2010 Sony Ericsson Open – Nick’s Picks – Women’s Singles Semifinals

Venus Williams (USA) vs. Marion Bartoli (FRA)

Venus wasn’t tested in the quarterfinals, as she beat sixth-seeded Aggie Radwanska 6-3, 6-1. She is a three-time champion in Miami, and loves playing here as she lives right around the corner! She reached the semis here last year before losing to sister, Serena, and in 2008 she was a quarterfinalist.

Bartoli is playing extremely well right now. She beat top-seeded Svetlana Kuznetsova 6-3, 6-0 in the fourth round and then knocked out Yanina Wickmayer in straight sets in the quarters. This is already her best result of 2010 and this is the first time she has been to the semis in Miami.

Match-up:

Bartoli and Venus have met twice before with each winning a match. Venus won the first time they played which was in the finals of Wimbledon in 2007 and Bartoli won last year in the finals of Stanford. Bartoli has had a great run thus far, but I don’t think Venus will be impressed by that. As far as Venus is concerned, the only thing that matters is this match. Bartoli is one heck of a fighter and she really will take it to her opponent. She hits the ball on the rise and catches her opposition out of position and off-balance. This is going to be extremely difficult against Venus though, because Venus has the ability to put more pace on the ball and cover more of the court than basically any woman on the tour. With Venus’ serve being what it is, and with her aggressive style, I have to give the edge to her.

Nick’s Pick – V. Williams in 3 sets