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On Tap: Rome WTA Preview


By Erik Gudris
 Photo Credit: Ralf Reinecke
Maria Sharapova prepares to hit a forehand(May 12, 2012) Maria Sharapova disproved her own description of herself as a "cow on ice" when it comes to playing on clay after she won Rome last year. But can she repeat as champion in a crowded field of Roland Garros contenders?

Internazionali BNL d'Italia
WTA Premier
64 Draw
Prize Money: €2,427,975
View Draw Here

Top seed Victoria Azarenka should get through her early rounds though she could possibly face Dominika Cibulkova who almost took her out in Miami back in March. A potential quarterfinal rematch against Li Na who she defeated in three sets in Madrid also looms. Could Azarenka suffer a letdown and lose early or is she poised to reach another semifinal?

Waiting for Azarenka in the semifinal could once again be Agnieszka Radwanska, but it doesn't look likely. That's because Serena Williams has landed in this section and though Williams might get yet another tough battle against Caroline Wozniacki early on, Williams looks focused to claim yet another clay court title before Paris.

No. 4 seed Petra Kvitova is starting to get a few question marks next to her name heading into Paris. She hasn't reached a final all year and her loss to fellow Czech Lucie Hradecka in Madrid, though understandable considering Hradecka's play all week on the blue clay, didn't exactly help Kvitova's chances to be considered as a real contender for Paris.

Kvitova's draw in Rome looks like it should be the kind that helps her reach the semis, but the possibility of meeting No. 12 seed Angelique Kerber in the quarters makes that an iffy prospect. Kerber, with her recent success, has got Roland Garros darkhorse written all over her. And with Kvitova known for being up and down lately, a down day for Kvitova could be all thumbs up for Kerber.

No. 2 seed Maria Sharapova has a tricky yet doable draw at least in the early rounds. A possible meeting against rising American Christina McHale might go three sets depending how in form McHale is that day. But even with wildcard Venus Williams looming, expect No. 5 seed Sam Stosur to once again face the Russian in the quarterfinals.

Stosur has had a consistent clay court season so far and she came very close to beating Sharapova in Stuttgart. Stosur's game, especially her backhand, have improved since last year and she could well take out Sharapova should they meet. Though watch out for Italy's Sara Errani, to possibly sneak in and face Sharapova instead.

Bottom Line: Rome could well end up being the bellwether event that determines who will do well in Paris. Serena Williams looks as focused as ever and a complete sweep of her three clay court events is not out of the question.

Semifinals: Azarenka v. Williams/Kerber v. Stosur
Finals: Williams defeats Stosur

 

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