Day 3 action is underway at the Moorilla Hobart International. We preview the centre court action and look at the crystal ball to predict a winner.
Lucie Hradecka (CZE) v Shahar Peer (ISR) (6)
The player from the Czech Republic beat the No.2 seed last week in Auckland en route to the quarterfinals and won the doubles title. Ranked 49 in the world, Hradecka is locked at one all head to head. Peer lost a tough three setter against Andrea Petkovic last week in Brisbane and comes to this event fresh from a year where she reached her highest ranking (11). Peer likes to counter-punch from the back of the court and will be tough to beat.
VERDICT: Peer to win in straight sets.
Anna Chakvetadze (RUS) v Tsvetana Pironkova (BUL)
A welcome return to Hobart for the 2007 winner – Chakvetadze was super impressive in her 6-0 6-4 win over Monica Niculescu. She comes up against the Wimbledon quarterfinalist ranked 48 in the world who survived a tight three setter against qualifier Heather Watson (7-6 in the third). Pironkova has come off an 0-3 Hopman Cup campaign not winning a match in a tough group with the world No.1 and two in the world.
VERDICT: Chakvetadze in three sets.
Sorana Cirstea (ROU) v Bethanie Mattek-Sands (USA)
It was an impressive performance from Cirstea upsetting the seventh seed Ksenia Pervak in straight sets. Mattek-Sands was too strong for young Aussie Ashleigh Barty and knows she will need to step up her game if she’s to advance. The American says she’s feeling good following her recovery from injury has good memories of Centre Court, reaching the final last year.
VERDICT: Mattek-Sands to win in three.
Carla Suarez-Navaro (ESP) v Anabel Medina-Garrigues (ESP)
The night session wraps up with an all Spanish clash. The number two seed is more known as a clay courter but likes playing on hard courts. The Fed Cup teammates are locked a one a piece head to head. Medina will be looking to stay away from her Fed Cup teammate’s one handed backhand and will look to use her extensive doubles experience at the net. They know each other’s games pretty well so this will be an interesting clash.
VERDICT: Medina-Garrigues in straight sets.
Yanina Wickmayer (BEL) (1) v Casey Dellacqua (AUS)
The top seed worked hard but was too classy for Kiwi Marina Erakovic winning in straight sets. Wickmayer showing no signs of that back injury that derailed her 2011. Rock solid from the back of the court, Wickmayer will be hard to stop. Dellacqua fought hard and got the three set result over Voskoboeva and will need to be at her best to trouble the top seed.
VERDICT: Wickmayer in three sets.