It’s quarterfinals day at the Moorilla Hobart International today. We preview the centre court singles action and look at the crystal ball to predict a winner.
Sorana Cirstea (ROU) v [4] Angelique Kerber (GER)
The first meeting between the pair. Cirstea has been playing well above her ranking of 60 and more at her highest ranking of 23. While erratic at times the Romanian pulls out the right shots at the right time. Her heavy groundstrokes were too much for last year’s finalist Bethanie Mattek-Sands in the second round. It’s going to be a challenge against Kerber who’s been untroubled through the tournament so far. Reaching a career-high ranking off the back of a breakout 2011, Kerber has build a game that can trouble the best in the world and will be hard to beat.
VERDICT: Kerber in three sets.
Jarmila Gajdosova (AUS) v [Q] Mona Barthel (GER)
The Aussie scraped through against countrywoman Anastasia Rodionova 6-4 in the third set in cool conditions. The defending champion will be looking for a more consistent performance against the qualifier from Germany. Her big forehand, particularly off the return of serve will be a highlight. Barthel caused a big upset knocking off the number two seed Anabel Medina-Garrigues in straight sets. Having won five matches to get to this stage, Barthel has played with incredible confidence and will have nothing to lose.
VERDICT: Gajdosova in three sets.
[1] Yanina Wickmayer (BEL) v Simona Halep (ROU)
The number one seed has not put a foot wrong in this tournament, convincing in her two matches here so far. Strong from the back of the court and showing great intensity, the Belgian deserves to be favourite for the tournament. Halep has scored some tough wins over quality opponents and will need to be at her best to win today. The pair have met twice with Wickmayer winning both encounters in straight sets.
VERDICT: Wickmayer in straight sets.
Anna Chakvetadze (RUS) v [6] Shahar Peer (ISR)
Chakvetadze has shown throughout this tournament the form that took her to the 2007 title. Two strong straight sets wins in her comeback to tennis has shown she’ll be rising up the rankings again in 2012. Peer struggled in tough conditions against the Aussie Sacha Jones, but showed all her experience to get through. The head to head is 4-2 in favour of the Russian, all have been in straight sets. This promises to be a good match.
VERDICT: Chakvetadze in three sets.