Nick Wright previews this weekend's clash between York City Knights and Hull FC
Alex Reid looks at whether the once ever-present appearance of English clubs in the later stages of the Champions League is set to become a thing of the past
Craig Dobson looks at QPR's decision to sack Neil Warnock and replace him with Mark Hughes
James Tompkinson reviews an excellent pre-season victory for the York City Knights against Yorkshire rivals Leeds Rhinos
As the first Grand Slam of 2012 gets under way, here are my predictions for the women's draw...
Potential winners:
Serena Williams. It is almost impossible to rule Serena out from winning any grand slam draw she occupies. I don’t see too many players in her side of the draw that she will fear with the possible exception of Petra Kvitova. I think Kvitova might just have too much for her in that match, do not rule her out from going all the way and winning the title though. Prediction: Semi final loss to Kvitova. Petra Kvitova. After a hugely impressive 2011, Kvitova will be looking to try and take the title and, in the process, take the number one ranking. She will be looking to go substantially further than her quarter final exit last year. I find it hard to see her being knocked out before the semi-finals looking at her draw. She has so much to play for, and after winning the end of season masters tournament at the end of 2011 she should be full of confidence. I back her to take the first grand slam of 2012. Prediction: Ladies singles champion.
Caroline Wozniaki. Having spent so long as the world number one and having not managed to win a grand slam throughout that spell I find it hard to see Wozniacki triumphing in Melbourne this year. She has a tough draw, probably having to face Li Na or Clijsters before the semi-finals. Prediction: Quarter final loss to Li Na. Li Na. Having won the French Open last year and having taken Clijsters close in the final last year in Australia Li Na could definitely win the title this year. Having beaten Kvitova recently in Sydney, she will feel confident if she goes into a match against the young Czech. Prediction: runner up. Kim Clijsters. Having struggled with a hip injury in Brisbane, Clijsters may struggle to make an impact at this year’s championships. I think she will come unstuck before the final. Prediction: Fourth round loss to Li Na.
Victoria Azarenka. Having had a fantastic start to the year winning the title in Sydney where she beat Li Na in the final she has the potential to go all the way. I think in a grand slam the occasion might get to her, having only reached one grand slam semi-final in the rest of her career. Prediction: Semi-final loss to Li Na. Maria Sharapova: Always one to watch due her powerful ground strokes and great mental strength, I can’t see her winning the title this year. As the fourth seed, I did not feel I could omit her from this list. Having pulled out of the tournament in Brisbane earlier this month with an injury I find it hard to see her doing that well. Prediction: quarter finals at best.
Brit watch:
Laura Robson: Having done really well to get through qualifying, Robson will be looking to get some solid results in grand slam tournaments this year. Having a first round draw against Jelena Jankovic, the thirteenth seed probably won’t help. She might take Jankovic to three sets but it is hard to see her getting to the second round. Prediction: First round exit.
Heather Watson: If you thought Robson’s draw was bad, check out Heather Watson’s. She plays third see Azarenka in the first round. Hopefully the experience of playing such a good player will benefit her in the long run but I don’t think there is much chance of an upset here. Prediction: straight sets first round loss. Anne Keothavong: At first glance Anne’s draw against Barthel, a 21 year old German, who I admit I had not heard of and had to google may seem pretty nice. Having completed by google search I discovered she has just won her first ATP title. It is fair to say she riding the crest of a wave. Keothavong still has a good chance if any complacency slips into her opponent’s game but the form book would suggest Barthel will triumph in this encounter. Prediction: First round exit.
Elena Baltacha: Baltacha has a good draw against the little known French player Stephanie Foretz Gacon, expect her to win comfortably before in the first round before a probable second round meeting with Kim Clijsters. If Clijsters doesn’t play particularly well I think Baltacha has a chance, not a very big chance admittedly. Prediction: Second round exit.
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