Month: January 2013
YEAR
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GRAND SLAM
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MEN
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WOMEN
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2009
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AUSTRALIAN OPEN
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NADAL
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WILLIAMS
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2009
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FRENCH OPEN
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FEDERER
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KUZNETSOVA
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2009
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WIMBLEDON
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FEDERER
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WILLIAMS
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2009
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U.S. OPEN
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DEL POTRO
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CLIJSTERS
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2010
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AUSTRALIAN OPEN
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FEDERER
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WILLIAMS
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2010
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FRENCH OPEN
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NADAL
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SCHIAVONE
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2010
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WIMBLEDON
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NADAL
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WILLIAMS
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2010
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U.S. OPEN
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NADAL
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CLIJSTERS
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2011
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AUSTRALIAN OPEN
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DJOKOVIC
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CLIJSTERS
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2011
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FRENCH OPEN
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NADAL
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LI
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2011
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WIMBLEDON
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DJOKOVIC
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KVITOVA
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2011
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U.S. OPEN
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DJOKOVIC
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STOSUR
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2012
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AUSTRALIAN OPEN
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DJOKOVIC
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AZARENKA
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2012
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FRENCH OPEN
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NADAL
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SHARAPOVA
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2012
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WIMBLEDON
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FEDERER
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WILLIAMS
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2012
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U.S. OPEN
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MURRAY
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WILLIAMS
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Last night saw the ousting of the No. 4 seed Agnieszka Radwanska at the hands of former French Open champion and World’s No. 6, Na Li, 7-5, 6-3. Sharapova continued her dominance of her side of the draw by beating Makarova 2 and 2. While everyone has been saying how dominant Sharapova has been this tournament, one only has to look at the rankings of her opponent to determine whether she is playing exceptionally well, or whether she is playing those that she should beat. The true test will come at the hands of Na, and if she gets by her in the same dominant fashion, then I will say that she is heads and shoulders above everyone on her side of the draw.
Day 10 sees the defending champion, Victoria Azarenka taking on resurgent Svetlana Kuznetsova. Kuznetsova had a fairly tough match against Wozniacki in the previous round and while Kuznetsova was able to get by Wozniacki, I don’t think she will be as fortunate against Vika. Azarenka in 3.
The other ladies quarter-final sees the betting favourite Serena Williams going up against tennis’ newest darling, Sloane Stephens. They had a pretty tight match in Brisbane a few weeks ago with Williams coming through in 2 tight sets. Look for the same thing to happen here. Williams does not under any circumstances want another young player making her name by beating her in a Major. That happened in 2004 and has not happened since. Look for Williams to come out dialed in, especially after losing a tough 3 set battle in doubles yesterday.
The only concern that I, and many others have is whether Serena’s ankle is fine. I think it is.
Here are the results from Day 8 of the Australian Open
Serena Williams over Maria Kirilenko – is there a more off putting loser in tennis than Kirilenko? I doubt it.
Svetlana Kuznetsova over Caroline Wozniacki – the usual mid-match meltdown by Kuznetsova, and the lack of aggression by Wozniacki was the outcome of this match. It was a very well played match by both women that I found totally enjoyable.
Sloane Stephens over Bojana Jovanovski – I am not surprised that this match went 3 sets. Bojana is a fighter and Sloane, when under pressure tends to play very defensive tennis.
Victoria Azarenka over Elena Vesnina – the World’s No. 1 was in her element, dealing out 2 breadsticks to Vesnina.
Today’s matches and picks for Day 9 are:-
Maria Sharapova v. Ekaterina Makarova – these 2 played in the same round last year with Sharapova winning in 2. Makarova has pushed Sharapova before, but look for Sharapova to pull out this win in straights.
Na Li v. Agnieszka Radwanska – Radwanska served 7 aces in her last match against Ivanovic and saved every break point. She is playing like a woman possessed. Li, on the other hand hit 6 aces and made 4 double faults in her previous match against Georges. These 2 played as recently as Sydney, where Radwanska came out the victor. I think the same thing happens here.
Day 7 Results:
Sharapova over Flipkens with the loss of 1 game. Do we really know how good Sharapova is playing right now?
Na Li over Julia Georges – as expected the newly confident Li had a bit of a struggle in the first set but went flying down the stretch
Radwanska over Ivanovic – despite playing superb tennis, Ivanovic just does not have it right now to beat the top women. However, she fought hard so that is a sign that things seem to be back on track. Maybe a meal or two and the real Ana will return
Makarova over Kerber – as someone said, Australia is to Makarova as Wimbledon is to Pironkova. A very good win by Makarova over Kerber.
Spin’s Day 8 Picks
Victoria Azarenka v Elena Vesnina – the top seed had her wobble in the previous round. I just don’t see her going out to Vesnina – Azarenka in straights
Caroline Wozniacki v Svetlana Kuznetsova – Sveta has the weapons but does she have the legs for a best of 3 tussle with Wozniacki. I don’t think so. I think Wozniacki takes this in straights.
Serena Williams v Maria Kirilenko – how good is Serena’s serve right now. How good is her movement. She said that she was happy that she got to test out her cardio in her previous match and she looked devastating in doubles yesterday. I think she will announce to the field just how strong she is and ready for battle as we head into Week 2 – Williams
Bojana Jovanovski v Sloane Stephens – battle of the young ones. From match reports it would seem that if Robson’s shoulder was not hurting in her previous match, then Stephens would have been sent packing. I think Bojana has the game but she is not as consistent off the ground as is Stephens. I think Stephens takes this in straights.
PLAYER A
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PLAYER B
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SPIN’S PICKS
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RESULTS
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Na Li
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Sorana Cirstea
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Na Li – too much firepower from Li. Cirstea, if she plays well and cuts down on the UFEs could take a set, but I doubt it
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Li
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Julia Georges
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Jie Zheng
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Giant killer Zheng up against one of the most inconsistent players on Tour. I take Zheng in 3.
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Georges
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Ana Ivanovic
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Jelena Jankovic
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Battle of the Serbians. If this is not a pick em I don’t know what is. Neither player is consistent. Both ladies have struggled during this tournie. I am going with Ivanovic, if only because she will have more crowd support
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Ivanovic
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Heather Watson
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Agnieszka Radwanska
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Radwanska – the 4th seed will have too much tricks in her arsenal to be swayed by Watson, who is coming off a brutal 3 setter
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Radwanska
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Angelique Kerber
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Madison Keys
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Kerber – this is where the journey ends for the young American. While she has served and played well through her opening rounds, Kerber’s get the next ball back will prove to be too much for her to handle.
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Kerber
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Ekaterina Makarova
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Marion Bartoli
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This should be a very fun match to watch, if only to see Bartoli jumping around during Makarova’s serve. Bartoli in straights
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Makarova
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Valeria Savinykh
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Kirsten Flipkens
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Flipkens – if only because Savinykh has to face reality. She has played a lot of matches this AO, having qualified into the main draw. The journey ends here.
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Flipkens
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Venus Williams
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Maria Sharapova
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While this blog will sentimentally pick Williams to win this one, on form alone, I think Sharapova will win this one. The Russian is on a no games lost win streak for 2013, but look for Williams to at least win a game each set.
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Sharapova
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PLAYER A
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PLAYER B
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SPIN’S PICKS
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RESULTS
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Victoria Azarenka
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Jamie Hampton
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Azarenka – the World’s No. 1 will be too consistent for the youngster
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Elena Vesnina
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Roberta Vinci
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Vesnina – I believe the euphoria of winning her first title will end here as the Italian veteran will work over Vesnina to frustration
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Caroline Wozniacki
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Lesia Tsurenko
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Wozniacki – a pick em if I ever saw one. Is Wozniacki on her way back or is she just reaping the fruits of her lucky escape from Lisicki?
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Svetlana Kuznetsova
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Carla Suarez Navarro
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Navarro – Navarro will frustrate Kuznetsova into errors if Sveta cannot find a way to hit through her
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Serena Williams
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Ayumi Morita
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Williams – a red flag has been raised. Unless Williams has done something new to herself on her day off, I see this one being a beatdown
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Yanina Wickmayer
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Maria Kirilenko
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Kirilenko – the consistent Kirilenko will frustrate Wickmayer. The 2 have never played before, which I find surprising.
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Kimiko Date-Krumm
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Bojana Jovanovski
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Krumm – the veteran will give the youngster all she can handle.
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Sloane Stephens
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Laura Robson
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The battle of the young ones. The 2 played a reasonably good match in Hobart with Stephens coming in straight sets. Whether Robson has recovered from her long 3 set match against Kvitova will play a role. Stephens has sailed through her first 2 rounds here. Look for Stephens to continue her march to the second week
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Spin is still celebrating her almost 100% win in yesterday’s picks. I can’t help but be happy for her. However, new day, new challenges. Below are Spin’s Picks for Day 5 of the Australian Open.
PLAYER A
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PLAYER B
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SPIN’S PICKS
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RESULTS
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Na Li
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Sorana Cirstea
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Na Li – too much firepower from Li. Cirstea, if she plays well and cuts down on the UFEs could take a set, but I doubt it
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Julia Georges
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Jie Zheng
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Giant killer Zheng up against one of the most inconsistent players on Tour. I take Zheng in 3.
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Ana Ivanovic
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Jelena Jankovic
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Battle of the Serbians. If this is not a pick em I don’t know what is. Neither player is consistent. Both ladies have struggled during this tournie. I am going with Ivanovic, if only because she will have more crowd support
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Heather Watson
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Agnieszka Radwanska
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Radwanska – the 4th seed will have too much tricks in her arsenal to be swayed by Watson, who is coming off a brutal 3 setter
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Angelique Kerber
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Madison Keys
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Kerber – this is where the journey ends for the young American. While she has served and played well through her opening rounds, Kerber’s get the next ball back will prove to be too much for her to handle.
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Ekaterina Makarova
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Marion Bartoli
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This should be a very fun match to watch, if only to see Bartoli jumping around during Makarova’s serve. Bartoli in straights
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Valeria Savinykh
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Kirsten Flipkens
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Flipkens – if only because Savinykh has to face reality. She has played a lot of matches this AO, having qualified into the main draw. The journey ends here.
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Venus Williams
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Maria Sharapova
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While this blog will sentimentally pick Williams to win this one, on form alone, I think Sharapova will win this one. The Russian is on a no games lost win streak for 2013, but look for Williams to at least win a game each set.
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