Australian Open Day 2: Match of the Day

Maria Kirilenko vs. Jarmila Gajdosova

This is a tough draw for both players.  Kirilenko comes into the event ranked #29 and Gajdosova #39.

They have played once before and that was last year at Madrid.  Gajdosova won in a tiebreaker in the 3rd set, and I expect it to be just as close this time around.

This could be a make or break year for Kirilenko, will she move intothe upper echelon on women's tennis or will she remain in the upper 20's to 30's? 

One thing we know about Gajdosova is she doesn't get cheated on her swings at the ball.  Like a homerun hitter in baseball, she takes her cuts.  If she keeps the ball in play and stays mentally tough she has a good chance.  I like the consistency of Kirilenko to pull it out 6-4 in the third.

Wimbledon Day 6 Match of the Day: Kirilenko vs. S. Williams

A 3rd round match on Court 1 that will actually tell us where Serena is in her comeback right now.

Maria Kirilenko shoud pose a real test, and Serena to me has looked a little off in her first two matches.  That's not to say Serena can't turn it around in a hurry, and what a story it would be if Serena and Venus would make it to the finals.

I don't think that will happen, and I also don't think Serena will beat a match tough Kirilenko on Saturday.

Prediction: Kirilenko in 3 sets.