Venus Williams (USA) vs. Sara Errani (ITA)
Heading into this match, there are plenty of questions surrounding Venus Williams’ health. She hasn’t played since losing in the semis of the 2010 US Open to Kim Clijsters and that isn’t a good sign. She’s a former finalist down under, but that was a long time ago (2003).
This will be a tough match for Venus as Errani has beaten some good players, including Kleybanova and she almost beat Stosur and Jankovic last year. Errani is a runner and will track down the extra ball or two which is not good for Venus.
This match really depends on Venus’ health. If she is healthy, serving well, and winning easy points than she will advance. If Errani is able to make her work and force her to hit an extra shot or two, this could spell early doom for the American. I have to give the edge to Venus, but don’t be surprised to see this go the distance pending her health.
Nick’s Pick – V. Williams in 3 sets
Jelena Jankovic (SRB) vs. Alla Kudryavtseva (RUS)
Since winning Indian Wells last year and getting back to #2 in the world in the summer of 2010, Jankovic has really struggled. She has won nine matches since last year’s French Open, but she is feeling good, has a new coach and hopefully can remain focused.
This is a really a one-man boxing match. If Jankovic can keep herself together and keep her confidence up then she will be in good shape, if not Kudryavtseva could have a chance. I look for Jankovic to advance, but keep an eye on her to see how she plays. I am interested to see what is in store for her in 2011. She has all the tools, it’s all about her mental strength.
Nick’s Pick – Jankovic in 2 sets
Yanina Wickmaer (BEL) vs. Jarmila Groth (AUS)
I am very interested in this match because Wickmayer just reached the finals at Auckland before losing to Great Arn in straight sets. She is currently #23 in the world and made the fourth round here last year.
Groth is a very aggressive right-handed who comes in ranked #40 in the world. She will be playing in front of her home fans, which may be a good thing or a bad thing depending on how relaxed she is. She has really climbed the rankings in the last year and she is a dangerous player.
This is the second meeting between these two, and Wickmayer won the first back in 2009 in three sets. Wickmayer loves to bang the ball from both sides and she is a tough competitor. On the other hand, Groth isn’t a push-over and playing in front of her fans could give her an edge. You have to give Wickmayer the advantage, but don’t be shocked if she is pushed or even takes a loss.
Nick’s Pick – Wickmayer in 3, but this could be an upset!
Kim Clijsters (BEL) vs. Dinara Safina (RUS)
Clijsters is the odds-on favorite to win this tournament and for good reason. She just lost to Li Na in the finals of Sydney so I am sure she is going to use that as fuel for the Aussie Open. Li Na is just the type of opponent that can give Clijsters a hard time though because of how early she hits the ball and her consistency across the baseline.
I can’t remember the last time Safina won a big match. The former world #1 has slipped all the way #65 and has really struggled over the last year or so. She was a finalist here back in 2009, but she lost in the first round of both the 2010 French Open and 2010 US Open. I have to think that this is going to be another first round loss for Safina.
Clijsters is 7-2 against Safina and won their only match in 2010 in straight sets. I look for Clijsters to win this match and make a deep run in this tournament.
Nick’s Pick – Clijsters in 2 sets
A couple of other first round matches to keep your eyes on:
Caroline Wozniacki vs. Gisela Dulko – Tough match for the world #1 and with her racket, new dress and new ranking how will she fair against this feisty veteran?
Maria Sharapova vs. Tamarine Tanasugarn – Sharapova spent about a month here training over the break and looked great. She showed no effects of an injury and has a new coach on her team in Thomas Hogstedt, and he is excellent. I am looking forward to watching her play.
Sam Stosur vs. Lauren Davis – Davis won the Eddie Herr, Orange Bowl and the Wildcard playoff to earn a ticket to Oz. I don’t think she has ever seen a serve or spin that Stosur has. This will be fun to watch, but I think Stosur will advance easily.
Vera Zvonareva vs. Sybille Bammer – The world #2 opens with a test from the veteran Bammer. Zvonareva trained here during the break and seemed to be in great spirits. Can she made a deep run and capture her first Grand Slam title?
