Kroger St Jude Cup, Memphis, 16th-22nd February

 

From the Far East to pastures closer to home for Maria this week, as she plays her first tournament in America, in preparation for the two big Tier One events that come up in March. The good news is that after having a week off, and choosing to play in this event rather than another from this week, Maria has a seeding, and so we can look forward to a successful week for Maria hopefully.

The match against Hantuchova was something of a shock to me, and to many others, who saw a Maria win coming against a player whose game and confidence were low in Tokyo. One would hope that the loss could be attributed to lack of experience on Maria's part, and maybe she underestimated her opponent. To say that Hantuchova was down on confidence would be fair, but to suggest that she has suddenly become a poor player would be foolhardy. This may have been the case for Maria. She was high on confidence, her opponent was low, and Maria was ranked higher than Hantuchova. Although she would never admit it, perhaps on some level, Maria underestimated her out of form opponent. The scoreline, as well as the result was a shock, and so maybe this was the case. However,  Maria must learn to channel out this thinking, if it is indeed evident. Inexperience can only be attributed for so long, and her ability should mean that while she should be confident against any player, she shouldnt get ahead of herself, and her progression as a player. To do so could seriously affect her chances of reaching the ranking her game warrants, which is number one.

Let us hope that this is not the case, and becomes what defines Maria's season. If so, then we can expect an early exit this week, because Maria should be reaching at least the semifinal this week, if not further. The Kroger St Jude Cup is a Tier 3 event, held in Memphis. The winner will end up with a tidy 120 points added to her ranking points, a number which would do Maria's ranking the world of good, although that isnt to say that its low at the moment! Plus there is the small matter of pocketing a nice little $28,900 to the winner too.

 

THE DRAW

 

Being seeded third for the event, Maria could have expected a comfortable raw for the first couple of rounds. This is what she ahs got. As i say before, there is a good chance that Maria can get a semi spot this week, and when she is in teh semis, with her tail up and her game flowing, then she can match most players, and from there, a final appearance is possible, and maybe even another trophy to take home to the Sharapova household.

Memphis Draw

1st  round	2nd round	QF	SF	Final	Winner
Zvonareva(1)	Zvonareva(1)
Bye
Pennetta	Garbin
Garbin
Qualifier
Dulko
Talaja	Harkleroad(5)
Harkleroad(5)
Sharapova(3)
Martinez-Granados
Qualifier	Panova
Grande
Jidkova	Jidkova
Stosur
Qualifier	Frazier(6)
Frazier(6)
Brandi(7)
Gullickson
Perry
Svensson
Snyder
Salerni
Bielik	Granville(4)
Granville(4)
Morigami(8)	Lee-Waters
Lee-Waters
Jankovic	Sucha
Sucha
Arviddson
Qualifier
Bye	Raymond(2)
Raymond(2)

 

 

So it is the good draw that was expected. First round she faces Spaniard Conchita Martinez Granados. Ranked 105 in world, it again a is a nice step into the event. This time last year, Maria was the same step into events, and so playing such opponents keeps in mind the fact that opponent have to be beaten on merit, and not on reputation. This in mind, it woudl be a considerable shock if Maria was to lose this match, and so to the next round she goes.

Where she is likely to face Rita Grande. The Italian is ranked a little higher, at 79, though she has only one match all year in the main draw of events, and will struggle to add any more than one this week.  Again, another step into teh tournament, but as a seed, Maria should not really be facing any seriously stern opponent until the quarters at least.

And this is the case this week. She will face sixth seed Amy Frazier in the quarters, who is ranked at 50 in world. It is again, a step up for Maria in the tournament, but will be the first time that Maria will find herself in a tough match she may struggle in. Frazier is in good form, having won in Hobart a few weeks ago, and has been impressive elsewhere at the start of this season. Plus, having more than 10 years on her opponent will give her a little experience should Maria find her self facing a visit from Mr Complacency. If she however syas focussed, and plays her won game, then she should overcome her opponent in two close sets.

And then to teh semi, where she has been drawn on the same side of the draw as top seed Vera Zvonareva. The world number 12 will be a much tougher opponent than what Maria had played this week, and so should be a good match. A lot may depend on how hard each has had to come through to reach this stage. Zvonareva's match with Harkleroad should be a lot harder than Maria's match with Frazier. The match should be close. So close i wouldnt want to call it for definate. I will however, go for a Maria win, as im obliged to. Faith and all, as i continually go on about.

And so another final appearance, where likely opponent is second seed Lisa Raymond. There isnt anyone one that side of the draw that should pose a problem for her. Therefore she will be relatively fresh compared to Maria. Of course, the flip side to that, is that she will not have ben properly tested during the week, wheeas Maria will have to top of her game to get to the final. It will be close, but i think that Maria will come through. In three, but she will get the win that will set her up nicely for Indian Wells.

 

Round One: Maria def Martinez Granados in straights

Round Two: Maria def Grande in straights

Quarters: Maria def Frazier in straights

Semi: Maria def Zvonareva in three

Final: Maria def Raymond in three

 

Any comments, e mail me at matty_donaldson1@hotmail.com