The first day of Stanford saw a rather weighty shock as Sam Stosur was beaten by the world number 406, Naomi Osaka, 4-6 7-6(7) 7-5 in two hours and 30 minutes.  This was Sam’s first match of the hard court season, but it is a little worrying and particularly, with the recent changes in her backroom staff.  Stosur parted ways with Miles Maclagan during the grass court season and is now being coached by Nick Kyrgios’s former coach, Simon Reas.  Second round action in Stanford begins on Wednesday with four matches on the schedule.

Poll Results: After over 100 votes, 31% have gone for Serena Williams to win Stanford.   Ana Ivanovic came in second place with 23% and Agnieszka Radwanska in third place with 12%.

1. Serena Williams v Karolina Pliskova (Stanford, R2)

Serena Williams will play her first match since that odd doubles encounter on Court No.1 at Wimbledon.  In an article in The Telegraph, Serena said she was bed-ridden for days with a virus (see HERE).  The amount of coverage the doubles match received and the speculation about what was wrong with her was OTT.  People get ill.

After early losses at the French Open and Wimbledon to Garbine Muguruza and Alize Cornet respectively, Serena has a lot to prove.  Her first opponent is Karolina Pliskova, who comfortably defeated Kimiko Date-Krumm, 6-1 6-3 in the first round.  Pliskova has had a good year so far and has weapons to hurt Serena.  Her movement though remains an issue.  This will be the first career match-up between the pair.  It will be fascinating to see how Serena gets on.  I think she’ll come through in straight sets, but I am expecting a reasonably competitive match.

Prediction: Serena d. Ka. Pliskova in 2 sets (1 tight, 1 easy)

WTA Stanford 2nd Round Predictions

Andrea Petkovic d. Naomi Osaka in 2 sets

Monica Puig d. Sachia Vickery in 2 tight sets

Agnieszka Radwanska d. Varvara Lepchenko in 2 sets