Kvitova and Wozniacki wilt

The third round wrapped up and a sizeable number of top players either struggled or went out.

(Rank/Seed)

1/1 Williams handled Kazakh Shvedova consummately 63 61.

2/2 Azarenka struggled for over 2 hours against Frenchwoman Cornet before winning 67(2) 63 62. In the 1st set, Cornet served well and Azarenka made too many unforced errors, even though she fought back from 1-4 down to force the breaker. Though she was admittedly disappointed after dropping a close first set, her level improved over the next two sets as she found her rhythm and just as she did at the French Open, she came back to edge Cornet in three.

4/3 Radwanska raised her level at all the important stages of her 64 76(1) win over Russian Pavlyuchenkova. 

6/5 Li served 11 aces in avenging last year's loss to Brit Robson 62 75, despite trailing 3-0 in the 2nd set.

8/6 Wozniacki was once again punished for her passiveness, losing to Italian qualifier Giorgi under the lights 46 64 63. The Italian was rewarded for her all out aggression, hitting 46 winners to 45 unforced errors; Wozniacki hit only 13 winners in contrast. The Dane saved 4 match points before falling, but was once again beaten by a more proactive player; letting a golden opportunity to reach the semi finals slip in an open section of the draw. This is the 1st year since 2008 that Wozniacki hasn't reached a Grand Slam quarter final.

9/8 Kerber avenged her Wimbledon loss to Estonian Kanepi easily 60 64.

10/7 Kvitova was crushed 63 60 by American wildcard Riske, a woman who she beat just last week in New Haven! Though Riske played consistently and within herself, Kvitova was in a slumber, lethargically hitting away at the ball to no avail. Worryingly, Kvitova was once again struggling with her health and had her blood pressure taken on the court. She later revealed that she was still afflicted by the same virus with which she suffered at Wimbledon.

Quarter final predictions

So, the final Grand Slam of the year is upon us. Sadly, world number 3 Maria Sharapova is absent with bursitis in her shoulder and so too of course is Wimbledon champion Marion Bartoli, who of course stunned everyone recently with her confounding and abrupt retirement. So, most (including myself) believe the title will be decided between Williams and Azarenka. Here are my predictions, though Wimbledon surprised everyone, so here's hope that the US Open follows the script a little more closely.

1st Quarter: Serena Williams VS Kanepi

Williams has a tough draw but I assume she'll handle it; including a potential 4th round clash with Stephens. I think Kerber will lose before the quarters and Kanepi will take advantage. Venus may beat Flipkens in the 1st round, but doesn't have the necessary stamina any more to pose a big threat, whilst Bouchard doesn't yet have enough experience.

2nd Quarter: Radwanska VS Cirstea

Radwanska's consistency will put her in good stead to reach her 1st US Open quarter final, though Lisicki is a dangerous floater. Cirstea is in good form and seeing as she has recently beaten Jankovic and Li, she should advance through her section.

3rd Quarter: Wozniacki VS Halep

Wozniacki has a good chance to return to the late stages of a Grand Slam here, seeing as Vinci is her biggest threat. Halep comes into the event in great form and I can see her handling anyone like Kirilenko, Kuznetsova or Errani in her section.

4th Quarter: Stosur VS Azarenka

Stosur should take advantage of an earlier Kvitova exit here; perhaps at the hands of Petkovic in the 2nd round, though Petrova's always unpredictable. Azarenka has a tough draw, with either Ivanovic or Cibulkova potentially waiting in the 4th round, but is expected to pull through.