Maria’s struggling week comes ahead in Swisscom Challenge

                     Maria Sharapova, who is at her highest ranking of no.7 and fresh winning two titles in a row, will play her last tournament of the year (Philadelphia is possible) if she doesn’t qualify for the year ending WTA tour championship. Maria is playing in the Swisscom challenge for the first time so she won’t have to defend any points in the computer rankings. Masha is one of those contenders who are still haunting for their first ever Tier I. Swisscom challenge, this year won’t feature regularities like defending champ Justine, the reigning no.1 Davenport, Serena Williams, Last year’s finalist Jelena Dokic or not to mention Kim or GS champs like Myskina and Kuznetsova.

              Maria is seeded 3^rd after Lindsay withdrew from the open but she has the most complicated draw of the top seeds. Top seed features Amelie Maureshmo, second seed Elena Dementieva and third is Masha and following her is compatriot V. Zvonareva.

Maria’s struggle can start right from the beginning of the second round.

First round:

Bye

Rest day, Practice!

Second round:

Daniela Hantuchova or Vera Douchevina:

I think Vera Douchevina. Vera is a Russian wild card entrant and making some noises in WTA so, she can be a serious threat for Masha. But still Maria has edge. They have played each other in juniors where Vera Dou. gained victory over her younger compatriot, Masha.  

Prediction: Maria in 3

Quarter-final:

Venus Williams:

Venus is the highest seed in her quarter so she can be the best possibility to play against Masha. Venus needs to surpass Karolina Sprem in her initial match and then a qualifier to play Maria. Maria has played Venus once in her life-time, this year at the Hong Kong challenge final when Venus won in 2 sets. But right now she hasn’t shown much form recently. So, I’ll still pick Sharapova as the winner. A match full of grunts and Masha will make louder shrieks.

Prediction: Maria in 3 sets

Semi-final:

Elena Dementieva

Struggle comes much nearer, her semi-final possibility can be Russian no.2 Elena Dementieva featuring the Moscow final. Dementieva’s form is in best shape with U.S open final, Hasselt victory and a week ago Tier I finalist. These two phenomenons never encountered each other ever so, one can expect thrilling match. I will take Sharapova because she knows how to handle her better opponents.

Prediction: Maria in 3 thrilling

Final:

Grand finale comes. She can reach the final with 3 three setters. In the final she can meet no.2 Amelie Maureshmo or no.4 Vera Douchevina (highest seeds and possibilities). I think Vera can prove better. So, next is an All-Russian final which isn’t new to women’s tennis. If this All-Russian final is possible then in last four weeks 3^rd All-Russian final is possible. Vera, if she has to reach the final she should beat Molik and Petrova and Amelie (possible). So, definitely both needs to struggle to their fullest. I think in the final, Sharapova can gain victory because she has more ability and experiences to fight in the finals in compared to Vera.

Masha in 3 sets.

If Masha can conclude this week with another title or perform well then it is nearly possible that she will fight for the year-ending championship. So, good luck Maria for a wonderful week ahead in a wonderful Tier I tournament. Good Luck!!!

By Pranaya Rai