Injuries and retirements may have dampened this first week of WTA tennis slightly, but Brisbane and Auckland are both set for really super showdowns.  In yesterday’s poll, 59% of people incorrectly went for Jankovic to beat Azarenka.  I also thought Jankovic would win and I was surprised that the majority agreed with me!

Serena Williams v Victoria Azarenka (WTA Brisbane, F)

Victoria Azarenka

A blockbuster showdown is all set for the first weekend of the 2014 tennis season as the top two players in the world, Serena Williams and Victoria Azarenka will meet in the final of Brisbane.  Azarenka was first into the final as she showed impressive resolve to fight back from losing the first set to Jelena Jankovic, 1-6 6-3 6-4.  Azarenka improved as the match drew on as Jankovic admitted that she tired in the second and third sets.  I was still not impressed by Azarenka’s performance as for the third match in a row she failed to serve it out, but what was on display was her determination and fight.

In the late night match, Serena booked her place in the final with a 6-2 7-6(7) victory over Maria Sharapova.  Sharapova had her chances, but Serena, who was serving well below her best, held on for a straight sets win.  Azarenka has proved in her last two matches with Serena that she can run the world number one close.  She laboured through much of the US Open last year before bringing out her best tennis in the final as she consistently upset Serena’s rhythm.  I do like this match-up; however so early in the season, I think Serena will win relatively comfortably.

Prediction: Serena to beat Azarenka in 2 sets (1 easy, 1 tight)

Venus Williams v Ana Ivanovic (WTA Auckland, F)

In a rather suprising turn of events for an International event, the two most talked about players in the draw, Venus Williams and Ana Ivanovic have progressed to what could be a quite majestic finale in Auckland.  Venus didn’t have to hit a ball as her proposed semi-final opponent, Jamie Hampton joined the long list of week one casualties.  Ivanovic enjoyed her best win of the year rankings wise as she defeated Kirsten Flipkens, 6-0 7-6(3).  Venus holds a dominant lead in her head-to-head with 8 wins to 1 over Ivanovic.  The only victory for the Serb came at the Australian Open in 2008.  It is important to note that Ivanovic has not won a title since the end of 2011 and when faced with a title opportunity in Linz at the end of last year, she looked incredibly on edge and a bag of nerves.  Venus has the obvious edge over Ivanovic in the head-to-head and I think she will carry that through in what should be a really fantastic final.

Prediction: Venus to beat Ivanovic in 3 sets

WTA Shenzhen Final Prediction

Li Na to beat Peng Shuai in 3 sets