In Hopman Cup action today, Serena Williams edged past Lucie Safarova in three tight sets, 6-3 6-7(1) 7-6(6). It was an encouraging result for Lucie although she did have some chances to close out the match, having served for the win at *6-5 in the third set. Once again, she came soooo close to a notable win, but there are many positives to take away from the match. Czech Republic lost all three matches so USA progressed to the final. Brisbane semi-finals feature the top two seeds and two surprise names in Elina Svitolina and Varvara Lepchenko. Can they upset Maria and Ana? Read on to hear my thoughts.
1. Maria Sharapova v Elina Svitolina (Brisbane, SF)
Two matches in to the new season and Maria Sharapova has yet to be tested in Brisbane. She has lost just five games so far and was never troubled in a comfortable 6-1 6-3 victory over Carla Suarez Navarro. Sharapova next faces Elina Svitolina, who upset Angelique Kerber with a come-from-behind victory, 4-6 7-5 6-3. Kerber led by a set and a double break, but was unable to bring home the bacon. It was a disappointing loss for Kerber, who has taken some hefty defeats in the last year. I really enjoy watching her play and she’s going to be there or thereabouts around the top ten, but i’m still not sure she has the authority and belief to advance up the rankings in 2015. Svitolina continues to produce solid performances and this has been a very encouraging start to the year for her. In their only previous match, Sharapova defeated Svitolina in Beijing, 6-2 6-2. I’d fancy a reasonably straightforward victory for Maria…
Prediction: Sharapova d. Svitolina in 2 sets
2. Ana Ivanovic v Varvara Lepchenko (Brisbane, SF)
Ana Ivanovic dropped her first set of the tournament, but recovered well to beat the 2012 Brisbane champion, Kaia Kanepi, 4-6 6-4 6-3. Kanepi had led 5-0 in the first set before nearly losing complete control. Kanepi upset Andrea Petkovic in the first round and appears to be fit and healthy again. Her hitting at times is punishing, but the nerves still continue to be a factor. Ivanovic now takes on Varvara Lepchenko in the semi-finals. Lepchenko has had a great week, defeating Sam Stosur, Madison Keys and Alla Kudryavtseva. She was the underdog in the first two matches, but was the favourite to defeat Kudryavtseva. She delivered, winning in two tight sets. In their only previous match, Ivanovic came from a set down to beat Lepchenko in Beijing in 2012, 4-6 7-5 6-1. I’m pretty sure Ana saved multiple match points in that one. Lepchenko has been impressive this week and although i’m going straight sets for Ana, I don’t think it will be an easy match for her.
Prediction: Ivanovic d. Lepchenko in 2 tight sets
Moo's Tennis Blog 
GREAT match from Ivanovic. She still doesn’t look 100% but Lepchenko looked like she was destined to upset and was playing some breathtaking tennis, so Ana should feel pretty great for battling to the win.
This will put her back inside the top 5 for the Aus Open.
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Svitolina was really disappointing today. Timid serving and she kept hitting the ball to the centre of the court where Sharapova could swing at it. When she did stretch Maria she won the points though. The only thing Sharapova did really impress me with was her service. Her first serve is better than it has been for years but her second serve is better than it has EVER been!
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