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The Australian Open draw has been compiled. Here some thoughts about the most interesting points.
Azarenka vs. Stephens
We have a very tasty 1st round between Vika Azarenka and Sloane Stephens. This is the 3rd consecutive time they play each other at the Australian Open and Vika has never conceded more than 5 games to Slaone, but.. do you remember the drama in 2012?
Bouchard vs. Sharapova
The 2015 draw may give us another chapter of the Bouchard / Sharapova rivalry. Genie is widely considered as Maria’s heiress, but the Russian wants to keep her supremacy. They should clash in the quarters and so far Maria leads Genie 3-0 in H2H matches. Genie will do everything to reverse that.
Serena vs. Caroline
Caroline Wozniacki will face her dear friend Serena Williams on her way once again. They should clash in the quarters, but even if Serena leads 10-1 in H2H matches, this time Caro has good chances to beat her.
Can Ivanovic make it?
This can be Ana Ivanovic’s slam. The Serbian Beauty is in great form, she has matured a lot in the last few months and she had a good draw. Ana fell in the same quarter of Simona Halep, but the Romanian has been struggling with a nasty gastroenteritis that is compromising her preparation. Before playing Simona, Ana may play either Pliskova (the Czech should be quite tired after a great run in Sydney where she is currently playing the final) or Makarova (not in ominous form). So Ana has definitely a shot at this slam to avenge her poor performance in majors in 2014.
Projected quarters
Serena – Wozniacki
Radwanska – Kvitova
Ivanovic – Halep
Bouchard – Sharapova
The favorite?
This time we go for Maria Sharapova (still the favorite according to our polls) that is in great form, then Serena, Wozniacki and Ivanovic may have good chances. Simona Halep’s chances depends on her fitness.