WTA Championships Day 2: Serena, Azarenka look to post consecutive wins

The first day of the 2013 WTA Championships saw it all – Victoria Azarenka’s willpower, Serena William’s ruthlessness and Petra Kvitova’s confidence. And for Sara Errani, Angelique Kerber and Agnieszka Radwanska, the road ahead became even tougher. Will they be able to bounce back? A look at Wednesday’s delectable line-up at the Sinan Erdem Dome in Istanbul will give us an idea.

(4)Li Na v (6)Sara Errani (Head-to-head: Li leads 5-0)

It’s a difficult situation for Sara Errani. The slightly built Italian No. 1 whose game thrives on heavy topspin and an array of dropshots and lobs put up a gallant display initially against Victoria Azarenka on Tuesday and put her on the ropes. Thrice she failed to clinch the first set and in the end her fire was doused by the resilient Belarusian. Her misery was compounded by a right calf injury and it would only be determined on Wednesday if she at all would be able to take the court.

If she does, her opponent will be too menacing in the form of Li Na to whom she has lost all her five matches, four of which were straight set defeats. If further assessment of Errani’s calf injury deems her unfit to take the court, Caroline Wozniacki, as the first alternate would step in. The Dane would definitely pose a greater challenger for the Chinese No. 1. Even though she has a losing record against 2011 French Open champion, it is to be noted that she does have a victory over Li in indoor hardcourts. With a title at Luxembourg, Wozniacki should be raring to go. Her crosscourt backhand does much of the damage and recently she has ramped up the forehand and has shown intention of being aggressive. That might help her take a set off the 31-year-old.

But the World No. 5 has far more lucid strokes and fluid movement and when her jittery nerves don’t come in the way, she can be a treat to watch. What’s more – she has repeatedly mentioned how much Carlos Rodriguez has helped to calm her down and improve her volleys. On Wednesday, Li would surely want to give a testament of that!

Prediction: Li Na wins in straight sets (if she faces Sara Errani)
Li Na wins in three sets (if she faces Caroline Wozniacki).