Australian Open Day 3 – Three women’s matches to watch

The first few days at any Grand Slam are a landmine of exciting matches spread out across the grounds. With the second round gettingunderway in Melbourne tomorrow, here is our look at the matches to keep an eye out for on Wednesday in the women’s draw.

(9) Samantha Stosur vs. Jie Zheng

Samantha Stosur has a lot of game. But she also has the ability to choke when the pressure gets high. In that context, I’m not sure if weshould be surprised that Stosur has won ONLY one Grand Slam title. Or be surprised that she actually MANAGED to win a grand slam. Stosur has struggled to play at home ever since she won the US Open (1-3 last year and 1-3 this year in Australian events) and was not convincing in her first round win. Stosur will need to be on top of her nerves against world no. 40 Jie Zheng.

Zheng has beaten the Australian twice in their five meetings including and most importantly in their meeting last week in Sydney in a third set tiebreaker. The Chinese player likes playing in Melbourne. She has reached the semifinals here a few years ago. And Zheng can hit big off both her forehand and backhand and she is not susceptible to buckling under pressure either. To sum it up, Stosur could be headed for another early exit in her home slam tomorrow.

Prediction – Zheng wins in straight sets

(30) Tamira Paszek vs. Madison Keys

This should be a nice baseline battle to watch. The Austrian Paszek can hit a smooth forehand and an even smoother backhand but came into Melbourne on a four match losing streak. And Paszek will need to play her best against 17 year old Madison Keys. The American won the USTA wildcard playoff for the second year in a row to earn her spot in the main draw. Keys is touted by many, including the legendary Chris Evert, to be a future champion and last week in Sydney, in just her 8th WTA main draw event, she went all the way to the quarter finals.

Keys is ready to step into the spotlight and this year could be her breakthrough season.

Prediction – Keys wins in straight sets

(24) Venus Williams vs. Alize Cornet

Venus Williams’ past success and recent health problems have been well documented. But the 32-year old seems to be headed in the right direction. Venus won all her three matches at the Hopman Cup and looked superb in her first round match. She is 2-0 against her second round opponent Alize Cornet, currently ranked 41st in the world but a former world no. 11. The thing to worry about Venus is that due to Sjorgen’s Sydrome, she is always going to be vulnerable to fatigue and joint pains. On a good day, Cornet’s loopy top spin groundstrokes and moonballs should not bother Venus much. But if Venus is not in top physical shape and the heat rises in Melbourne, Cornet could give Venus a lot to think about.

Prediction – Venus wins in straight sets