The last official duel-gender event of the tennis calender will take place in Moscow, Russia this week. While the men of the ATP World Tour finished up their Asian journey in Shanghai, the women of the Sony Ericsson WTA Tour wrapped up proceedings in Osaka, Japan.
The long trek from Asia to Europe can often include jet-lag and becoming familiar with different court conditions, but considering that the season is in its final stages, both draws in Moscow could include some inspired play. While the field for the WTA Championships in Doha was completed by Jelena Jankovic and Elena Dementieva qualifying last week, four spots remain open for the World Tour finale in London.
On the men's side, top seed and three-time former champion Nikolay Davydenko will attempt to make his final push towards an elite eight spot. The Russian has experienced poor form as of late, and a deep run in Moscow would be vital to his confidence. Other London hopefuls in the 28-man draw will include No. 2 seed Mikhail Youzhny and No. 3 seed Jo-Wilfried Tsonga.
Youzhny currently stands at No. 8 in the world and won the event last year over Janko Tipsarevic. The Russian has readily flourished after the US Open and remains in line for the last spot into London. Tsonga holds an outside chance of qualifying for the season finale, and he did show signs of life last week by advancing to the quarterfinals in Shanghai.
The women's draw, which will boast a 30-player field, will showcase Jankovic, Victoria Azarenka, Na Li and Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova. Apart from Jankovic, the rest of the field will be playing for pride during the last event of the season. Li, who missed the cut for Doha by one spot, has poured in a respectable year which has included winning her lone title in Birmingham. The aggressive Wuhan resident remains one of the hardest workers on Tour, while her two-handed backhand is the envy of most players.
Pavlyuchenkova, a two-time titlist this season, will look to light up the Center Court in front of her friends and family. The 19-year-old, who resides in Moscow, will attempt to improve on her first-round loss of a year ago.
The winner of the women's title in Moscow will take home $157,427, while the men's champion will pocket $170,000.
Let's now take a look at the men's and women's fields.
Men's Preview
Top Half:
Receiving a first-round bye, Davydenko will face either Daniel Brands or Pablo Cuevas in second-round action. On paper, Davydenko would be the clear favorite to advance, but when musing over the Russian's recent loses, no opponent can be overlooked.
Perhaps a better candidate to create some havoc in this section is Jeremy Chardy. The talented Frenchman has improved on his form recently, and his loopy forehand isn't bothered by the sterile indoor conditions. Chardy could be overshadowed by Tsonga in this half, considering that his flamboyant countryman has proven his worth on Tour.
Tsonga holds the goods to upset any foe on any given day, and a title march in Moscow is not out of the question. The Serbian duo of Tipsarevic and Viktor Troicki could also advance deep in this half, but I'll stay with Tsonga to reach the finals, based on his recent clean bill of health.
Pick Tsonga
Bottom Half:
Defending champ Youzhny remains the player to beat in this draw. The Russian's form has improved throughout the season, and I believe that his chances at qualifying for London will rest on his performance in Moscow. If Youzhny can repeat his title, then he would gain further confidence heading into the European events. If he crashes out early, then further pressure will be placed on his upcoming results and he could falter.
Denis Istomin could give Youzhny a tough fight in round two, but the second seed's greatest rival would likely be Sergiy Stakhovsky. The Ukrainian has had a quietly successful season, while remaining productive during these smaller events. While Stakhovsky continues to improve on his ranking—he's currently at a career high of No. 58—the 24-year-old will likely have to fend off countryman Alexandr Dolgopolov in the second-round and Marcos Baghdatis in the quarterfinals.
With that being said, I still like Youzhny's chances in this half, considering his calm and focused demeanor. Although Youzhny has been known for breaking a racket or two in his day—let's not forget his Miami incident in 2008—the clean shaven Russian also has a tendency of saluting the crowd after his victories.
Here's hoping for a cool and serene Youzhny this time around.
Pick: Youzhny
Champion Youzhny
Women's Draw
Top Half:
While Jankovic will rest easy with her Doha seeding locked up, the vocal Serb will need some momentum heading into next week. Apart from her fantastic showing at Indian Wells, the top seed has endured a sea of poor results since. Failing to win three matches in a row since Wimbledon, Jankovic was granted a tricky draw in Moscow.
Taking on Gisela Dulko or a qualifier in her first match, Jankovic could face either Kateryna Bondarenko, Petra Kvitova or Maria Kirilenko in the quarterfinals. While Bondarenko has proven her worth as a top flight player, Kvitova has shown that she has what it takes to reach the latter stages of big events. Reaching the semifinals of Wimbledon this year, the 20-year-old packs a fierce left-handed forehand, and could be in line for a huge week in Russia.
Flavia Pennetta or Li could also push for a finals spot in this half, with Li's semifinal appearance in Beijing adding to her confidence.
All in all, look for Jankovic to mentally check out before the weekend's action and for Kvitova to reach the championship round.
Pick: Kvitova
Bottom Half:
Azarenka's season will likely be remembered for her collapse at the US Open, but her fighting spirit can never be questioned. Facing either Olga Govortsova or Andrea Petkovic in the second-round, Azarenka could take on Alisa Kleybanova in the quarterfinals, and either Dominika Cibulkova or Pavlyuchenkova in the semifinals.
While Cibulkova and Pavlyuchenkova will face each other in the first-round, Kleybanova's hometown support could aid her towards the title. Standing as one of the hardest hitters on the circuit, Kleybanova's head-snapping forehand and unorthodox serve remain highly dangerous on a hard surface.
I've liked Cibulkova's determination this season, but Azarenka's heavy shots would likely prevail if that semifinal took place.
Azarenka could be headed to Doha if Serena Williams and Kim Clijsters fail to attend, but that won't stop the energized Minsk native from giving her best in Moscow.
There could be a fist full of upsets in this half, but I'll stay with Azarenka to end her season—as it stands now—on a high note.
Pick: Azarenka
Champion: Azarenka
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