Serena & Azarenka cruise through openers

All 8 competing top 10 players progressed through the 1st round, most of them cruising past their opponents.

(Rank/Seed)

1/1 Williams was emphatic against former French Open champion Schiavone, winning 60 61. The Italian often extended Williams in the rallies but mostly was the first to err, whilst also hitting too many double faults. Not even a hug with a ball boy could salvage her hopes.

2/2 Azarenka crushed Pfizenmaier 60 60 in a deceptive match. The German had a total of 11 game points during the match against a below par Azarenka, but couldn't win any of the crucial mental battles.

4/3 Radwanska had a steady start, beating Spain's Soler Espinosa 61 62.

5/4 Errani was ruthless against Australian qualifier Rogowska, crushing her 60 60!

6/5 Li was in good form against Govortsova, beating the Belarusian 62 62.

8/6 Wozniacki out steadied the unpredictable Duan 62 75. The Chinese qualifier hit the ball early and flat and began to take advantage in the 2nd set, leading 3-0 and 5-3. However, the Dane was typically solid under pressure, saving a set point and taking advantage of her opponents many loose errors.

9/8 Kerber had a surprisingly easy 61 61 win over Czech Hradecka considering her recent poor form.  

10/9 Kvitova was once again extended to 3 sets, this time against Japan's Doi, winning in windy conditions 62 36 61.

I must also add that the shock of the tournament thus far was the defeat of 2011 champion and recent Carlsbad winner (11/11) Stosur at the hands of 17 year old, American qualifier ranked 298, Victoria Duval. The teen recovered from 57 24 down to beat the Aussie 57 64 64 for the biggest win of her young career. It was Stosur's worst US Open result since 2008!

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.