Far be it for me to make bold predictions after Sharapova’s loss the other day, but I’m sure many would agree that the upcoming Elena Dementieva vs. Justine Henin second round match feels more like a final with whoever winning becoming a top favorite for the AO.
I still like Dementieva as I don’t think Henin has had enough match play especially if it gets close. But the key to Henin’s game could be for to just hit free and make Dementieva prove her seeding.
In another match that feels more like a quarterfinal than a second round affair, Yanina Wickmayer, who survived her four hour three setter, will take on #12 seed Flavia Pennetta. Wickmayer, who had to qualify to get into the main draw, has not looked her best so far and I like the steady Pennetta in two.
In what could be a future Grand Slam final pairing, #14 Marin Cilic takes on rising Aussie star Bernard Tomic. I still like Cilic but Tomic will give the tall Croat problems especially with a rowdy home crowd behind him.
Finally, James Blake takes on Juan Martin Del Potro. Blake won their only other meeting in Las Vegas back in 2007 when Delpo retired. Blake’s playing better these days with help of a new coach but Delpo should handle Blake in four sets.
Check out my thoughts about yesterday and today’s upcoming action.
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