Nick’s Picks will be coming to you live from The Sony Ericsson Open from March 25th-29th. Follow along for predictions, picks, and insight into the tournament on the blog and on TennisWeek.com.
Daniela Hantuchova (SVK) vs. Melanie Oudin (USA)
Hantuchova has been injured as of late, but just has a nice run to the fourth round of Indian Wells last week. She has always been one of my favorite students since she trained back at the Academy when she was a young girl. She has been to the third round in Miami for the last three years.
Oudin is a young American who had great success as a junior. She comes into the tournament ranked #176 in the world, and has a solid win over Jill Craybas earlier this year.
Match-Up:
This is the first career meeting between Oudin and Hantuchova. Oudin is a good mover, has a solid backhand and is a fighter. She will not give in to Hantuchova whatsoever, but she may not be able to overpower her either. When healthy, Hatuchova has some of the best groundstrokes on the WTA Tour. She is not afraid to come to the net, and she is a great doubles player. I feel her relentless pressure gives her the edge in this match.
Nick’s Pick - Hantuchova in 3 sets
Nicole Vaidisova (CZE) vs. Patricia Mayr (AUT)
Vaidisova had two solid wins last week at Indian Wells, defeating Michaella Krajicek and Alona Bondarenko. She has had good success here in the past, reaching the quarterfinals back in 2007.
Mayr qualified for Sony with a good win over Marta Domachowska on Tuesday. She is a 22-year old who comes into the tournament ranked #79 in the world. She did reach the second round of the Aussie Open this year and reached the semis in Bogota in February.
Match-Up:
This is the first career meeting between Vaidisova and Mayr. Vaidisova has been working hard on her game over the last couple of months and is in great shape. She is hitting her groundstrokes with confidence, the serve is clicking and she seems ready to go again. If she can move well and control the match from the outset then she will move on. If she let Mayr gain confidence then she could be in some trouble.
Nick’s Pick - Vaidisova in 3 sets
Ayumi Morita (JPN) vs. Michaella Krajicek (NED)
Morita qualified for the tournament with a straight-set victory over American Vania King. She comes to Miami ranked #81 in the world and with a 6-7 record on the year, but she is a good young player with a bright future.
Krajicek fought with injuries last year, but she is now healthy and playing well again. She is now training at the Nick Bollettieri Tennis Academy with her outstanding coach, Allistair McCaw. She has been ranked as high as #30 in the world and I believe she will get back into the top-30 soon.
Match-Up:
Morita is 1-0 against Krajicek, with that win coming earlier this year in Auckland. Krajicek hits the ball hard, is very aggressive and covers the court well. Her serve is not easy to challenge, and her second serve is tough too when she goes for it. The key to Krajicek’s game is to stay positive no matter what happens. Morita moves well laterally, but she won’t overpower anyone. Krajicek cannot become impatient when Morita retrieves some of her better shots. She must hit a few extra balls and stay upbeat all the time.
Nick’s Pick - Krajicek in 2, could go 3 (but she will still pull it out!)
Shahar Peer (ISR) vs. Tami Hendler (BEL)
Peer had it rolling for a few years, with most of her success was based on her movement and a strong will to win. She comes into this tournament ranked #46 in the world and has a 5-5 record on the year. She could use a good tournament to get herself back on track.
Hendler grew up at the NBTA, and she is now playing for Belgium in Fed Cup events. She received a wild card into the main draw here, and has a great spirit on the court. Look out for her in the next couple of years.
Match-Up:
This is the first career meeting between Peer and Hendler. Like I said before, Peer is a fighter, but so is Hendler. There is no ball this young Belgian won’t try and get. She must go for winners constantly and try to control the court at all times. Peer must dominate the court and force Hendler to run for every ball. Also, Hendler is going to have to have a real big serving day. The longer this match goes on, the more I give the edge to Peer, but don’t forget that Hendler will not give up!
Nick’s Pick - Peer in 3 sets
