during the Brisbane 2nd Round, one youngester russian, Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova, who is one of the biggest hopes in Russia will face Kaia Kanepi, a great hard-hitter from the baseline who will test her a lot in this beginning of season. Will really depend on how they both show up and if Anastasia comes with a fixed serve and not hitting tons of double faults... 

Predictions : Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova in three sets

Quarters Finals predictions : 

S.Stosur vs K.Clijsters

S.Williams vs Hantuchova

Jankovic vs Schiavone 

Pavlyuchenkova vs Petkovic.

Brisbane International : Main Draw and Predictions

Here it is ! Sorry for the delay but it is the end of the year, so you know, u gotta shop, meet friends, family and so on. But I'm back and I'm here talk to you about Brisbane's Main Draw and predictions about it. I love making predictions you know it, but first, let's take a look at the Main Draw featuring Kim Clijsters, Serena Williams, Ana Ivanovic and many others.

THE MAIN DRAW

(1/AUS)Stosur v Yakimova
Benesova V Safarova
Ivanovic v Paszek
Halep v (5/BEL)Clijsters

(4/USA)Williams v Scheepers
(WC/AUS)Dellacqua v Jovanovski
Q v Czink
Hantuchova v (8/SVK)Cibulkova

(6/SRB)Jankovic v Suarez Navarro
Zakopalova v Q
Voskoboeva v Q
Pervak v (3/ITA)Schiavone

(7/RUS)Pavlyuchenkova v Hercog
Q v Kanepi
(wc)Rogowska v Zahlavova Strycova
Peer v (2/GER)Petkovic

Intersting First Rounds Match-Ups

 

Ana Ivanovic (SRB) vs. Tamira Pazsek (AUS)

Tough first round to deal with for Ana Ivanovic, the Bali Masters winner. Those two girls are among the most talented of their generations but got to deal with different issues. But, while Ivanovic won Bali, Paszek managed to reach quarter-finals at Wimbledon, beating Fransesca Schiavone on her way. The match could go either way, depending on how those two ladies will show up and who will take advantage. Ana will have to direct the rallies on the forehand side while Tamira will try to set on her backhand. Advantage to the one who will make the other run. Since Ana seems fitter, I guess she shoud prevail. 

Predictions : Ana Ivanovic in two sets

Shahar Peer (ISR) vs Andrea Petkovic (GER/2)

Intersting first round for both girls. Andrea played a good tennis in 2011 in order to reach the tenth spot at rankings while Shahar had to struggle at little bit, but we know what she is able to do. So, it will be interesting to see how much Shahar will challenge Andrea in the beginning of the year, and, if, this year she is going to play that tennis that lead her in 2010, almost to the top 10. If they both play well, we could really watch an entretaining match ! 

Predictions : Andrea Petkovic in three sets

PREVIOUS RESULTS

Iveta Benesova (CZE) d. Lucie Safarova (CZE) 2/6 7/5 7/5

In the czech battle, Benesova prevailed not because of her talent or her outstanding tennis, but just because she's been way more consistant than her compatriot Lucie Safarova, who, after playing a clean first set, began comitting more and more erros. Credit to Benesova for making her play one more shot again and again. Tough second round against, probably Samantha Stosur who will try to shine in front of home crowd. 

Kim Clijsters (BEL) d. Simona Halep (ROU) 6/1 6/4 

Successful comeback for the belgian player who, right after the Australian swing in 2011 had to struggle with injuries, withdrawing from both Wimbledon and US Open. She played a quite clean match against the talented roumanian who couldn't handle Kim's power and will to play, and to play well in front of the Aussie crowd, who always loved her from her love affair with Leyton Hewitt. She's gonna face either Ana Ivanovic or Tamira Pazsek, tough round to go for her but if she keeps playing this way, she could prevail. 

(SRB) Bojana Jovanovski d. (AUS) Casey Dellacqua 6/4 6/2

This was Casey's big come back on a WTA event after lot of success on the ITF tour. Unfortunately, she had to face a Strong Bojana today who did not give her a single chance to set up her game correctly and was on fire. Credit to the Serbian for playing that good against an Aussie ... In Australia ! Next round will be tough as she'll probably face Serena Williams who will give her much more troubles.

(SVK) Daniela Hantuchova d. (SVK) Dominika Cibulkova 3/6 6/4 6/3 

Daniela Hantuchova won this first round who was one of the most exciting out there. Beating Dominika is never easy as she's one of the steadiest and solidest player on the tour. Somehow, Hantuchova prevailed playing solid and smooth tennis. Her groundies were totally awesome and after a routine first set, she leveled this up to take the match. Credit to her for being mentally ready for the battle and pulling out the win. Next round will be against either Czink or a qualifier and she should prevail if she keeps playing this way.

(ITA) Fransesca Schiavone d. (KAZ) Ksenia Pervak 4/4 w.o

There was no match as Ksenia retired but here is the result ! 

Top 10 Predictions for 2012

After we saw the 2011 Top Ten, let's try to guess how the WTA TOUR Top 10 will look like after 2012, after its four Grand Slams, its Masters Cup and its Olympic Tournament ! I know that it is quite risky to do so before the season even began but you know that I love taking risks, I love being challenged so come here and say what you want to say !

1- Serena Williams (UNITED STATES)

When Serena's on, she's hard to handle (Melbourne, Australia)

Assuming that Serena Williams will strongly be back in the tour, playing a quite full schedule, I can see her back where she belong, at the head of the WTA ranking system. Her game is still very tough for her oppenents to handle because she puts so much intensity and so much power in all her strokes that she becomes a killing machine on court. We all know that Serena got this extra power when she plays at Grand Slam and she will be THE player to upset in every Grand Slam. I can see her winning at the Australian Open this year and clinching a Runner-Up trophy at both Wimbledon and US Open . She'll also win a couple of Mandatory Premiers in order to clinch this first spot. It won't be one of those "Serena's year" but, it could be an enough good year for her to dominate (one last time... ?)

2- Maria Sharapova (RUSSIA)

Maria Sharapova's determination is back on court (Madrid, Spain)

The Russian diva can definetely make it. She played quite well during 2011, but she was still far from her top and she's still got the motivation and the will to improve and ne doubt that her team, lead by Thomas Hogstedt, will help her out. In 2011, we saw a new Sharapova on court, hungry and full of will to be back to where she belongs, the top. Like I said, not playing her best tennis, she managed to reach the fourth spot at the end of this year and I can see her going even higher this year, assuming that she gets rid of her ankle injury. Maria Sharapova will just have to stop those up and down she still got from time to time. She'll be one of the biggest contenders in Grand Slam and, this year, I can see her winning at both Roland Garros and Wimbledon. In fact, she's got what it takes to do so and even better, why not, at the Olympics, an event that she's always dreamt to play. Nonetheless, her inconsistency and sometimes, the preassure she feels sometimes on the court, will make her fail to clinch the first spot in 2012. Wait and See.

3- Petra Kvitova (CZECH REPUBLIC)

Petra Kvitova, will again, play a strong season (Melbourne, Australia)

She'll drop a little bit in the rankings to finish the year at the 3rd spot. Petra Kvitova is a great player able to beat anyone when she's on. And that's the thing, when she isn't on, she's able to lose to anyone. Petra lacks consistency because she lacks experience. She's still young and gotta learn few things. But, don't get me wrong, Petra Kvitova will indeed have a great season in 2012. She'll be one of the toughest player to face in Grand Slams and in all tournaments in General. In fact, she's able to pull out some stellar tennis to beat anyone on a good day, on a good week. But I can also see her sometimes, bashing a match and getting trashed when you don't expect it. Her season can be highlighted by a win in a Grand Slam, in Roland Garros, for example, or why not, in Wimbledon again. Mandatory Premiers and Premier 5 will also be Petra's objectives just as the Olympic Games, where she really could clinch a medal as she plays at her best when she defends Czech Republic's banner as we saw it during the Fed Cup, throughout the year.

4- Samantha Stosur (AUSTRALIA)

With her lethal forehand, Sam Stosur showed she's able to reach the tops (Osaka, Japan)

Samantha Stosur had an overall good year in 2011. Even if the year did not begin really well, she found back her tennis a little by a little to clinch the title at the US Open, where nobody expected it. That's women's tennis charm, everything can always happen, whenever, wherever and made by whoever. I expect Samantha to be steadier this year and to become on of those players that we will see at latter stage at lot of tournaments, including grand slams. I can see Sam Stosur reaching semi-finals at three grand slams this year, and why not having, eventually a quite good result at Wimbledon, where she's never shined before. I also think she'll win finally a big claycourt event, why not, in Madrid ?

5-  Victoria Azarenka (BELARUS)

Victoria Azarenka's determination (Miami,US)

I'm not doing this for Victoria Azarenka's fan who got all right to hate because I don't really believe in their beloved "Vika" ! But I really think that Victoria, even if she goes down a little bit in the rankings, will play a full, solid and consistant season. In fact I can see Victoria being a big threat at every Premier event. Actually she could end up being the player who had won the most tournament on the tour in 2012. But sadly, I can't see her doing great at slams. Of couse, she'll still be a tough oppenent there and a contender to win there but I don't think she's got, yet, what it takes to do better than what she did this year, reaching the semi-finals at Wimbledon. In fact, I am not even sure if she will reach that stage in Slams this year as the fields will be strong and as she often got physical issues during the two-weeks events. I'd bet she'll play another final at Istanbul at the end of the year losing to either Kvitova, Sharapova or Serena Williams. I am not saying Victoria will never win a Slam in her career or something, but I just don't think it's not gonna happen this year. But I really hope she will prove me wrong by winning one because I actually quite like seeing her play and moving around the court.

6- Marion Bartoli (FRANCE)

Marion Bartoli show she's able to defend too (London, UK)

2012 could be another breakthrough year for Marion Bartoli, just like 2007 and 2011 were. Marion is becoming a much wiser and experminted player on the tour and she works on her weaknesses every year a bit more. For instance, she's the leader of ace makers this year when you remember who she started at serve, you realize that she is a hard worker. I can definetely see her reaching the best ranking of her career with this 6th spot at the WTA Tour ranking. In fact, 2012 Marion's season will be a season during which she'll be steady and will reach regurally the latter stages of tournaments, smaller or bigger. I can see her having one great result at Slam, in Roland Garros, for instance, but not reaching another Slam final as she did in 2007. Her biggest challenge will be to play the Olympic Games for France despite of all the issues she's got with a quite strange Federation that feels like she's got another top players to do it instead of Bartoli while, right now, they don't. The most beautiful end to this story is Marion clinching a medal to prove everybody in France, what she's able to do.

7- Kim Clijsters (BELGIUM)

2012 could be another successful year for Kim Clijsters (NY, US)

The Belgian mum will be back in action in Brisbane next week. Assuming that Kim will remain on the tour, I can see her going back in the top 10 but not going any higher than the 7th spot. She admitted herself that she was thinking about stopping playing right after Olympic Games and we know that Kim is no more the kind of player to run all over the world to follow the tour. In fact, I don't expect Kim Clijsters to win a Slam this year but why not to reach two or three finals. And this will begin at the Australian Open where she's got her title from last year to defend. Kim Clijsters will also be a threat on big tournaments such as Indian Wells and Miami where she remains the last player to have won them both back to back. She also could do well at Roland Garros while, except Fransesca Schiavone and Sam Stosur, no one seem a claycourt specialist. The question is, will she able to provide Belgium a medal, which is her biggest hope...

8-  Vera Zvonareva (RUSSIA)

Vera Zvonareva's will to win (London, UK)

Vera Zvonareva should remain in 2012, one of the steadiest player on the tour, she'll be the kind of player who will regurally reach quarter-finals or better at tournaments she enters. In fact, Zvonareva will still be the kind of player which will always be a challenge to beat because of her fitness and her defensive skills. I can see her having one or two great results at Slams, and why not reaching a final. I actually chose this 8th spot because I sadly think she won't be able to clinch a title in 2012 (except perhaps in Doha where she seems to feel right at home). Perhaps I've been a bit harsh with Vera as I can see her going much higher than this spot with a bit of luck and success but, if she does not change something in her game, this is likely the spot she'll grab at the end of the year wich is more than honorable.

9- Sabine Lisicki (GERMANY)

Sabine Lisicki's teremendous serve (Roland Garros, France)

I can see 2012 as being a great year for the german player. She's prooved before that she was able to play some good tennis and her offensive powerful game is likely to suit all surfaces. If she's healthy and injury free, Sabine Lisicki will be able to play a full schedule in order to reach, for the first time of her career, the WTA TOP 10. In fact, she's able to do well at both tour tournaments and grand slam. I can see her reaching another slam semi-final by the way, in 2012, why not in Wimbledon again ? She'll be one of those players with lot of ups and a bit downs though which will forbid her to go higher than a nineth spot this year. In fact, Sabine lacks yet consistency and this is because she is not totally fit yet. Sabine Lisicki could, in a good week, grab a Premier 5 event and why not a Mandatory Premier, but this is still to much to ask from a player who just came back from injury and who is enjoying her time on the court. She came back strong in 2011 in order to reach the N.15 spot at the end of the year and can go even higher in 2012.

10- Caroline Wozniacki (DANEMARK)

Wozniacki's defensive skills (Tokyo, Japan)

The Dane is likely to lose her first spot this year but also to go down a little bit in the rankings scuring a tenth spot at the end of 2012. In fact, her recent results clearly showed the limits of her game. In fact, in a good day, any good player can overwhelm Wozniacki by hitting hard, deep and consistant : Maria Sharapova did it in Rome, Dominika Cibulkova did it in Wimbledon, Flavia Pennetta did it during the China Open. Actually, Wozniacki's attitude's also been doubtful sometimes, during Cincinnati and Toronto for instance. Her game is no more a secret or a liability for other players and even though she'll keep consistant, winning a couple of small tournaments and reaching regular results at Slams and Premiers.

Preview : Brisbane International 2012

Pat Rafter Arena, the Centre Court (Brisbane, Australia)

The Brisbane International is the first Premier event of the WTA Tour. Actually, last year, it was still an International event but this year things changes : Welcome 2012 ! And even if recently, Maria Sharapova announced her withdrawal from the tournament because of an ankle injury, the field in Brisbane will be strong.
Who will succeed to Petra Kvitova who won the Brisbane Open last year, against German Player, Andrea Petkovic ? In fact, Petra decided to play Hopman Cup this week and thus, not to defend her title of last year.
Before making any predictions, let's take a look at The event's Entry List

ENTRY LIST

 1- Samantha Stosur (Australia)
 2- Andrea Petkovic (Germany)
 3- Fransesca Schiavone (Italy)
 4- Serena Williams (United States)
 5- Kim Clijsters (Belgium)
 6- Jelena Jankovic (Serbia)
 7- Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova (Russia)
 8- Dominika Cibulkova (Slovakia)
 9- Ana Ivanovic (Serbia)
10- Daniela Hantuchova (Slovakia)
11- Lucie Safarova (Czech Republic)
12- Kaia Kanepi (Estonia)
13- Polona Hercog (Slovenia)
14- Shahar Peer (Israel)
15- Chanelle Scheepers (Republic of South Africa)
16- Ksenia Pervak (Kazakhstan)
17- Klara Zakopalova (Czech Republic)
18- Tamira Pazsek (Austria)
19- Barbora Zahlavova Strycova (Czech Republic)
20- Petra Martic (Croatia)
21- Simona Halep (Roumania)
22- Iveta Benesova (Czech Republic)
23- Carla Suarez Navarro (Spain)
24- Casey Dellacqua (Australia)
25- Olivia Rogowska (Australia)
26- Galina Voskoboeva (Kazakhstan)
27- Anastasiya Yakimova (Belarus)

Like I said, a tough field with two top-10 players : Samantha Stosur and Andrea Petkovic, two among the biggest stars on the tour with Serena Williams and Kim Clijsters. We can also count on players like Franseca Schiavone, Jelena Jankovic and Ana Ivanovic.

Kim Clijsters' forehand : a great weapon (Melbourne, Australia).

Last Year, Petkovic made the final here but I can't see her doing that well this year because of the field's quality. In fact, the strongest favorite for me is Kim Clijsters. She's got her Australian Open title to defend and the "Australia's little fiancée" loves to play in Australia. In fact, she won the tournament back in 2010 and if she's injury free, she can win again there. Of course, we can't count out the best player of the decade : Serena Williams. In fact if she's motivated enough and plays steady tennis, she's among the biggest favorite.

Fransesca Schiavone's great defense (Perth, Australia)

Besides those two, Samantha Stosur, the US Open champion, got what it takes in her game plan and her racquet to clinch the title, here in Brisbane. Her lethal forehand and her top spin knowledge could really help her out on that plexicushion surface. Just like her, Franseca Schiavone will have her word to say. The italian player can play some agressive tennis when she's on. In fact Fransesca is one of the fittest girl on tour despite her 31 years old.

Ana Ivanovic and Jelena Jankovic :  the Serbian girls (Roland Garros, France)

We can't leave either both Jelena Jankovic and Ana Ivanovic. The two serbian girls, former world number one, still got some beautiful shots in their racquets. Jelena proved she was coming back right on track by reaching the final in Cincinnati this summer (l. to Maria Sharapova). Ana won the Tournaments of Champion in Bali playing high-style tennis and the beginning of the year could tell us a lot about Serbian's form and the beginning of the season could be a good occasion for them to pull some big upsets and why not get some confidence back.

Daniela Hantuchova and Dominika Cibulkova holding the Slovakian flag (Bratislava, Slovakia)

After the two serbians, the two Slovakians ! Daniela Hantuchova is one of the steadiest player on tour since she's been around there for such a long time and is still able to beat top players while Dominika Cibulkova won her first title at Moscou againt Kaia Kanepi. Both girls have beaten the world number one Caroline Wozniacki in 2011 and can really pull big upsets when their game is on. But I don't know if they can, right now, win the title. No doubt they remain threat for big names who could not play their best tennis.


My Pick for the victory : Kim Clijsters, Serena Williams
Outsiders : Samantha Stosur, Ana Ivanovic, Fransesca Schiavone
Potential Giant Killer : Dominika Cibulkova , Daniela Hantuchova, Lucie Safarova

Of course, we will make a new article as soon as the draw is out !

2012 Preview : Who will dominate ? Which new faces are we like to discover ?

While men's tennis is clearly domintated by the like of Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic. The WTA Tour got big stars, of course, but no dominant player and that what makes it, in my opinion, much more interesting. In fact, when a tournament begins, you can't really predict who will win. In fact who would have bet Li Na would win in Roland Garros or that Samantha Stosur would clinch the US Open title ? Not many of us !

Petra Kvitova during the Mutua Madrilena Madrid Open (Madrid, Spain)

And this year seems to go the sam way. Lot of specialists think that 2012 will be Petra Kvitova's year. In fact the left-handed czech player showed great skills : power off both wings, good speed from side to side and clean volleys, which is a little bit of a miracle in today's women's tennis. Winning Wimbledon and the Masters Cup in Instanbul this year, she learnt how to dominate the game with her modern style. The thing is , will she able to hold her nerves ? Will she able to handle the preassure that will surround her... In fact, she admitted herself that after her Wimbledon win she got overwhelmed by all medias surrounding her to explain why she played so erratic during the US Season Hardcourt. In fact, if she keeps so up and down, she won't be able to be a solid number one. Well, she's only 21 and she's still got a lot to learn a lot of things. Besides, she also perfectly represents the star the WTA was looking... Sorry "the hero". In my opinion, 2012 will be a good year for Petra, but not THE Year. She will win tournaments, she will be a big contender for slams and may win one (at Roland Garros maybe...), she also could manage to grab the first spot for a while, but I doubt she's handle her nerves until the end. I am taking risks since everybody thinks she is going to be the dominant player out there, as Martina Navratilova said, but I don't think it'll be this year.

All Maria Sharapova's happiness after her win over Cibulkova (Wimbledon, London)

Petra Kvitova has beatten Maria Sharapova in the final of the Championships Wimbledon and 2012 could precisely be her year if somehow she manages to heal her ankle, that she injuried at the Tokyo Toray Pan Pacific Open 2011. In fact, in 2011, Maria played a good tennis throughout the season, winning 2 "Premier 5" titles at the Italian Open (yes, she did it on clay ! Our cow on ice) and in Cincinnati Open. Maria is in the middle of two generations, of two ages. even though we know her for such a long time, Maria is still 24, which is young ! She's got the experience, the youth and, the most important : the motivation and the determination back. We saw her having pleasure again on the court. Her tennis is coming back to its top a little by little and this is thanks to Thomas Hogstedt, her new coach that helped her out finding back this lethal forehand (that, sometimes, she loses during matches by the way) and a quite average serve by renewing her motion (again). Maria's big problem remains the serve, under preassure, she cannot rely on it and usually hit tons of double faults (18 against Alexandra Dulgheru in Miami Quarter-final) which was Dementieva's big problem throughout her carrer and we know that Elena never won a slam... Even though, Maria got this extra-thing, she's got that will, she also got that mental strengh that lead her to win tournaments even when she's far from her standards (Cincinnati this week). For me, with few things back (and Sasha's fistpump from time to times) in her game, Maria Sharapova has got what it takes to dominate, again when she won, for example, Wimbledon in 2004, against...

Serena Williams crying after her 1st round win  at Wimbledon (London)

Serena Williams. Yes, the American player is still here, forever and always. After a tough year where suffered really serious health problems she decided to be back at Eastbourne and then at Wimbledon where she reached the 4th round. The US Hardcourt season was great as she won both Stanford and Toronto before reaching the US Open final. No doubt Serena Williams will remain the player to beat during Grand Slams and big events. No doubt that Serena Williams will not  let youngsters take her place that easily. As far as I am concerned, I think Serena is still a tough contender in grand slams and will definitely grab one or more Grand Slams titles this year. And this will begin in few weeks in Melbourne, where she won 5 times. 2012 could defnietly be one more year for Williams to dominate. The only question remains motivation. We all know that motivation is so up and down for Serena, but when you're back after such a long time, I assume your hungry and we all know that when she is, she can beat anyone on her way. The only sure thing is that nobody can say Serena Williams is not at the top, just ask the current world number one who she trashed at the US Open, in the semi-finals, this year.

Caroline Wozniacki hitting a backhand (Melbourne, Australia)

The current world number... Caroline Wozniacki, the young dane is the WTA Tour number one, no doubt but is she the best player of the year ? That's what's a lot of people are skeptic about. I am too actually but that's not the point. She plays great defensive tennis and moves very well arround the court which are great skills in today's tennis. She perhaps lacks power or intiatives and will to go forward but the biggest problem is her scheduling. In fact, what's the point of playing Brussels the week before Roland Garros when you're a bit injuried and you played Stuttgart, Madrid and Rome right before reaching final and semi-finals in Stuttgart and Rome ? What's the point of playing in Copenhaguen the week right before Wimbledon, knowing that the tournament is held indoors, on hard ? Well, it's home, sure, but whern you are world number one, you got aims and priorities. Caroline Wozniacki won't dominate in 2012, she's just not ready yet actually and with Kvitova's rise, Serena's back to business and Sharapova's form back, Caroline has a lot of to worry about... And I'm not even talking about her level dropping at the end of the year during which she lost to Roberta Vinci (Toronto), Christina McHale (Cincinnati), Kanepi (Tokyo) and Pennetta (Beijing). Nonetheless, if she comes back steady and as regular and fit as she was at the beginning of the year, she'll still be able to win some titles on the tour, but, in 2012, she is not making it in Grand Slams... unless Ricardo Sanchez, her brand new coach find a way to take her to a revolution in her game...

Li Na on the british grass (Wimbledon, London)

Talking about a revolution make us talk about Li Na as she offered China it first Grand Slam title in singles on her least favorite surface against defending champion Fransesca Schiavone. I think this has been way a too chocking victory for her and a way too difficult to handle mentally as she barely won a match after this unexpected success. At 30, Li Na will begin in 2012 the end of her career and I don't think she'll find this extra fire-power to do some damage as she realised a great season in 2011 except during the Olympic Games maybe. Li Na confessed so many times in her career that winning an olympic medal would be the greatest achivement of her life. She failed in 2008, at home, in Beijing, losing against Vera Zvonareva the match for the bronze medal. No doubt she'll make the London Olymics rendez-vous her biggest aim of the year and she still got what it takes in her racquet to clinch a medal there. Even though I can see her go down a little in the rankings, she will reamin a treath in Grand Slam, in the Australian Open for example where she reached the final in 2011, losing to belgian star ...

Kim Clijsters  holding the Daphne Akhurst Memorial Cup (Australia)

Kim Clijsters who began the year perfectly with this win added to two finals in both Sydney and Paris (Indoors). Then Kim's season has been full of injuries which made her play six more events missing both Wimbledon and the US Open and finishing the year outside of the Top 10. But no doubt that Jada's mum is going to give everything she got left for 2012 as it will be an Olympic year and that she always dreamt about winning a medal in singles. Also, Kim Clijsters said that 2012 would be her last full season played. We don't know yet if she is planning to retire (again) or just be a part-time player after 2012 but the thing is that she still got what it takes to be back to the top. She'll have to be back fast on track as she's got this title in Australia to defend. I actually think she won't win this trophy twice but will defnitely be a threat in other slams, especially in New York, where she feels right at home...

Sam Stosur's terrific forehand : her best weapon (Brisbane, Australia)

A home that Samantha Stosur took this year playing impressive tennis to do so ! The Aussie player will thus want to begin well 2012 during the Australian swing but we all know that mental issues make her lose a lot of matches she should've won, like in 2010, in the Roland Garros final. I don't know if she'll be able to hold her nerves and it will be her biggest challenge this year in Australia. She also needs to improve more on her backhand which can, in off days, really be a problem in her entire game. I don't think she'll win a grand slam this year but she'll remain one of those players who can pull out an upset from nowhere when you don't expect it .

All Sabine Lisciki's will on the British courts (Wimbledon, London)

The same goes for the youngsters we  discoverd this year that could pull some upsets and why not really make a breakthrough this year as Sabine Lisicki made it this year at the Wimbledon championships, coming back from an one year injury, she won the Birmingham tournament before reaching the semi-finals in London losing to Maria Sharapova 6/3 6/4. 2012 could be her year as a promising star. She's got a terrific forehand and a powerful backhand and moves well around the court. She can  pull big upsets as  beating Li Na at Wimbledon in the 2nd round. Her serve is her biggest weapon even though her second serve can be a bit weak. 2012 could also be a great year for the one who won at Stuttgart, the german Julia Goerges,

Julia Goerges celebrating victory home, in Stuttgart (Germany)

beating the world number one Caroline Wozniacki. Julia got what it takes to become a tennis star : terrific forehand that reminds Ana Ivanvic's one, a solid backhand and a flat effective serve. She also know how to vary her game and does everything well with her racquet. But she'll have to stay focused on her tennis and not getting disturbed by some fashion shooting and so on as Julia is clearly the likes of Maria Kirilenko or Anna Kournikova and Maria Sharapova, a tennis player with a hot body and a pretty face. Another young player to look for is young amercian Christina McHale that made big upsets this year beating Caroline Wozniacki and Marion Bartoli. Even though, for me, the most likely to breakthrough big this year is Anatasia Pavlyuchenkova.

Pavlyuchenkova, Russia's biggest hope (New York, US Open)

The 19 years old teenager has this termendous power and a good sense of game, is she keeps improving on fitness and serve which can be abysmal. China, after Li Na, can count an another hero : Shuai Peng. In fact she played some solid tennis this year but her doubtful fitness made her miss the second part of the season. The list is ont exhaustive as we could also talk of Heather Watson for example and few more.







I know I did not talk about Victoria Azarenka and Agnieszka Radwanska but it's just because that for me those two ladies will probably have a regular season as they did this year, clinching one or two Premier events but won't be that relevant in Grand Slams or at the Olympics. In fact I think they need to be more mature and to believe more in theirselves. I can't see none of these ladies going further than quarter-finals at any slam this year. But I'd discuss with anyone who can make me change my mind !

Marion Bartoli at Roland Garros (France)

 A last word maybe to say that I believe in three players to do well in 2012 but I couldn't put them in a specific category. Marion Bartoli who had a quite solid season, will be, for me, one of the girls to watch out this season. She's becoming fitter, wiser and quicker on the court which makes a her a great player, who, can , in a good day, beat anyone at its top. Marion is perhaps not ready yet to win a Grand Slam but no doubt she'll be a threat for all big players that she could face. This year, her route in Roland Garros was much more due to her mental strengh than to her tennis and that's terrific, she's got this fitghting spirit which could lead her to a high level tennis. Wait and See

Daniela Hantuchova and her smooth backhand (Strasbourg, France)

My other pick goes to Daniela Hantuchova. In fact, Daniela is able to play some great tennis as she did this year to beat Caroline Wozniacki in the 3rd round of Roland Garros. This year, she's been really up and down but I expect her to come back at a great level as she usually do after three or four years of averageness. So for me, she'll also be a player to watch out. I know it's a big bet and I got chances to be wrong but I like taking risks and I believe Daniela still has great shots in her racquet to be back and strongly back as she's got one of the purest ball striking on the tour and knows to do everything with the ball.

Jelena Dokic's teremendous forehand (Melbourne, Australia)

 I also wish that Jelena Dokic will be able to be back on track in a great way. I don't know what to think of her going back with her crazy father but if it suits her tennis then I guess I am ok with it. Besides, she reminds me a lot of Daniela's in term of ball striking but in a more physical and powerful way. Jelena played some great matches in order to win this year at Kuala Lampur and did really well against Schiavone in Wimbledon, in the 1st round even if she's lost. I guess in 2012, I'd bet a coin on her to play some great tennis and be back in the Top 20 if she stays injury free. I expect her to play great in Australia and to come back fitter and mentally strong again ! I believe in Jelena.

Aravane Rezai in high-fashion style (Wimbledon, London)

My last mention will go to a player that went through a very tough year, both mentally and tenistically and that I truly and deeply support, Aravane Rezai. In fact she began the year in the Top 10 and finishes it out of the Top 100. Disappointing? But it's nothing  compared to all the drama that surrounded her this year : troubles with her father that she suied, with her family that she had to split off with because of a tyranic father... Reminds me a bit of Dokic by the way. But whatever, if Aravane manages to be back mentally on track, no doubt her tennis will be back and if it does so, 2012 could also be her year. I've rarely seen a woman hitting so hard, so deep and so efortless shots from the baseline, she's really talented and got what it takes the perturb best players of the world as she did in 2011 beating Venus Williams and Justine Henin, threatining Serena Williams in Sydney. We also know that Aravane loves playing for France and reaching the Olympic Games' cut will be the main objective for her at the beginning of the season.

To conclude, 2011 brings a lot of questions and of suppositions. We all believe in things that will happen or won't and I'm glad to share it here with you. The best answer we could get will be in few days when the Tour will begin in Perth, Brisbane and Auckland ! See ya !