Alexandra Stevenson versus Marion Bartoli

I have a slight feeling that this may be a good match but the other part of me is saying that Alexandra will lose her cool and just go down easy.

First off I don't think that Alexandra has showed the form that took her to the 1999 Wimbledon semis. She has shown flashes of brilliancy but not really consitently. I like watching Alexandra play but one thing I notice is, she looks a bit awkward when she hits her one handed backhand sometimes. It's like she should be using two hands. In this match look for Alexandra to charge the net whenever possible and take advantage of her huge serve and big game.

Weakness: Mobility. I have watched her play a few times and she looks a bit uncomfortable when running so I don't know if it was an injury or whatever but thats that.

Marion Bartoli is a talented player that had a great week in Auckland to start off the year. She climbed her way into the semifinals and had a set and 3-1 lead on Ashley Harkleroad, only to find herslef on the losing end. She was a bit discouraged but it didn't dampen her spirits for too long. In this match look for Marion to attack the Stevenson backhand and maybe surprise her with some tricks! I think Marion will be keen to take the net away. When you have a serve and volleyer, sometimes the opponent will try and take the net themselves so...that's what Marion might do.

Weakness: Fatigue and Movement. Until she lets go of that two handed forehand I don't think I can not list movement as a weakness. She also may be tired or I may be wrong and she is well rested.

Who has the Edge?

Serve- Stevenson

Groundies- Bartoli

Intangibles- Bartoli

Movement- Stevenson

Volley- Stevenson

Things do look to be in the American's favor but Marion knows what to do. For Alexandra, just be touhg and battle hard with Marion. If things are gettin' dicy on the baseline, charge the net and surprise her.  For Marion, hit to the backhand a lot and just play to your strengths

Matt's Pick: This is a tough one but I'm going with Marion 7-5 6-2.