by Jessie

Toray Pan Pacific Open 1^st Round Preview

Daniela Hantuchova vs. Alicia Molik

Head to Head: Molik leads 3-1

            I think the question on everyone’s mind right now is, Molik AGAIN?!  It’s the third time these two have played each other this year and we’re still only in the beginning of the second month.  And so far, Daniela hasn’t had much success against Alicia Molik.

            The head to head says that Molik leads 3-1, well that one loss was at the Hopman’s Cup this year when Molike retired while she was up 6-3, 3-0.  So, I don’t think Daniela really ‘won’ that match!  So, Daniela’s never had a real win over Alicia Molik, the number one Australian woman’s player in the world.

            Daniela has had a horrendous year to begin with.  Her only win of the year was over Adriana Serra Zanetti in the first round of the Australian Open.  Then, of course she lost in the next round to Alicia Molik.  So, it’s time Daniela get some revenge!!

            Alicia Molike is currently enjoying her career high ranking at 33, thanks to the great performance she had at the Australian Open.  She stands at a little more than 5'11", so Daniela should be anticipating that powerful serve at all times.  Daniela should use her powerful grounds strokes to return those serves.  It will be important if Daniela can get an early break, so that she’ll be more comfortable out there.  Also, Daniela needs to have a high first serve percentage.  In the last match they played   when Daniela hit her second serves, Molik was able to run around and hit a forehand, and that’s something that shouldn’t happen too often, or Molik will just break Daniela over and over again.  There’s no use for Daniela to break Molik if she can’t hold her own serves.

            If Molik isn’t bad enough, there will be even a harder opponent in the next round waiting for her!  If Daniela does win against Molik, she will mostly likely face the new Russian Sensation, Maria Sharapova, and what a match that will be!

            It’s just the beginning of the new season.  Daniela has got herself a new coach in the off season, I don’t really know how much time she will need for her to return to her old self again.  I think the main thing is her confidence.  And for her confidence level to get up, she’ll need to win some matches, and hopefully she can do it here!

Prediction: I’m going to have to be pessimistic here and say Molik def. Daniela in straight sets, I hope I’m wrong!

Go Daniela!!!!!!!!!