Grand Slam Professional Tennis Predictions and Picks by Nick Bollettieri. US Open, French Open, Wimbledon, Australian Open

Nick Bollettieri Tennis Academy student Jordan Cox

Nick Bollettieri Tennis Academy student and American Jordan Cox reached the finals of the Junior Wimbledon Championships today by defeating another NBTA student and American Devin Britton. The match was an epic battle between two boys who know each other very well (they are playing doubles together there!). Cox won 6-3, 6-7(5), 16-14 in  a match that lasted over two and a half hours. Both boys played outstanding tennis and it came to Cox breaking Britton at 15-14 in the third set.

Cox will now face Russian Andrey Kuznetsov in the finals after Kuznetsov defeated another NBTA student, Bernard Tomic, 6-3, 7-6(6). This will be the first meeting between the 17-year old Cox and the 18-year old Kuznetsov. Currently, Cox is ranked #80 in the world in the junior rankings and Kuznetsov is #35.

Congratulations to Jordan for reaching the finals and also congrats to Devin and Bernard for getting to the semis!

Bernard Tomic training at the Nick Bollettieri Tennis Academy

Three of the players left in the semis of the Boys’ Singles at Junior Wimbledon all make their home at the Nick Bollettieri Tennis Academy. Jordan Cox, Devin Britton, and Bernard Tomic all train at the NBTA and all three have a chance to win the title in London.

Britton, who just won the NCAA Men’s Singles championship, will face Cox, while Tomic will take on Andrey Kuznetsov of Russia in the other semi. There is a real possibility that the finals of Junior Wimbledon will pit two NBTA students against each other.

Cox, 17, is currently ranked #80 in the world in the juniors and is playing in his first Junior Grand Slam semi. Britton, 18, is currently the world’s 23rd ranked junior and just completed his first semester at Ole Miss. He reached the finals of last year’s Junior US Open and he just won the junior tournament at Roehampton on grass right before Wimbledon. Finally, Tomic is the third seed in the tournament made his mark on the tennis world earlier this year by winning a round at the Australian Open. He is only 16 years old and is already ranked #354 in the ATP rankings.

Good luck to all three of them in the semifinals!

Every day throughout Wimbledon Nick’s Picks will bring you the latest analysis and predictions. We are also teaming up with The Independent Newspaper in London to cover the event!

Roger Federer (SUI) vs. Tommy Haas (GER)

Federer did what no one else has been able to do in this tournament: break Ivo Karlovic’s serve. He did it two times and didn’t face a single break point on his own serve. Federer has now reached the semis of 21 consecutive Grand Slam tournaments, which is a remarkable streak in itself. I don’t think there is anyone playing better than Mr. Federer right now and it is going to take a Herculean effort to stop him!

I couldn’t be prouder of my boy Tommy Haas for reaching the semis. He is playing unbelievable tennis right now and I am thrilled for him. This is Haas’ first appearance in the semis at Wimbledon and it’s the fourth time he has reached the semis of any Grand Slam. A win here would put him in the finals of a Grand Slam for the very first time in his career!

Match-Up:

Federer is 9-2 against Haas and just beat him in the fourth round at the French Open. That was an extremely close match tough during which Haas won the first two sets and was one point away from going up a break in the third set when Federer found his game. He came storming back to win the last two sets 6-0, 6-2. That match will give Haas confidence knowing that he can play and win this match.

One aspect of Haas’ game that has plagued him over the years is controlling his emotions. He has done a remarkable job of that at this year’s Wimbledon, which has allowed him to win big points at crucial times. He is serving really, really well and this is especially true on the second serve. He may have a lot of double faults, but it is that strategy of constantly attacking that has allowed him to reach the semis. His slice is really biting, he is hitting the one-handed backhand beautifully, and the killer forehand is right on target. Haas has also moved his position a little closer to the baseline and is coming into the net whenever he can (including when you don’t think he will!). When you put all of that together, you have a very dangerous opponent.

On the other side of the net, you have the master. Federer is on cruise control right now and handled the serve of Karlovic better than anyone. Federer’s return of serve is one of, if not, the best on tour and it is very difficult to beat him with just a serve. Federer is making quick work of all his opponents so far, but without a doubt, Haas will be the most difficult. Tommy plays a game that can give Federer fits, especially when he is constantly coming in. I will definitely agree that Federer is the favorite to win this match and the tournament, but Haas will make this close. I have so much respect for both of these guys that I just can’t pick one to win this match!

Nick’s Pick – Too close to call!

Andy Roddick (USA) vs. Andy Murray (GBR)

It was good for Murray to get an easy win after such a difficult fourth round match. It showed he is composed, mentally strong, and can handle the pressure. He is now one win away from reaching his first career Wimbledon final and his second Grand Slam final overall. There is already a two-day wait in the queue to see Murray, and they better start lining up now if they want to get a chance to see him in the finals should he win.

Roddick survived by the slimmest of margins in the quarterfinals with a 6-3, 6-7(10), 7-6(1), 4-6, 6-4 victory over former Wimbledon champion Lleyton Hewitt. Roddick hasn’t been to the finals of a Grand Slam since the 2006 US Open and he hasn’t been to the semis of Wimbledon since 2005.

Match-Up:

Murray is 6-2 against Roddick and beat him earlier this year on the hard courts in Doha. Roddick served incredibly well against Hewitt, hitting a career high 43 aces and getting in 73% of his first serves. Against Murray he is going to need a similar effort because Murray is an excellent returner of serve. Roddick probably has a bigger forehand than does Murray, and his backhand has really improved. Murray is definitely the better defensive player and covers the court exceptionally well. Don’t forget about Murray’s serve as well. It has improved over the last year and he places it superbly.

With the crowd behind him, Murray is tough to beat. If Roddick doesn’t get a high percentage of first serves in and doesn’t win a lot of free points with it, he is going to be in big trouble. If the serve is working like it did against Hewitt then this match will be close. Overall, I feel Murray can do a little more with his shots and I have to give him the slight edge.

Nick’s Pick – Murray in 4 or 5 sets

Every day throughout Wimbledon Nick’s Picks will bring you the latest analysis and predictions. We are also teaming up with The Independent Newspaper in London to cover the event!

Dinara Safina (RUS) vs. Venus Williams (USA)

Safina fought very hard in her quarterfinal win over Nick Bollettieri Tennis Academy student Sabine Lisicki. This is Safina’s first appearance in the semifinals of Wimbledon and her fourth consecutive Grand Slam overall where she has reached at least the semis. This is a great chance for her to prove to everyone that she is the best player in the world, because a win over Venus on grass is extremely difficult.

Venus moved on rather easily in the quarterfinals, beating Aggie Radwanska 6-1, 6-2 to advance to the semis for third straight year. Like Federer, she is looking for her sixth Wimbledon title, which would put her in a class with very few others. She has yet to drop a set and has only lost a total of 19 games in five matches!

Match-Up:

Venus is 2-1 against Safina, but the Russian won their only match this year on clay at Rome. Something tells me that is not going to happen here. Safina doesn’t have the best track record in big matches, but this time she isn’t the favorite. They may help her loosen up a bit and relax. For a #1 player, she is to tense and always seems like a volcano that is ready to blow. That has to change if she is going to be a consistent winner on the grandest of stages. Venus just seems so comfortable right now and with her wingspan and fantastic groundstrokes it is going to be very hard for anyone to beat her. I just think stroke for stroke and pound for pound, Venus has the advantage.

Nick’s Pick – V. Williams in 3 sets

Serena Williams (USA) vs. Elena Dementieva (RUS)

Like big sister Venus, Serena hasn’t dropped a set either. She didn’t have much trouble with talented youngster, Victoria Azarenka, dropping the Belarusian 6-2, 6-3. Serena is looking to get back to the finals for the second straight year and is looking for her first Wimbledon title since winning it back-to-back in 2002-2003. Serena has won two out of the last three Grand Slams and I wouldn’t be surprised to see her get another trophy!

Dementieva reached the semis here last year and has now advanced to the semis of four out of the last five Grand Slams. She hasn’t been to the finals of a Grand Slam since 2004 when she went to both the French Open and US Open finals. Like Venus and Serena, she hasn’t dropped a set either and hasn’t really been challenged at all.

Match-Up:

Serena is 5-3 against Dementieva and in their two matches this year they split. These girls have a long history and know each other well. There will be no surprises in this match and I expect it to be very competitive. Dementieva will use her superb groundies and excellent footwork to combat the great power of Serena. Although Dementieva’s serve is improved, it still isn’t a weapon against a player like Serena. Look for the American to jump on any weak serve and go for winners. Serena has been absolutely dominant in her run to the semis and has really cut down on her errors. She is doing just about everything as well as anyone can and I think she will continue that en route to the finals!

Nick’s Pick – S. Williams in 3 sets

Every day throughout Wimbledon Nick’s Picks will bring you the latest analysis and predictions. We are also teaming up with The Independent Newspaper in London to cover the event!

Roger Federer (SUI) vs. Ivo Karlovic (CRO)

Federer extended his winning streak over Robin Soderling to 11, when he beat the Swede to reach the quarterfinals. He has now reached at least the quarterfinals in 21 consecutive Grand Slams and has been to the finals of 17 of the last 20 Grand Slams. He is looking for his sixth Wimbledon title and his record breaking 15^th Grand Slam singles title.

Karlovic is into the quarterfinals of a Grand Slam for the first time in his career. His previous best result was the fourth round of Wimbledon in 2004.  He has knocked off two top-ten players in back-to-back rounds in Jo-Wilfried Tsonga and Fernando Verdasco and hasn’t faced a break point on his serve throughout the tournament.

Match-Up:

Federer is 8-1 against Karlovic and has beaten him twice already this year. Karlovic did beat him on the hard courts in Cincinnati last year though in three sets. Karlovic came to the Academy for the month of December last year and we worked hard on his backhand and I tried to get him to hit over the ball more and slice it less (on surfaces other than grass). Karlovic’s serve has been the biggest weapon of the tournament so far and he is going to need to continue serving like that to have a chance in this match, because Federer’s serve is no slouch.

I look for Karlovic to serve to the backhand of Federer constantly and try to break it down. Federer never really has had trouble with the return of serve and if he returns well Karlovic will be in big trouble. Once the ball is in play, Federer will go after Karlovic’s backhand and will come in and try to attack it when possible. Federer is confident and hasn’t really been challenged yet, but Karlovic is definitely capable of pushing Federer. The longer this match goes the more confidence Karlovic is going to get and the more Federer is going to have to battle. I like Federer in this match, but don’t be surprised to see Dr. Ivo take it to him.

Nick’s Pick – Federer in 4 sets

Andy Roddick (USA) vs. Lleyton Hewitt (AUS)

Roddick continued his excellent play with a straight set win over Tomas Berdych in the fourth round. This is his fifth trip to the quarterfinals of Wimbledon and he is looking to reach the finals for the third time (and first since 2005). Don’t count Roddick out, especially with how well he is playing.

Hewitt is enjoying his best performance at a Grand Slam since the 2006 US Open. He has already taken out one top-ten player in Juan Martin Del Potro and he certainly has the goods to take down another. He is a former Wimbledon champion and the crowd really gets behind him throughout his matches.

Match-Up:

Hewitt is 6-5 against Roddick, but Andy has won the last four times they have played. They actually just met right before Wimbledon at Queen’s Club on grass and Roddick won in two tiebreak sets. This match is going to be a slugfest between two extremely competitive people. I’ve really been shocked at how well Hewitt is moving with the injuries he has sustained. It has been a big plus for him. Hewitt is also playing more aggressive, his serve looks to be improved and you know what kind of fighter he is. Roddick is going to need to continue serving extremely well because Hewitt has an excellent return of serve (you saw what he did to Del Potro). Roddick should serve into the body of Hewitt and try and jam him rather than going out wide all the time. This is an effective serve when hit correctly. Roddick is going to have to be patient in this match and not let Hewitt frustrate him. The longer this match goes the more it favors Hewitt because of how he fights. I look for Roddick to have the advantage in three or four sets, but if it goes give, watch out!

Nick’s Pick – Roddick in 4 sets

Tommy Haas (GER) vs. Novak Djokovic (SRB)

Before the tournament I told everyone that Mr. Haas was someone to watch out for. He came into Wimbledon full of confidence and ready to roll, and that is exactly how he has played. He fought through a very difficult third round match against Marin Cilic and then made short work of Igor Andreev in the fourth round. This is his first appearance in the quarterfinals of Wimbledon and he is looking to reach the semis of a Grand Slam for the fourth time in his career.

After dropping the very first set he played at this year’s tournament, Djokovic hasn’t lost one since. He beat unseeded Dudi Sela 6-2, 6-4, 6-1 in the fourth round and is looking to get back to the semis once again. Last time he reached the semifinals of Wimbledon (2007) he was forced to retire with back and foot problems. Let’s hope that doesn’t happen again.

Match-Up:

Djokovic is 2-1 against Haas, but the German just beat him in the finals of Halle on grass right before Wimbledon. Tommy has been with me for close to 20 years and he is like a son to me. He has had many ups and downs in his career, but right now he is playing some of the best tennis of his life. He is coming into the net more than ever and is really serving well. Against Andreev he came in 46 times and won 83% of those points and against Cilic he came in a remarkable 74 times. This is really putting pressure on his opponents and I like this aggressive style from Haas. He also has an excellent biting slice, which can change the pace and keep his opponent off-balance.

On the other side of the net, Djokovic can do a little bit of everything. He can hit it big, he can volley and he can change the pace. He has an excellent serve and also understands how to build and control points. In my opinion, Djokovic needs to find the fire that helped him win the Aussie Open last year. He seems a little too reserved and I think that is hurting him. He needs to let loose and play his game his way.

This match is going to be close. Of course I would love to see Haas win as he is one of my favorite students. On paper you would think that Djokovic has the edge, but with the way Haas is playing and with his confidence I am going to give him the advantage by the slightest of margins.

Nick’s Pick – Haas in 4 or 5 sets

Andy Murray (GBR) vs. Juan Carlos Ferrero (ESP)

It was fitting that Andy Murray played the first ever complete match under the new roof at Wimbledon. His five set victory over Stan Wawrinka was extremely difficult and he will have to see how much it takes out of him. It was interesting to see how the ball was slower and the rallies were longer under the lights of the dome and having had this experience should help Murray.

Ferrero is another veteran, like Hewitt, who is enjoying a bit of a renaissance in this tournament. He hasn’t been to the quarters of a Grand Slam in two years and he hasn’t been past this point since the 2004 Australian Open! He’s a former world #1 and a former Grand Slam champion so I don’t think nerves will be a problem here. What he will have to overcome is the British fans!

Match-Up:

Murray is 1-0 against Ferrero and that win came just a couple of weeks ago on grass in the semis of Queen’s Club. Ferrero has had a great career and no one can take that away from him. He moves exceptionally well and hits big from both wings. He is going to have to really go for it in this match with the way Murray is playing. The crowd will also play into this match as they will be rooting for their man, Murray, big time.

Murray’s match against Wawrinka was fantastic and it really demonstrated how far Murray has come physically. He has improved dramatically in this aspect of his game and this has in turn helped his serve and groundstrokes as well. He has also done a much better job of controlling his emotions and letting his game speak for him. I guarantee Murray’s team will not let him overlook this match and I can see Ferrero possibly winning on set, but the edge definitely goes to Murray.

Nick’s Pick – Murray in 3 sets

Every day throughout Wimbledon Nick’s Picks will bring you the latest analysis and predictions. We are also teaming up with The Independent Newspaper in London to cover the event!

Dinara Safina (RUS) vs. Sabine Lisicki (GER)

Safina needed everything she had to beat the former Wimbledon champ, Amelie Mauresmo, in the fourth round. She is now into the quarterfinals of Wimbledon for the first time in her career, and she has advanced to at least the quarters of the last four Grand Slams.

Everyone at the Academy couldn’t be happier for Sabine. She is a great girl with a fantastic attitude and has really worked hard to get to where she is today. She has been training at the Academy for the last four or five years and during that time she has become a top professional. This is her first appearance in the quarterfinals of any Grand Slam, but trust me, she has the talent to keep moving on!

Match-Up:

Lisicki is 1-0 against Safina, with that win coming in the opening round of the 2008 Australian Open. At that time, Safina was #16 in the world and Lisick was #194. Plenty has changed since then, and both have really improved their games. You are going to see a lot of hard-hitting action in this match. Both girls have big-time forehands and backhands and really play aggressively. I think for Lisicki to win she is going to have to hit get her monster first serve in and then put the ball away quickly. The longer the rallies and the match goes, the more it favors Safina. The Russian has been on this stage before and that experience should help her. This match could go either way depending on who is getting their first serve in and who is able to control the points. I like Lisicki early and then Safina if it goes long.

Nick’s Pick – Lisicki in 2, Safina in 3 sets

Venus Williams (USA) vs. Agnieszka Radwanska (POL)

Venus advanced to the quarterfinals for the third straight year and for the 10^th time in her illustrious career when Ana Ivanovic retired in the second set. There is no question that Venus is the favorite to win this tournament, but the one thing that must hold up is her knee which seems to be giving her a little trouble.

Radwanska ended the dream run of American Melanie Oudin 6-4, 7-5 to reach the quarters for the second consecutive year. Radwanska has never been to the semifinals of any Grand Slam and beating Venus here would clearly be one of the biggest victories of her career.

Match-Up:

Venus is 3-1 against Radwanska and has beaten her twice already this year (once on clay and once on the hard court). What makes Radwanska so good is her ability to cover the court and make very few unforced errors. She keeps the ball in play and is like a brick wall on the baseline. Her biggest vulnerability is her second serve. It clocks in around 65mph and can and will be attacked by Venus. Look for Ms. Williams to pounce on the weak serve and keep Radwanska on the defensive throughout the match. Venus is always comfy on the grass, she is confident she can win, and right now she isn’t making many forehand errors. That is a recipe for great success!

Nick’s Pick – V. Williams in 2 sets

Elena Dementieva (RUS) vs. Francesca Schiavone (ITA)

Dementieva has yet to drop a set in any of her matches this year and she has gone relatively quietly through the draw. She beat fellow Russian Elena Vesnina 6-1, 6-3 to reach the quarterfinals and is looking to get back into the semis for the second straight year.

Schiavone is in the quarterfinals of a Grand Slam for only the third time in her career. In fact, at Wimbledon she had never even been past the third round previous to this year. She has played well though, taking out Aleksandra Wozniak, Michelle de Brito, Marion Bartoli and Virginie Razzano en route to this match.

Match-Up:

Dementieva and Schiavone are 4-4 against each other, but they haven’t grass and haven’t played since last year. Schiavone is tricky because she isn’t a big girl, but she certainly has the ability to take it to her opponent. She is crafty with the ball and knows how to keep you off-guard. Against Dementieva that might not be enough though, especially with the improved Dementieva serve. I look for the Russian to pound the groundies from both sides and use her excellent movement to keep Schiavone pinned behind the baseline.

Nick’s Pick – Dementieva in 3 sets

Victoria Azarenka (BLR) vs. Serena Williams (USA)

Azarenka toughed out a three-set battle over Nadia Petrova in the fourth round to reach the quarterfinals for the first time at Wimbledon. This is her second consecutive Grand Slam quarter, and she is looking for her first Grand Slam semi. Right now she is the odds-makers third choice after each of the Williams’ sisters. She could become the second option with a win here.

Serena has stated numerous times that she thinks she should have won more than two Wimbledon titles at this point in her career. She looks more determined than ever and is playing some of the best tennis I have ever seen from her. She hasn’t lost a set in this year’s tournament, but Azarenka might have something to say about that.

Match-Up:

Serena is 2-1 against Azarenka and they have split two matches thus far in 2009. I know one thing is for sure, Serena will not forget the loss she incurred to Azarenka in the finals at Miami earlier this year. I know I wouldn’t want to be on the other side of the net when Serena comes out on court! Serena is playing more intelligent tennis right now than she has been in the past. She isn’t trying to win the point right away, rather she is building points while constantly attacking. This philosophy will pay handsome dividends as she continues to progress through the tournament. Azarenka knows she can beat Serena and with that knowledge and experience she should be confident heading into this match. I can’t say I would be surprised if Azarenka won, but I have to give the edge to Serena.

Nick’s Pick – S. Williams in 3 sets

Nick Bollettieri Tennis Academy student Ryan Harrison

Nick Bollettieri Tennis Academy student, American Ryan Harrison, won his first career men’s pro title over the weekend! Harrison, 17, won the $15,000 ITF Men’s Futures in Chico, California. He entered the tournmanet unseeded and ranked #993 in the world and won all five of his matches without dropping a set. It was also a great tournament for fellow NBTA student, Filip Krajinovic, who is also 17 years old. Krajinovic reached the finals before falling to Harrison 6-3, 6-4. For more information on the tournament and the finals check out this great article.

Congrats to both boys on a great tournament and good luck in the next one!

Every day throughout Wimbledon Nick’s Picks will bring you the latest analysis and predictions. We are also teaming up with The Independent Newspaper in London to cover the event!

Dinara Safina (RUS) vs. Amelie Mauresmo (FRA)

Safina has reached the fourth round of Wimbledon for the first time in her career and she has done so without dropping a set. Despite being the #1 player in the world, Safina is still looking for her first Grand Slam victory and she would love to get it on the hallowed grounds of Wimbledon.

Mauresmo, a former Wimbledon champion, beat 15^th-seeded Flavia Pennetta 7-5, 6-3 to reach the fourth round. This is the first time she has been to the fourth round of a Grand Slam since the 2008 US Open, and she hasn’t been past this point in any Grand Slam since the 2006 US Open when she advanced to the semifinals!

Match-Up:

Mauresmo is 4-2 against Safina, but the Russian did win their last match at Moscow in 2008. There has been absolutely no talk about Mauresmo and that is what makes this match interesting, because we all know she can win it if her nerves hold up. She definitely plays with more versatility than Safina, but what will hurt her is Safina’s strength. Safina has to control her emotions and not let Mauresmo get into her head. If she does that and plays too her strengths I have to give the Russian the edge.

Nick’s Pick – Safina in 3 sets

Venus Williams (USA) vs. Ana Ivanovic (SRB)

What can I say? When Venus gets on grass she is a different player. Like Federer, she is looking for her sixth title here and she is also the two-time defending champion. Beating Venus on grass is similar to taking down Nadal on clay – it is extremely difficult to do!

Since winning the 2008 French Open, Ivanovic hasn’t looked like the same player. She hasn’t been past the fourth round in any Grand Slam since last year’s Roland Garros and has seen her ranking fall from #1 to #12. Winning this match would be the biggest thing for her since that title.

Match-Up:

Venus is 5-1 against Ivanovic and beat her in the semis of Wimbledon in straight sets back in 2007. I definitely believe that Ivanovic is playing a bit better than she has been for much of the last year. She seems more confident and more determined. However, Venus will keep her on the defensive throughout the match and will move her around the court. Ivanovic will have to gamble and take chances, because that is the only way to beat Venus on grass. The one thing Venus has to watch out for is errors from the forehand side. If she keeps those down and serves well, she will win.

Nick’s Pick – V. Williams in 3 sets

Elena Dementieva (RUS) vs. Elena Vesnina (RUS)

Dementieva is a player that is flying under the radar a bit, and she is more than capable of winning this tournament. She hasn’t lost a set in her three matches and has been to the semifinals here before. In her last four Grand Slams she has been to the semis three times.

Vesnina picked up a good win over French Open semifinalist Dominika Cibulkova in the third round and is into the fourth round of a Grand Slam for only the second time in her career. She has never been to the quarterfinals of a Grand Slam in singles, but in doubles she did reach the finals of the 2009 French Open.

Match-Up:

Dementieva is 2-0 against her fellow Russian and she beat her earlier this year at Auckland in straight sets. In the battle of Russian Elena’s, it is Dementieva who has had much more experience on the bigger stage. She is very steady, has fantastic groundstrokes, moves exceptionally well, and the serve is improved. When you add up all that with her experience, she definitely has the edge in this match.

Nick’s Pick – Dementieva in 2 sets

Victoria Azarenka (BLR) vs. Nadia Petrova (RUS)

Petrova knocked out Gisela Dulko in the third round and is looking to reach the quarterfinals at Wimbledon for the third time in her career. She has dealt with injuries for some of her career, which has held her back, but when she is healthy and playing well she is very tough to beat.

Azarenka has had her best year on the tour to date and comes in ranked #8 in the world. She’s already won three titles, including a big-time win over Serena Williams in the finals at Miami. She is still looking for her first Grand Slam title, but if she continues to play like she has been she is definitely a contender in every tournament she enters.

Match-Up:

Petrova is 2-1 against Azarenka and did beat her last year at Wimbledon in two tiebreak sets. This is going to be a battle. Both of these women are strong, fight like dogs, and refuse to lose. Both are big girls with powerful groundies and good serves. This match could really go either way; it really depends on the unforced errors of Azarenka. She has a tendency now and then to lose her focus and make too many errors. If she does this, then Petrova will pounce. On the other hand, I feel Azarenka also has the ability to keep Petrova backed up and on the defensive if she is playing well. I give a slight edge to Azarenka, but I wouldn’t be surprised if Petrova came out as the victor.

Nick’s Pick – Azarenka in 3 sets