I'm gonna break the draws down into the Rd of 16 match ups and look at the section of the draw they belong to. Hope that makes sense!
Justine Henin (1) v. Tatiana Golovin (13)
I expect that Justine will remain unchallenged until the semifinals. I don't consider Maria a really huge threat. Justine will have to play well be she has way to many shots and too many brains to be beaten by Maria on this new surface. The most interesting match in this first section has to be Emilie Loit versus Francesca Schiavone. Naturally it will be played out on Court 18 and will get no mention in the media but I can't say I am shocked about that. Women players outside the Top 6 are treated like second class citizens at the Slams by the media and probably always will be. Keen tennis fans will be interested in that match however. It's about the only highlight in that section. Justine could probably get through playing left handed.
Elena Dementieva (13) v. Maria Sharapova (5)
The most anticipated match up in the first week in the women's draw will potentially come out of this section. If Lindsay Davenport and Maria Sharapova win their first matches they will play in the second round. Lindsay was the dangerous floater and Maria was unlucky to score that prize. I have this feeling that Lindsay is perhaps still a little underdone to win at the absolute top level but it will be fascinating to see how Maria handles the challenge this early. I only hope it lives up to expectations. I can't wait! I expect Maria to come out of this section to face Justine in the quarterfinals but maybe Dementieva will continue to surprise me and get yet another big win over a higher ranked opponent. (Yes, I do think she is overrated!)
Justine Henin (1) v. Tatiana Golovin (13)
I expect that Justine will remain unchallenged until the semifinals. I don't consider Maria a really huge threat. Justine will have to play well be she has way to many shots and too many brains to be beaten by Maria on this new surface. The most interesting match in this first section has to be Emilie Loit versus Francesca Schiavone. Naturally it will be played out on Court 18 and will get no mention in the media but I can't say I am shocked about that. Women players outside the Top 6 are treated like second class citizens at the Slams by the media and probably always will be. Keen tennis fans will be interested in that match however. It's about the only highlight in that section. Justine could probably get through playing left handed.
Elena Dementieva (13) v. Maria Sharapova (5)
The most anticipated match up in the first week in the women's draw will potentially come out of this section. If Lindsay Davenport and Maria Sharapova win their first matches they will play in the second round. Lindsay was the dangerous floater and Maria was unlucky to score that prize. I have this feeling that Lindsay is perhaps still a little underdone to win at the absolute top level but it will be fascinating to see how Maria handles the challenge this early. I only hope it lives up to expectations. I can't wait! I expect Maria to come out of this section to face Justine in the quarterfinals but maybe Dementieva will continue to surprise me and get yet another big win over a higher ranked opponent. (Yes, I do think she is overrated!)
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Jelena Jankovic (3) v. Patty Schnyder (15)
Throw in a couple of french players named Mauresmo and Razzano and this section begins to look like one of the most interesting. Jankovic is the favoured player but what I have seen of her already this summer she isn't looking at her best. I am sure the injury at the Hopman Cup didn't help and she will have her work cut out for her from the very first match. Tamara Paszek is potentially a Top 10 player and if Jelena doesn't bring her 'A' game to that match she could be a first round casualty. Mauresmo has had a tough lead up (more leg injury worries for Amelie) but this surface should suit her game well considering how nicely slice and volleys seem to take to this court. I wouldn't be surprised to see Amelie come out of this section to make the quarter finals.
Nicole Vaidisova (12) v. Serena Williams (7)
Serena is a popular choice to defend her title this year. Fitter than she has been in a long time I cannot label her as anything other than a serious threat. No doubt Justine's #1 threat. Vaidisova played well in Sydney but I can't see her beating Serena. It will be interesting to see if Alicia Molik can win her first match to set up a meeting with Vaidisova. I would give Alicia a small chance with the home court advantage. Zvonereva must be in serious doubt after injuring herself in Hobart. Last seen on crutches it would appear unlikely that she will take her place in the draw.
Venus Williams (8) v. Marion Bartoli (10)
Venus should have no trouble getting through her first 3 matches to set up a potential Wimbledon final repeat with Marion but I still think Marion could struggle regardless of her opponent. Her fitness or lack thereof should surely count against her in the Australian sun. Watch out for Camille Pin as a second round opponent for Venus. She probably won't win but I like her game and she should give Venus a really good match.
Dinara Safina (16) v. Ana Ivanovic (4)
As far as I can tell temperamental behaviour runs in the family Safin/Safina. Dinara is such a capable player but drops the ball (excuse the pun!) way to often for someone with her physique and ability. Heinz Gunthardt is her coach now, I don't know for how long but maybe his influence can help her but probably not this week. Ivanovic is supremely talented but a bit like Safina tends to lose the plot out there. However if she can contain her errors and get on a roll with her serve she could potentially make the final here. She has a great draw! It's the time to start playing as well has her Q rating is performing. Her choice of Yonex racquets makes me happy. I love my Yonex!
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Anna Chadkvetadze (6) v. Daniela Hantuchova (9)
The section of tears. OK that's mean - Daniela doesn't cry anymore and I hope she uses her new found form and confidence to knock out one of the most grating players on the tour out of the tournament before the end of the first week. Chadkvetadze has an annoying name, an annoyingly boring game, an annoying Anna Kournikova ponytail and an annoying penchant for acting like a child when things aren't going her way. Don't even get me started on her father/coach. Apparently her pet peeve is mean people! I guess I'm now a pet peeve! The sooner she falls the better - Go Andrea Petrovic!!
Nadia Petrova (14) v. Svetlana Kuznetsova (2)
Nadia Petrova is actually playing?? I can't remember the last time I heard anything about her. I am surprised she is seeded!! Good luck to her - she's a fun player to watch when she is playing well. If Svetlana can somehow find a way to not convince herself she shouldn't beat Natalie Dechy she should sail through this quarter to the semis. She's an amazing athlete and player but I can't help but think she doesn't believe she should beat the top ranked players. How she gets into that head space with her ability is beyond me. This draw could favour her and if she can make the final I hope she really believes she deserves to be there and she can win it!! Go Sveta! Make Emilio proud!
My Predictions
QTR
Henin v. Sharapova
Mauresmo v. S. Williams
V. Williams v. Ivanovic
Hantuchova v. Kuznetsova
SEMI
Henin v. S. Williams
Ivanovic v. Kuznetsova
FINAL
S. Williams v. Ivanovic
WINNER
S. Williams
