The Week Ahead: AO Women’s Preview
Posted by Brodie under: Australian Open, The Week Ahead

It’s late. Whatever.
Top Half – Caro’s Quarter
This is a seriously difficult and tricky quarter for Caro. Trouble spots loom everywhere including Domi in the third round, Wicky/Mono in the fourth, and any one of Justine, Kuz, or Franny in the quarters.
Unlike some, I don’t think Domi beating Caro again to be that realistic. Piotr will have Caro pumped and ready to go, and slams are a different beast entirely. I think her consistency should be enough to take out Wicky or Mono on the other side.
The bottom half of this quarter is a total mess, and we’re already a round away from a third round Kuz/JuJu blockbuster. I still think Justine is battling her way through this.
Quarterfinal: Caro vs. Justine
Top Half: Venus’ Quarter
Much like the other quarter of the top half, this is a quarter filled with land mines in what I believe is an overall much, much stronger half.
Venus could be up against Petko in the third round… a match I’m not entirely convinced she can win. Kanepi, Masha, Nails and Vika are all bouncing around in this quarter as well.
Petko has been seriously impressive finishing off last year and starting off 2011. I think there might be a whole lot of Petko dances getting thrown down sooner than later…
Quarterfinal: Petko vs. Vika
Bottom Half – Kim’s Quarter
Things are generally straight forward for Kim here. Yes, a possible rematch with Nads awaits, but she’s coachless and hasn’t been feeling fantastic. Kleybs and JJ are bouncing around too but shouldn’t be much of a match.
Quarterfinal: Kim vs. JJ
Bottom Half – Vera’s Quarter
Bepa better hope she’s got her A game with her, because she’s going to be challenged in her next match against Bojangles, which should be a seriously cracking, hard hitting match. Lucie, K-Zak, Pavs… and of course Sam and Kvitova on the other side. Scary. I think forcing Bepa to find her game early is going to be a positive thing however…
Quarterfinal: Kvitova vs. Bepa
Semifinals: Justine vs. Vika, Kim vs. Bepa
Final: Justine vs. Bepa
Champion: Vera Zvonareva
Stranger things have happened, my friends. In fact, stranger things will likely happen. What do you think? Feel free to leave a comment, and hit me with your predictions!
I just don’t see Bepa winning this… but hey, better her than Justine or Kim.
I haven’t seen Vika play this year yet, but she always does considerably well here and she had a good end of season last year… my money is on her…
[...] my ladies draw preview I went 5/8 with my quarterfinal predictions, pretty damn good considering it’s the WTA, and [...]