Lisicki ended a very nice run by Irina Falconi, but I came away impressed by the young American. She is a fierce competitor and even though Lisicki was handling her pretty easily she never once put her head down or showed any negative emotions. A great performance by both girls, and in the end I was happy to see Sabine advance!

Once the ball is in play, you are never going to see Zvonareva smile on the court, as she is one of the toughest competitors out there.  She competes for every single point like they are match points and that is what separates her from many of the women on the tour.

Match-Up:

Zvonareva is 3-0 against Lisicki and has beaten her twice this year and she also beat her at the US Open last year. Her win over her at the 2011 French Open was very dramatic and Lisicki certainly had some chances to take that match. Both of these girls spend time training at the IMG Bollettieri Tenis Academy and I know both very well. Coming into the match you would think Zvonareva is the favorite as she has the higher ranking and she has won all of their previous meetings. No so fast! Lisicki is playing some of the best tennis out of anyone right now, and it is going to take a mighty effort to stop her.

Lisicki’s groundstrokes and serve are as big as anyone on the tour, but what Zvonareva does best is move and track down balls. She is going to force Lisicki to hit an extra shot or two and be a little more patient. Can Lisicki stand up to this challenge and handle the pressure of the New York crowds and the bright lights? We will have to wait and see. If she gets on a roll early and she is able to move inside the court, take the ball on the rise and force Zvonareva to hit defensive returns I like her chances. This match is really too close to call and because I know each player so well, I think I will just take the 5^th on this one!

Nick’s Pick – Could go either way, but I think this one is going three sets!

Shuai Peng (CHN) vs. Flavia Pennetta (ITA)

Pennetta won a very emotional match over third-seeded Maria Sharapova in the third round. It certainly wasn’t one of Sharapova’s greatest performances, but give credit to Pennetta because she put pressure on Sharapova from the first ball and she never relented.

Don’t sleep on Peng. She comes in seeded 13^th and she has yet to drop a set in her three matches. She has beaten a couple of tough opponents in Pironkova and Goerges to reach the third round and a win here would put her into the quarters of a Grand Slam for the first time in her career (on the singles side).

Match-Up:

Pennetta is 4-0 against Peng and has beaten her twice at the US Open (2007 and 2008). This is going to be a completely different match than the one she had against Sharapova. Peng isn’t going to make the unforced errors that Sharapova did (60 and was broken 7 times) and she isn’t going to double fault 12 times. Peng is extremely consistent from the baseline, has a solid serve and moves very well. Pennetta is going to have to be a bit more patient than she was against Sharapova and pick her points to attack. Can she come back and win another tough match on the heels of that very emotional win? I am not sure, but I do have to give her the edge because when push comes to shove she does have a tad more firepower than Peng.

Nick’s Pick – Pennetta is 3 tough sets

P.S. GOOOOOO ITALIANS!!!!

Caroline Wozniacki (DEN) vs. Svetlana Kuznetsova (RUS) 

Wozniacki advanced in straight sets over American Vania King in the third round and was helped by King’s 39 unforced errors. Wozniacki seems to playing a bit more aggressive and that is something I have wanted to see from her for quite some time.

Kuznetsova needed only 74 minutes to dispense of Akgul Amanmuradova in the third round and she is into the fourth round of the sixth time in her career. She won this tournament back in 2004 and she was the runner-up in 2007, so Wozniacki better be ready to play!

Match-Up:

Wozniacki is 4-2 against Kuznetsova and beat her earlier this year in the finals of Dubai in straight sets. They did meet in the fourth round of the US Open back in 2009 and Wozniacki won that in a third-set tiebreaker. Kuznetsova hits the ball beautifully from both wings, she moves well laterally, and her serve is solid. This is definitely going to be a test for Wozniacki. Can she hang in there with the powerful groundstrokes of Kuznetsova? I think so! With the way Wozniacki moves, she should be able to control the points and move Kuznetsova from side-to-side. Kuznetsova’s serve isn’t overwhelming either, which should help Wozniacki. There are going to be some long rallies in this match, and I can see this going the distance, but in the end I feel Wozniacki has a little more firepower that Kuznetsova.

Nick’s Pick – Wozniacki in 3 sets

Serena Williams (USA) vs. Ana Ivanovic (RUS)

Serena played great tennis in her win over Victoria Azarenka in the third round. That match had more of a semifinal of final feel too it than a third-rounder, but because of Serena’s seeding she is going to have to beat some very good women if she wants to win this tournament.

Ivanovic ended the dream run of Sloane Stephens, beating the American in straight sets. It has been a full year since Ivanovic has been this far in a Grand Slam and she hasn’t been past this point of a Grand Slam (4^th round) since she won the 2008 French Open which is remarkable when you stop and think about it!

Match-Up:

Serena is 2-0 against Ivanovic, but the two haven’t met since 2009. This is a big opportunity for Ivanovic to show the world that she is back, but to win, she is going to need to play the match of her life! If she tries to go blow-for-blow with Serena she is going down. Serena is more physical than her, her groundstrokes are more powerful and her serve is top-notch. This match is on Serena’s racket. The only way she falls is if she has a mental breakdown and starts over-hitting and has too many unforced errors. Ivanovic needs to stand in there and perhaps gamble a bit to try and keep Serena off-balance. She needs to get out of her comfort zone and make Serena guess to have a chance. I can’t see that happening, and I have to give the advantage to Serena.

Nick’s Pick – S. Williams in 2 sets

Sharapova is 6-0 against Chakvetadze in her career, and doesn’t usually like losing to fellow Russians. You know there will be plenty of talk about what Sharapova is wearing, but what really is important is what is in the inside. She is an unbelievable competitor and now that she is playing great tennis again, everyone has to be on alert. She’s won this tournament before, and playing on the grass really suits her game. She is definitely on the short list of potential winners.

On the other side, Chakvetadze’s career has really taken a down turn and she comes in ranked #50 in the world. Back in 2007 she was #5 in the world, but she has never been able to recapture that magic. Her best result here came back in 2008 when she reached the fourth round and to replicate that in 2011, it would be a huge surprise. I look for Sharapova to advance in straight sets even if her serves falters a bit (her return of serve is superb!).

Nick’s Pick – Sharapova in 2 sets

Ana Ivanovic (SRB) vs. Melanie Oudin (USA)

It’s hard to understand what has happened to Ivanovic over the last couple of years. She has all the tools to be one of the top women, but she has never been able to consistently play at a high level. I still believe that she can beat the best, but she has got to get herself refocused on the prize. She is 1-0 against Oudin, but that match was two years ago on a hard court.

Oudin, like Ivanovic, had a great run (see 2009 US Open) and has really never been able to duplicate that success. She plays with a great tenacity and the American fans will definitely be rooting her on, but right now I am not sure what her confidence level is and I feel Ivanovic has a bit more firepower than Oudin does. I think this match may go three and I have to give the edge to Ivanovic.

Nick’s Pick – Ivanovic in 3 sets

Venus Williams (USA) vs. Akgul Amanmuradova (UZB)

You didn’t think Venus would miss Wimbledon did you? She’s won this tournament five times and she absolutely loves playing on the grass. She is able to push her opponents back behind the baseline and when she approaches the net, it is almost impossible to pass her. She’s never played the young Amanmuradova, but I don’t feel that puts her at a disadvantage because she can beat anyone at SW19.

For Amanmuradova to win this match she is going to have to take some chances and pray that Venus’ forehand is spraying all over the place, because if Venus is on top of her game this could be over quickly. I love seeing Venus out there again and I look for her to have a very good tournament.

Nick’s Pick – V. Williams in 2 sets

Francesca Schiavone (ITA) vs. Jelena Dokic (AUS)

Dokic is 3-0 against Schiavone and has already beaten her once this year, so that should definitely give her some confidence heading into this match. Dokic has spent some time at the IMG Bollettieri Tennis Academy in the past and she is intense. She is very aggressive on the court and her focus is remarkable. When she practices, I bring all the kids around, because it is very special. She takes it seriously every time she steps on the court whether it is for practice or a match and that’s a good lesson to learn.

Schiavone is coming off another great run at the French Open where she reached the finals before falling to Li Na. Last year she was knocked out in the opening round, so you know she is going to want to prove that she can play here. The grass doesn’t suit her game as well as the clay does, especially early on, but if she can make it through the first couple of rounds she should be good. This is going to be one heck of a match between two women who play very different games, but I have to give the edge to Schiavone especially after what she did at the French.

Nick’s Pick – Schiavone in 3 sets

Match-up:

This is the first career meeting between these two young stars. Petkovic has had a good season, reaching the quarters of the Aussie Open and she was also a finalist at Brisbane. She is a tall girl who can really crush the ball, she moves well and she has a great personality. She is one of the upcoming stars and she will not be afraid of Wozniacki. She played great in her last match, taking down Iveta Benesova 6-0, 6-3. She has the game to push Wozniacki, but does she have the consistency? Wozniacki drives her opponents crazy because she gets to the extra ball and she also can hit winners from anywhere on the court. Her serve is attackable, but she doesn’t let that affect her at all. I look for a tough two set win for Wozniacki.

Nick’s Pick – Wozniacki in 2 sets

Sam Stosur (AUS) vs. Maria Sharapova (RUS)

Match-up:

Sharapova is 6-0 against Stosur, but they haven’t met since 2009. When you look at these two ladies, they are both fierce competitors. Stosur is the better mover and her serve is bigger, but Sharapova probably gets more on her groundstrokes and has the ability to turn it on and really take it to her opponent. I know the ranking is in favor of Stosur, but I like the way Sharapova is playing and I think she can pull off the upset. If she is able to handle Stosur’s serve and she doesn’t have any serving issues of her own, I think she will win. I am really excited to watch this match, and I think this is definitely a must-see match.

Nick’s Pick – Sharapova in 3 sets

Vera Zvonareva (RUS) vs. Marion Bartoli (FRA)

Match-up:

Zvonareva is 8-2 against Bartoli, but they haven’t met since 2009. Bartoli is playing great tennis right now, having just reached the finals at Indian Wells and she dispensed of Ekaterina Makarova 6-0, 6-2 in her last match. She takes it to her opponents from the outset and she doesn’t relent at all. Her unorthodox style of using two hands on both sides makes her tricky to play as well. Zvonareva is looking extremely fit and she is also playing really well also. She beat Safina and then took down the 28th seed, Jarmilla Groth in the third round. She is certainly capable of winning this tournament and the only thing standing in her way is herself. I see this match going three sets and I have to give a slight edge to Bartoli based on the way she is playing as of late, but I wouldn’t be surprised to see Zvonareva win this as well.

Nick’s Pick – Bartoli in 3 sets

Kim Clijsters (BEL) vs. Ana Ivanovic (SRB)

Match-up:

Clijsters is 3-0 against Ivanovic and beat her twice in 2010 (including a win at the US Open). Clijsters was tested in her third round match against Maria Jose Martinez Sanchez, but she was able to up her play in the third set. She slipped back behind the baseline a bit and that is what hurt her. Ivanovic is certainly playing better tennis than she was a year ago, she is serving well and her groundstrokes are excellent. I just don’t think she has the firepower to push Clijsters around right now. If Clijsters doesn’t get pushed behind the baseline she is very difficult to beat and as long as that shoulder is healthy, it is going to be hard to pick against her. This should be a very entertaining match though!

Nick’s Pick – Clijsters in 2 sets

Match-up:

This is the fifth career meeting between Jankovic and Zakopalova, and they have split the previous four. Jankovic has won the last two matches, including a victory over her earlier this year at Doha. Jankovic has looked very confident as of late and she is playing more aggressive and is really using that two-handed backhand down-the-line shot as a weapon. When she plays this way, she is very difficult to beat because she moves so well. Zak0palova is no push-over though, she hits the ball hard from both sides and is a veteran to the tour with experience and good wins over top players. She doesn’t have the big weapon though and that will be the difference in this match. I look for Jankovic to advance in straight sets.

Nick’s Pick – Jankovic in 2 sets

Caroline Wozniacki (DEN) vs. Daniela Hantuchova (SVK)

Match-up:

This is going to be an exciting match! Wozniacki is 2-0 against Hantuchova, but they haven’t met since 2009. Hantuchova is solid from both wings, has great hands, is an excellent mover and her serve is reliable. What she lacks against someone like Wozniacki is the firepower to push her back and keep her off-balance. Wozniacki has already won two titles in 2011, including a big title last week at Indian Wells. She is definitely the top player in the world, and this is because of her consistency. Her movement is off the charts, her groundstrokes are amazing and her work ethic is top notch. Her second serve is attackable, but it isn’t a major weakness. She is still looking for her Grand Slam title, and while this wouldn’t classify, it would definitely be a step in the right direction. I look for a great match, but in the end, Wozniacki just has too much.

Nick’s Pick – Wozniacki in 2 sets

Victoria Azarenka (BLR) vs. Dominika Cibulkova (SVK)

Match-up:

Azarenka is 5-1 against Cibulkova and beat her the only time they played in 2010. Cibulkova reached the fourth round of Indian Wells, beating Vera Zvonareva, before falling to Yanina Wickmayer. For a small girl, she packs a huge punch and she moves around the court like a lightning bolt. She has a solid serve and she has the experience needed to make a deep run in this tournament.

Azarenka was a quarterfinalist last week at Indian Wells where she took down both Radwanska sisters before falling to eventual champion, Caroline Wozniacki. She won this tournament back in 2009 so she enjoys playing down in Miami. She has all the physical tools to win a Grand Slam, but she hasn’t been able to come up with the shots needed on the big stage. She has played well against Cibulkova in the past, and she has more firepower than her counterpart. I look for Azarenka to win, but this could go the distance.

Nick’s Pick – Azarenka in 3 sets

Virginie Razzano (FRA) vs. Ana Ivanovic (SRB)

Match-up:

Ivanovic is 2-1 against Razzano, including a win over her at last year’s US Open. Everyone is excited to have Ivanovic playing well again as she is great for the WTA. We all know she has the game to beat anyone, she just hasn’t been able to put together any consistency over the last two seasons. If she plays to her ability level, she can win any tournament. Razzano is a tricky veteran who Ivanovic cannot overlook. I don’t think she will, and I feel she will win this match in straight sets.

Nick’s Pick – Ivanovic in 2 sets

THE CONTENDERS

Caroline Wozniacki

Wozniacki is determined to add a major title to her career, but she has yet to breakthrough at the Aussie Open, having never advanced past the fourth round. So far, she hasn’t gotten off to a great start in 2011 and having just switched rackets I am a little wary about her chances down under. She plays a very aggressive style, has great groundstrokes and her movement is off the wall. She gets in trouble when she starts pushing her 2^nd serve in, so watch out for that. This is going to be an interesting tournament for Wozniacki.

Vera Zvonareva

Vera Zvonareva is so close to being #1 she can smell. Can she win her first Grand Slam title down under?

Vera spent a month at the Academy with her coach and trainer working extremely hard and putting in long hours. This is what makes her so darn special.  She always wants to do it better and better and will do whatever it takes to win. When she plays, she stands very close to the baseline, hits aggressively and quite flat, and will come in to the net when possible. She is a darn good doubles player because of her ability to volley. At times she might change the pace and add in a few drop shots and slices. There is nothing more that will satisfy her other than winning a Grand Slam, and I feel right now her chance of winning is as good as anybody’s.

Kim Clijsters

Clijsters may be the odds-on favorite to win this tournament especially after repeating at the US Open last year. She has never won the Australian Open, but she has been a semifinalist four times and a finalist once. She has been one of the most consistent players over the last year and with her game, she can beat anyone in the world. I look for her to make a deep run and possibly capture her first Aussie Open crown!

Venus Williams

I have always been very close to the Williams’ family and every time I think back to our time together and when I traveled with the girls I always smile.  Venus plays with grace, beautiful long strokes, outstanding movement and she is very aggressive.  At times her forehand may break down as well as her serve but she has so many weapons she can often play through these breakdowns. I do not know how healthy Venus is, but if she is healthy, watch out because she can win this tournament!

Sam Stosur

Stosur is one heck of an athlete who gives it all and she has a great kicker serve to both the deuce and ad side.  It’s not easy to play before your home crowd, but I am sure it will help her more than hurt. I don’t know if she can win this with just a kicker serve, she must play very aggressive and force play, including coming to the net more and more. She’s never been past the fourth round here, but I wouldn’t be surprised to see her best that mark.

Jelena Jankovic

Jankovic is another former student of the Academy and a friend of mine. I can still remember her changing her forehand grip a few days before she played in the Australian Open Jr. Championship when she was 16 years old. Guess What? She won the tournament. At one time, she was the #1 ranked player in the world.  She is fit as a fiddle, plays very aggressively, and has one of the best two-handed backhands in the world.    She has improved her second serve and was on a roll last year when IMG Bollettieri Tennis Director, Chip Brooks, was traveling with her for several months (including at Indian Wells, which she won).

The clock is ticking on Jelena. She is no longer a young girl.  It is very important she clears her mind and stays believing in herself again.     She must focus on the court and not look to her player’s box for help.  She has to stop complaining and play the game that she is capable of which is:

1.)    Standing close to the baseline

2.)    Controlling Play

3.)    Hitting her second serve in

4.)    Focus-Focus-Focus

Justine Henin

When physically fit, Justine defies the odds by standing only 5’5” and beating many players that are bigger and stronger than her. She won this title back in 2004 and was a finalist here last year. She is a shot-maker with a beautiful one-handed backhand, a killer forehand with very little spin, excellent serve,  movement beyond imagination,  and she won’t hesitate to come in. The question is her health. If she is not in tip top shape her determination and will to win will not be enough to take home this title.

Victoria Azarenka

Azarenka is a big, strong girl with excellent techniques, a very consistent two-handed backhand, and a consistent first serve. Her second serve can be attacked at times and her physical fitness has been questioned at times as she had to retire in big tournaments multiples times last year. That’s a big question when you are playing in the sweltering heat of Australia and that will determine how far she goes.

Li Na

Li Na was a semifinalist here last year, which is her best result at any Grand Slam. She hugs the baseline and pounds the ball from both sides. She has an excellent athletic foundation with exceptional movement side-to-side and she makes early contact with the ball. Can she repeat last year’s success or will she flame out like she did at the 2010 US Open?

Maria Sharapova

Can Sharapova get back in the winner's circle?

Maria has been a student of the IMG Bolletieri Academy since she was nine years old. She has had a heck of a career, including being one of the highest paid female athletes in the world. Her game is quite simple: stand close to the baseline and hit the tar out of the ball from both sides with very little spin. Because of injuries, Maria has had a difficult time getting back her aggressive, reliable serve that helped her win multiple Grand Slams. She is surrounded with her coach of several years (Mike Joyce) and now a new addition to the team and a heck of a coach, Thomas Hogstedt (he has spent time with several top players including Tommy Haas). Maria spent several weeks at the Academy during the Holiday Breal and for most part she in darn good shape physically and mentally. Despite her loss to Great Arn in Auckland I feel Maria will perform very well at the Aussie Open.

DARKHORSES

Shahar Peer

Peer comes into the Aussie Open ranked a career high of #12 in the world and she should be full of confidence. She is very disciplined, has consistent groundstrokes and is a fierce competitor. She must be a little more patient at times and hit a few extra shots on the big points. She’s never been past the quarters of any Grand Slam, will this be her breakthrough?

Aravane Rezai

Rezai loves to bang the ball from both the forehand and backhand side and for a smaller girl (5’5”) she packs a big punch. After winning a title at Bastad last July, she has really struggled so we will have to see if that carries over into 2011. If she was to get past the fourth round it would be a first for her at any Grand Slam.

Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova

Watch out for this dangerous 19-year old. She is a big, strong girl with powerful groundstrokes and a big serve. She’s looking for her first Grand Slam quarterfinal appearance. Could this be her time?

Ana Ivanovic

Ana has issued some strong words heading into the 2011 season, saying that she is ready to play the way she was back in 2008. During her slide over the last couple of years, her ranking dipped as low as #63 and she hasn’t been past the fourth round of any Grand Slam since winning the 2008 French Open. To regain her form she hired a top coach (former coach of Steffi Graf) to work with her for a while and she now is under the guidance of Antonio van Grichen. She has been focusing on her fitness and I think this was right move considering your fitness will determine everything about how you play. It’s difficult to predict how she will play, but I think she could have a bounce-back 2011.

Heather Watson

Heather Watson is primed for a breakthrough season

Heather has been a student at the IMG Bollettieri Tennis Academy for several years and still trains her on a regular basis. She is a darn good ball striker from both sides, has excellent movement, stands close to the baseline and also has a good serve. Her mother has been a huge supporter and is very open to listening and accepting our help and suggestions. Heather is only 18 and at times thinks too much on the court instead of using her natural talents. This could be the year that Heather really breaks through as she is the youngest player in the top 150 and just reached her first WTA quarterfinal last week.

Maria Kirilenko

Kirilenko was a quarterfinalist here in 2010 and she is a very dangerous player. She plays aggressively and when she is clicking she is tough to beat. She has wins over top players and then loses to people she should beat. She needs to be more consistent if she wants to be considered a threat in every tournament.

Sabine Libsicki

Sabine has been at the Academy for several years, and had a great 2009 reaching the quarters at Wimbledon. Last year she was hurt for a majority of the season, but she is feeling better physically and she seems to be mentally strong as well. She has a big game from both sides and her serve is huge when she gets it in. At times, she plays to quickly and this really hurts her. She has what it takes to get back to the top, but she must be more patient when building points.

Flavia Pennetta

Pennetta became so successful in doubles (#2 in the world) that it took a toll on her singles play. She can hit any type of shot in the book and she has fantastic movement as well. She’s a two-time quarterfinalist at the US Open, but she has never been past the third round of the Aussie Open.

Kaia Kanepi

Kaia is a big girl, but still moves quite well. When in position, with good balance, she is consistent but she is still vulnerable if a wee bit late with her movement. She hits with power from both sides but once again she cannot have a movement breakdown. She doesn’t prefer to come into the net and she gets hurt when players move her around the court and hit behind her. She reached the quarters at both Wimbledon and the US Open, can she keep the streak going?

Yanina Wickmayer

Wickmayer is already off to a great start in 2011, reaching the finals at Auckland. She is a very strong player and usually is brimming with confidence. Don’t be surprised to see her come in towards the net when she can. When on the run, she has a tendency to have too big of a swing which results in unforced errors.  She reached the semis of the 2009 US Open, but she hasn’t been to the quarters of any Grand Slam since.

Venus really hasn’t been challenged yet at this year’s Open, but Peer has the tools to test her. She handled Mandy Minella in straight sets in the third round, but it wasn’t her best performance. She served under 50% and had more unforced errors than winners. She can’t do that again and hope to beat the better players.

Peer knocked out Flavia Pennetta in straight sets and she has yet to drop a set in the tournament. She reached the quarters here back in 2007 and she will have plenty of supporters in the stands when she takes on Venus. I love watching her play because she fights for every ball and will not give up ever!

Match-Up:

Venus is 5-0 against Peer and this is their fourth meeting already in 2010 (Venus has not dropped a set against her). Peer has been hanging around the top 20 for a couple of years now and has yet to really break through. Her fitness was also a strong suit for her a couple of years ago and it looks like she is trying to get back to her roots again. She pounds the ball from both sides and is an excellent mover, but does she have the guns to take out Venus? It’s scary to think that Venus didn’t play too well against Minella in the third round and was still able to advance. If she is able to up her serve percentage and cut down on her unforced errors she should run through this draw. With these two having already played four times this year, there will be no surprises. I look for Venus to advance in two tough sets.

Nick’s Pick – V. Williams in 2 sets

Ana Ivanovic (SRB) vs. Kim Clijsters (BEL)

It’s great to see Ivanovic playing at a high level again, because the tour is better off when she is performing up to her abilities. This is already her best Grand Slam of 2010 and if she could take out the defending champion she will put everyone on notice that she is definitely back!

The last two times Clijsters entered the US Open she has won it. She loves the hard courts and the bright lights of NYC and the fans absolutely adore her. She hasn’t been tested yet this year, but that’s about to change!

Match-Up:

Clijsters is 2-0 against Ivanovic and has beaten her once already this year. This is going to be a very emotional match for both women as there are plenty of supporters for both that will be packing the stands. Ivanovic seems happier on the court than she has in the past year and that has made a big difference in her play. She hits big from both sides, moves well and has a good serve (when her toss is okay). The difference here is going to be Clijster’s match experience as well as her movement. She moves around the court so well and she can turn defense into offense better than anyone. This is a match you don’t want to miss!

Nick’s Pick – Clijsters in 3 sets

Svetlana Kuznetsova (RUS) vs. Dominika Cibulkova (SVK)

Kuznetsova, a former US Open champion, is into the fourth round of a Grand Slam for the second time this year. After losing in the second round of Wimbledon, Kuznetsova won the tournament in San Diego, lost to Sharapova in the first round at Cincinnati and then reached the semis at Montreal. She has been up and down throughout the year, but she is still a contender for the title.

Cibulkova had her coming out part at the 2009 French Open, where she reached the semifinals. Since then, she had not been past the third round of any Grand Slam until now. She hasn’t had a great summer, going 2-5 since Wimbledon, but she’s in the fourth round so you cannot dismiss her lightly.

Match-Up:

Kuznetsova is 3-1 against Cibulkova, but in their one meeting this year Cibulkova won in straight sets. Cibulkova stands only 5’3”, but she packs plenty of punch from a small frame. Her movement is lightning quick and her groundstrokes are solid. Kuznetsova has possibly the best foundation on the WTA Tour. She is like a brick wall at the baseline, you cannot get anything past her. She has a tendency to sometimes lose focus and break down mentally, so as long as she can keep that part of her game together she should be okay. I don’t think Cibulkova has the weapons to beat Kuznetsova on this stage and I look for the Russian to advance in two tough sets or three sets.

Nick’s Pick – Kuznetsova in 3 sets

Vera Zvonareva (RUS) vs. Andrea Petkovic (GER)

Zvonareva has quietly moved through the draw and the 2010 Wimbledon runner-up is definitely a contender to win this title. She recently reached the finals at Montreal, beating Clijsters and Azarenka, before falling to Wozniacki. Keep your eye on Zvonareva during the next week to see if she can repeat her Wimbledon success.

Petkovic is into the fourth round of a Grand Slam for the first time in her career. She upset Nadia Petrova in the opening round, then beat a tough opponent in Bethanie Mattek-Sands in the second round, and then advanced to the fourth round via walkover when Shuai Peng had to pull out of the tournament.

Match-Up:

This is the first career meeting between Petkovic and Zvonareva. Petkovic is a tall girl who hits with a lot of power from both sides. She has a good serve, but lacks consistency. She has never been on this stage before and the pressure may have an effect on her. Zvonareva is one of, if not, the best mover on the WTA Tour. She has outstanding footwork, fantastic groundstrokes and a solid serve. She also has a great return of serve and will attack Petkovic’s serve from the outset. As long as Zvonareva can remain calm, cool and collected she should advance in straight sets.

Nick’s Pick – Zvonareva in 2 sets

Schiavone made quick work of Maria Elena Camerin, winning 6-2, 6-1 in just over one hour. She’s a former quarterfinalist here at the US Open and of course she won her first Grand Slam title earlier this year at the French Open. She is having the best year of her life and it’s great to see an Italian playing so well!

Bondarenko took down American favorite, Melanie Oudin, 6-2, 7-5 in the second round. This is the third time she has reached the third round of the US Open and a win here would put her in the fourth round for the first time.

Match-Up:

Schiavone is 4-3 against Bondarenko, but did lose to her earlier this year in the Fed Cup. Bondarenko will attack from the outset. She hits big from both sides and covers the court extremely well. Schiavone is the ultimate scrapper. She competes so hard and she is great for the sport. Her attitude and determination are unmatched and she showed that earlier this year at the French Open. She is very good from both wings, has a solid serve and isn’t afraid to come to the net. This will be a test for her, but I like Schiavone to advance in two tough sets.

Nick’s Pick – Schiavone in 2 sets

Ana Ivanovic (SRB) vs. Virginie Razzano (FRA)

Ivanovic’s story is well documented and it is really good to see that she may have turned a corner and is playing well again. She knocked out Zie Jheng 6-3, 6-0 in the second round and is in the third round of a Grand Slam for the first time in 2010. Hopefully we will see the Ivanovic of 2008 from here on out!

Razzano upset fellow Frenchwoman, Marion Bartoli, in the second round and is into the third round for the second time in her career. A win here would put her into the fourth round of a Grand Slam for the fourth time in her career.

Match-Up:

This is the third career meeting between Ivanovic and Razzano and they split the previous two matches. This is a tough match to pick. Both women are playing well and you never know which Ivanovic you are going to get. You know Ivanovic has all the tools to win this match and even win this tournament, it is just her mental focus that is a big question mark. She seems happier now and that is a good thing because the sport of tennis needs her badly. Razzano will fight like heck in this match. She is a veteran and understands what it takes to win. This is tough to call, but I am going to go with Ivanovic in three sets.

Nick’s Pick – Ivanovic in 3 sets

Maria Sharapova (RUS) vs. Beatrice Capra (USA)

Sharapova looked great in her straight set win over Iveta Benesova in the second round. She broke her four times and her serve was on. No one has worked harder over the last couple of years than Maria and you can see how that is now paying off. The WTA Tour needs her, and so does the entire sport of tennis.

Capra’s run has been drawing comparisons to Melanie Oudin’s from 2009 and for good reason. She won the wild-card tournament to get into the US Open and she is playing in her first career WTA-tour level main draw. She’s the youngest woman left and also the lowest ranked but that won’t slow down this American. If you remember, Oudin took out Sharapova at last year’s US Open. Can Capra do the same?

Match-Up:

This is the first career meeting between Capra and Sharapova and it should be intriguing. Capra’s strengths are her toughness and her consistency. She is a fighter and I don’t think this will be an easy win for Sharapova. The one thing Capra is going to need to do is to go for her shots a little more. She has the tools, she just needs to be a little more confident and attack whenever possible (especially against Sharapova). Sharapova has been serving really well and when her serve is on she is very difficult to beat because of how powerful her groundstrokes are. I look for Sharapova to advance, but this should be a fun match.

Nick’s Pick – Sharapova in 2 sets

Yanina Wickmayer (BEL) vs. Patty Schnyder (SUI)

You don’t hear a whole lot about Wickmayer, but she is one darn good player. She was a semifinalist last year at the US Open and hasn’t dropped a set at this year’s yet. If you haven’t had a chance to see her play I would recommend it. She has all the tools to be a top-10 player.

Schnyder is playing in her 14^th US Open! She’s been to the quarterfinals twice and the Round of 16 three other times. She’s a veteran who is on the back side of her career, but she still has the smarts and game to win against the best.

Match-Up:

This is the first career meeting between Schnyder and Wickmayer. Schnyder is a crafty lefty who has had good results here in the past. She doesn’t have any huge weapons, but she moves well and is very intelligent on the court. Wickmayer plays aggressive tennis whenever she takes the court. She has a big first serve and huge groundstrokes and she is a great mover. Her one weakness is sometimes her second serve can be tentative, but I don’t think that will derail her here.

Nick’s Pick –Wickmayer in 2 sets

Jelena Jankovic (SRB) vs. Laura Robson (ENG)

Jankovic has moved back up to #4 in the world after a semifinal showing at the French Open and is looking to make a deep run at Wimbledon for the first time in her career. Surprisingly, she has never been past the fourth round on the grass but I think this is the year she changes that. She’s been working with IMG Bollettieri Director of Tennis, Chip Brooks, and the two have made a great team thus far!

Robson and IMG Bollettieri student, Heather Watson, are two of the best young English players in the world and both will get a chance to get the British newspapers abuzz if they can get some wins. Robson comes into the tournament tanked #236 in the world and is looking to get past the first round of Wimbledon for the first time.

Match-Up:

This is the first career meeting between the 25-year old Jankovic and the 16-year old Robson. All eyes of England will be focused on this match as they are looking for big things from Robson. This will be a tough match for her to win as Jankovic is playing extremely well. Look for Jankovic to use her improved serve, fantastic movement and great two-handed backhand to control the court and keep Robson off-balance. Jankovic will attack any weak second-serves and as long as she just focuses on this match and doesn’t get caught up in all the media hoopla she will advance.

Nick’s Pick – Jankovic in 2 sets

Shahar Peer (ISR) vs. Ana Ivanovic (SRB)

Peer comes into Wimbledon ranked #14 in the world and seems to have really found a nice groove thus far in 2010. She lost in the fourth round of the French Open and was also a semifinalist in Madrid. Her best result at Wimbledon came back in 2008 when she reached the fourth round before falling to Elena Dementieva.

Ivanovic has been mired in a slump for a long time now, and there are no signs that she is coming out of it. She lost in the second round of the French Open and has a paltry 10-10 record in 2010. A win here would be a big boost for her confidence and may go a long way in helping her tennis career!

Match-Up:

Peer is 1-0 against Ivanovic with that win coming back in 2007 on the hard courts. There has been plenty of talk about Ivanovic and if she will ever get back the player she was just a couple of years ago. I don’t know the answer and only time will tell. What I do know, is that she is plenty capable of winning this match and she will push Peer. However, Peer is a fighter and will not go down easily. Peer moves well, has great groundstrokes and is aggressive. I look for this match to go three sets, and I have to give the edge to Peer based on their results this year.

Nick’s Pick – Peer in 3 sets

Serena Williams (USA) vs. Michelle Larcher de Brito (POR)

Serena fell in the quarters of the French Open to the in-form Sam Stosur, but the grass is where she thrives! She’s won this title three times and is the defending champion here and after failing to win the French Open title you know she is going to be extremely determined to take this one. There is no doubt in my mind that she is the player to beat.

Larcher de Brito has been training at the IMG Bollettieri Tennis Academy for many years and is still looking for her first big breakthrough at a Grand Slam. Well, taking down Serena at Wimbledon would definitely qualify as that!

Match-Up:

This is the second meeting between Serena and the young Larcher de Brito. The first came back in 2008 at Stanford where Larcher de Brito won the first set, but Serena came back to win the next two sets and take the match. I look for Serena to come out with guns-a-blazin’ and take it to her opponent. Larcher de Brito has to go for broke. She cannot stand on the baseline and just hit with Serena, or she will get blown off the court. She needs to go for winners or throw some change of pace shots at Serena because that is her only chance. Serena will pounce on any weak serves and will use her own serve to control the match. I look for Larcher de Brito to  push Serena, but in the end Serena has too much power.

Nick’s Pick – S. Williams in 2 sets

Maria Sharapova (RUS) vs. Kateryna Bondarenko (UKR)

Sharapova comes into the tournament ranked #17 in the world and has won two titles already this year. She just reached the finals of Birmingham on grass before falling to Na Li in straight sets. Despite the loss in the finals, it’s good to see Sharapova winning and playing well on the grass. I’m expecting a good tournament from her.

Bondarenko has not had a great year, as she comes in with a 4-7 record and having lost in the second round of the French Open. She’s ranked #35 in the world and has never been out of the second round of Wimbledon.

Match-Up:

This is the first career meeting between the two 23-year olds and promises to be exciting. It’s nice to see Sharapova feeling good and playing with enthusiasm again. It’s been a tough road for her over the last couple of years and she seems to have her power back and has settled in with her new service motion. Bondarenko doesn’t do anything that can hurt Sharapova, yet she understands what it takes to win and will not go down without a fight. I look for Sharapova to advance, but I think it will be a good test for her.

Nick’s Pick – Sharapova in 2, could go 3

Dementieva made quick work of Petra Martic in the opening round, taking the Croat down 6-1, 6-1. I am sure Dementieva is feeling good because she doesn’t have to play Justine Henin in the second round! She had to play her at the Australian Open and the Sony Ericsson Open in the second round and lost both of those matches. She was a finalist here back in 2004 but hasn’t been past the quarterfinals since.

Media Garrigues took out young American Melanie Oudin 7-5, 6-2 in the first round and is a good clay court player. She reached the semis at Strasbourg last week (before falling to Sharapova) and advanced to the fourth round at the French back in 2007. She’s currently ranked #43 in the world but was as high as #16 last May.

Match-Up:

Dementieva is 3-1 against Medina Garrigues and beat her last year on the hard courts of Dubai. Medina Garrigues grew up playing on clay all the time and she is very comfortable on the surface. Her best Grand Slam results have been at the French Open and she is not an easy out. I don’t think Dementieva’ serve is going to hurt her in this match. Her groundstrokes are some of the best on tour and everyone knows how well she moves. If Medina Garrigues is able to keep her off-balance then she could be in trouble, but I believe that Dementieva has too many weapons.

Nick’s Pick – Dementieva in 2 sets

Nadia Petrova (RUS) vs. Agnes Szavay (HUN)

Petrova dispensed of Shuai Peng 6-0, 6-3 in the first round and is a two-time semifinalist at the French. She’s currently ranked #20 in the world and has been to the quarterfinals of the last three clay court tournaments she played in this year (Charleston, Rome and Madrid).

Szavay beat Stephanie Foretz 6-2, 6-2 in the first round and is trying to get back to the fourth round for the second straight year. She comes into the tournament ranked #47 in the world, but was as high as #13 back in April of 2008.

Match-Up:

Szavay is 1-0 against Petrova with that win coming back in 2007 at the US Open. Petrova is a big girl but she moves well and knows how to win on clay. She spent some time at the Academy in the past and I’ve enjoyed working with her. Petrova will play an aggressive game and will not back down from anyone. At the same time, Szavay is a tough competitor who has the tools to win, but she hasn’t been able to put it together on the big stage. I look for Petrova to win in two close sets.

Nick’s Pick – Petrova in 2 sets

Alisa Kleybanova (RUS) vs. Ana Ivanovic (SRB)

Kleybanova comes into the French ranked #28 in the world and had an easy win over Mariya Koryttseva in the first round. This is her third appearance at the French Open and the second time she has been past the first round.

Since winning the French Open back in 2008, Ivanovic hasn’t been past the fourth round of any Grand Slam tournament. Her ranking has fallen to #42 in the world and she has changed coaches a couple of times. She is definitely going through a rough patch, but we all know what she is capable of producing. It will be interesting to see over the next six months to see how she plays.

Match-Up:

Kleybanova is 2-1 against Ivanovic and beat her earlier this year in the Fed Cup. The game of tennis needs Ana Ivanovic to play well, but she hasn’t been able to get back to the same place she was in June of 2008. I enjoy watching her play and still think she has what it takes to compete at the Grand Slam level. Kleybanova is built like a tank, but for her size she covers the court well and she has great power. This match could really go either way, but I have to give a slight edge to Kleybanova because of how they have played in 2010, but it’s going to be close.

Nick’s Pick – Kleybanova in 3 sets

I ran into Ivanovic just a couple of days ago in Miami and I spoke to her and her coach and she seemed to be in great spirits. I told her to keep fighting and that if she ever wanted to come to the Academy to train she was more than welcome. Her struggles over the last year have been well documented, but I think it’s just a matter of time before she breaks out of it.

Radwanska comes into the tournament ranked #9 in the world and she is playing excellent tennis. She reached the semis of Dubai back in February and then advanced to the semis of Indian Wells last week, beating Dulko, Bartoli and Dementieva along the way. She’s been to the fourth round of Miami two out of the last three years.

Match-up:

Ivanovic is 3-1 against Radwanska, but in their only meeting last year Radwanska won in three sets. I certainly don’t think that Ivanovic is lacking the ammunition to win matches, but when you start losing like she has and people start piling up on you the mind has a way of playing tricks on you and I really believe that it is all mental for her. Radwanska certainly has the edge on paper and because of her extreme consistency she is extremely difficult to beat. Radwanska doesn’t have any huge weapons, but she does have great lateral quickness and the ability to get to an extra ball or two which will frustrate Ivanovic. If I was Ivanovic’s coach I would tell her to throw caution to the win, play the game and just enjoy it. She needs to go for her shots and she will be fine. I have to give the edge to Radwanska, but it will not be easy.

Nick’s Pick – Radwanska in 3 sets

Jelena Jankovic (SRB) vs. Elena Vesnina (RUS)

Jankovic is traveling with IMG Bollettieri Tennis Academy tennis director Chip Brooks and they are off to a great start. Jankovic won Indian Wells last week and she looked very good in her second round victory over Mariya Koryttseva. She is playing with a ton of confidence and I like her chances of making a deep run in Miami. If she continues to play like this, it won’t be long before she finds herself back inside the top 5.

Vesnina took out Julia Goerges in the second round and comes into the tournament ranked #34 in the world. Her best result here came back in 2008 when she reached the fourth round before falling to Justine Henin in straight sets.

Match-up:

Jankovic is 4-0 against Vesnina and beat her twice last year. Vesnina is a solid player who hits the ball well from both sides. She serves well and really can cover the court. What she doesn’t have is a weapon that can really hurt Jankovic. Having said that, Jankovic has to hit the ball early, take it on the rise and control the court from the outset. She cannot let Vesnina’s consistency affect her rhythm because that is where things can go a little haywire. With Chip now at Jankovic’s side, he really provides her with a solid coaching base that will be a big help throughout the tournament. I look for a fast start from Jankovic and as always she will put on a show.

Nick’s Pick – Jankovic in 2 sets