US Open draws are released this evening at 5pm UK time! The US Open is going to be fascinating with both draws set to be wide open.  I felt really flat about last year’s US Open, but I am much more excited about the 2014 edition.  I’ve got no idea who I will be picking this year.  Many thanks to everyone who has read and left nice comments about my article on Lucie Safarova (if you missed it, you can read it HERE).  I was absolutely chuffed that Lucie retweeted it on her Twitter profile.  This will be my last preview from New Haven as attention switches to the US Open…

1. Garbine Muguruza v Camila Giorgi (WTA New Haven, QF)

Camila Giorgi and Garbine Muguruza are two of the most promising prospects on the WTA and they like to hit the ball… HARD.  They will meet in the third of the quarter-finals in New Haven.  Giorgi took out Caroline Wozniacki, 6-4 6-2 in the second round.  It was an excellent performance from Giorgi, who managed to find the court more often that not and was very dynamic in her movement around the court.  There never looks to be much tactics from Giorgi other than destroy the ball but on this occasion, she completely overpowered Wozniacki, who looked a little flat and sluggish.  This is the first time Wozniacki has even fallen before the semi-finals at New Haven.  However I think she could do with a few days off before the US Open after deep runs in Canada and Cincy so the loss was not worrying in the slightest.  If she draws Giorgi at the US Open that would be a worry though!

Muguruza has needed three sets in both of her matches, losing the middle set in wins over Sara Errani and Peng Shuai.  Muguruza has been pretty streaky in her recent matches, but she’s been pulling out some decent wins.  Giorgi won their only previous match in Madrid, 2013.  After having the pleasure of watching Giorgi (on this occasion), she has the edge over Muguruza for me.

Prediction: Giorgi d. Muguruza in 3 lopsided sets

WTA New Haven Quarter-Final Predictions

Magdalena Rybarikova d. Alison Riske in 3 sets

Sam Stosur d. Kirsten Flipkens in 2 sets

Petra Kvitova d. Barbora Zahlavova Strycova in 2 sets (the tournament I lose faith in Petra and she produces a great win… always the case!)