The Wimbledon Championships are underway and moving into the second round in the women’s competition. These are my predictions for the big matches coming up.
1. Ana Ivanovic (SRB) vs. Natalie Dechy (FRA)
No signs of the yips yet from the racket of Ivanovic, losing only three games in the previous round. She won 76% of points off her first serve and looks quite convincing on grass. Natalie Dechy pulled through her match against Meng Yuan of China, despite producing an unflattering 32 unforced errors. Ivanovic should be too good for the Frenchwomen.
Tip: Ana Ivanovic in 2 sets
4. Svetlana Kuznetsova (RUS) vs. Kateryna Bondarenko (UKR)
Both girls struggled in their first round matches, needing three sets to dispose of their opponents. Bondarenko has not had a great singles record at the grand slam level. She has a potential clash with sister Alyona in the third round if she is successful here and this will likely serve as a motivation to progress. Svetlana has reached the quarters previously and based on her semi-final showing in France, will similarly be keen to move into the second week at Wimbledon, irregardless of her inconsistency at times.
Tip: Svetlana Kuznetsova in 2 sets
18. Nicole Vaidisova (CZE) vs. Samantha Stosur (AUS)
Nicole and Sam only lost four games in their respective matches; each progressing through quite comfortably. Nicole’s form has been shaky of late, evident in her first round loss at the French Open. The Czech is however a past quarter-finalist at The Championships. Stosur has not played this well for some time and coming off a semi-final appearance at Eastbourne last week, expect an upset here.
Tip: Samantha Stosur in 3 sets
29. Amelie Mauresmo (FRA) vs. Virginia Ruano Pascual (ESP)
Mauresmo beat American Ashley Harkleroad in the first round and now faces Ruano Pascual in the second round. Virginia is an established doubles player (winning 9 Grand slam doubles titles) but should not cause Amelie any trouble here. Despite the Frenchwoman’s slip in the seedings this year, she should move into the next round.
Tip: Amelie Mauresmo 2 sets
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