Official Site: Here
Draw: Here
Top Seeds: Wozniacki, Zvonareva, Sharapova, Azarenka, Li, Kvitova, Schiavone, Bartoli

Top Half, First Quarter

Initial Thoughts: The top quarter is always the top seeds to lose, and in this case, it is very much open for Wozniacki. Jarka, Kuz, and Dani all lurk in her eighth, with a smattering of other lower ranked, beatable players.

The second eighth is a different story. It is similarly underwhelming in overall quality, and on paper, it would be Nails/Petko in the round of 16. While the Chinese does have a habit of peaking for the majors, she’s had such a rough lead up, it’s really tough to know if that will be the case again. Even if she does get that far, I’m not sure I like her chances.

Look Out For… It’s happening today, so this is a tad late, but youngster Simona Halep has some solid game (especially when she can keep her head straight, which is rare) and takes on Nails Tuesday. That might get messy. Jie Zheng has also made a solid return to the tour, taking a set off Serena in Toronto and looking more than up to the task. A second round match-up with Petko could be a tricky one.

Predicted Quarterfinalists: Petkovic vs. Wozniacki

Top Half, Second Quarter

Initial Thoughts: This quarter is all about the possible third round match between Serena and Vika, one that looks very likely to happen. Azarenka has given Serena problems in the past, despite coming up rather short in Toronto. For me, her inability to adapt or mix it up in Toronto was a huge sticking point; it’s difficult to impossible to out hit Serena from the back of the court when she’s on. Regardless, that should be an intense, night time blockbuster match.

The flip side of the quarter, featuring Schiavone, Jankovic, MJMS, and Pavs is anyone’s guess.

Look Out For… Maria Jose Martinez Sanchez. A tricky player in an open draw. We’ve seen players like this sneak their way through draws, either in Toronto or Cincy or in slams of the past couple years, and she might just be this tournament’s “huh?” quarterfinalist.

Predicted Quarterfinalists: VWilliams vs. Schiavone

Bottom Half, Top Quarter

Initial Thoughts: Having completed most of the matches in this quarter, I am cheating a bit, but the only real upset was Kvitova which, in all honesty, was not insanely surprising.

All eyes are on Sharapova in this quarter, who has looked rather shakey all hard court season, and did so in her first match, rather unsurprisingly. Luckily for her, the draw is kind. Filled with mostly players she can simply hit off the court, she should be fine making it to the quarters. With her draw and form of late, Radwanska should be an almost automatic pick to ninja her way to the quarters.

Look Out For… Shuai Peng is the very type of player that can cause Sharapova problems. She absorbs pace well, can mix it up and play great defense. There still has to be some doubts about her health, however.
Lucie Safarova is another one to keep an eye on, quietly having a solid summer and could cause Radwanska problems if they meet.

Predicted Quarterfinalists: Radwanska vs. Sharapova

Bottom Half, Bottom Quarter

Initial Thoughts: This quarter must be the strongest overall, without a doubt, and the one likely to cause the most upset and produce some of the best tennis. Unproven youngsters, up-and-comers, steely veterans, you name it, this quarter has it.

Lisicki/VWilliams, Stosur/Petrova, Robson/Zvonareva, you name it. Huge matches early on, and it only gets juicier as the seeds collide.

Look Out For… Youngsters McHale (who gets Bartoli) Falconi (vs. Cibulkova) and Robson (vs. AMG) are all in this quarter and all have opponents they could beat. As well as being a feast for “big babe” style lovers, this could also provide a few surprises as well.

Predicted Quarterfinalists: Lisicki vs. Stosur

Predicted Semifinals: SWilliams vs. Petkovic, Sharapova vs. Stosur
Final: SWilliams vs. Sharapova
Champion: Serena Williams