Saturday, July 24, 2010

1st rounds of interest in Stanford

The Bank of the West Classic, the first tournament in the U.S. Open Series, begins Monday, and there are a few first rounds of interest; indeed, there may be more once the qualifiers are placed. For now, here are some matches to watch:

Alisa Kleybanova vs. Ana Ivanovic: Ivanovic has a wild card for this event, and she didn't exactly get lucky, drawing Kleybanova in the first round. I have wondered before: How far could the Russian go if she were in a bit better shape and exercised more control over her shots? That question stands, but even at her current level, she can be a formidable opponent.

Melanie Oudin vs. Aleksandra Wozniak: They have played each other only once, in Charleston, and Oudin won decisively. Wozniack, a former Stanford champion, has regained some of her form, however, and this match could be close.

Shahar Peer (6)  vs. Daniela Hantuchova: This could be the "popcorn match" of the first round.

Kimiko Date Krumm vs. Dinara Safina: This is a match of interest because Date Krumm, in pain and with one functioning leg, took Safina out in the first round of the French Open.

5 comments:

Curtis said...

Ana certainly has no luck. I'm tired of her losing to Kleybs. I hope Ana can pull off the upset and get off to a good start this summer. Ajde!

Anonymous said...

It's 'Wozniak,' not 'Wozniack'

Diane said...

Of course it is--typo. Thanks.

Anonymous said...

Um - Isn't Maria Sharapova playing on Monday vs Zheng Jie? - That use should be a match of interest as well - if any?

Diane said...

Yes, she is, but for reasons more instinctual than evidential, I didn't include that match on my list. Certainly, it's of more interest than several of the other matches.