(October 26, 2012) -- Remember that 2006 TV ad featuring Maria Sharapova? You know, the “I Feel Pretty” one. It shows Sharapova getting ready in her swank hotel, making her way through New York, being a glamazon among the masses as the Evita tune churns in the background and those around her sing, sing, sing. Sharapova silences them all when she hits a smashing backhand return on Arthur Ashe stadium court, eliciting a “Wow” from John McEnroe in the commentator’s booth.
At the TEB BNP Paribas WTA Championships in Istanbul this week, there has been an “I Feel Pretty” player, but her name isn’t Maria Sharapova—it’s Serena Williams. The American, sitting at No. 3 in the world behind Victoria Azarenka and Sharapova is far and away the “Wow” player here, as she has been for much of the second half of the 2012 season. Serena has wowed her way past Azarenka, Li Na, and Angelique Kerber, not dropping a set in those three matches. They haven’t been Olympics-esque wins -- Serena has had to fight for every match -- but it’s clear and convincing: this tournament is Serena’s to win.
TEB BNP PARIBAS WTA CHAMPIONSHIPS - ISTANBUL (Draw)
If there has been any outstanding disappointment this week in Istanbul, it’s been Petra Kvitova. Yes, the Czech pulled out of the tournament with illness, but it ends her season (not counting the Fed Cup final next week) with a major whimper: she was 4-4 in her last eight matches and without a win against a Top 10 player since August. Last year, Kvitova stamped herself as the WTA Player of the Year by following up her Wimbledon win with a title here, beating Vika in three sets in the final, ending her season 13-2 (with five straight Top 10 wins).
But no mind Petra, let’s look at the semifinals: Serena’s sizzling form landed her a place in the semis after her second match, and she secured the No. 1 spot with a 6-4, 6-4 win over Azarenka. Sharapova locked in the No. 1 spot on the other side of the draw, completing her group play with a 6-0, 6-3 win over alternate Sam Stosur (talk about dismal display…) and avoiding Serena before the final.
While Sharapova and Serena won their respective groups, Azarenka was forced to fight her way into the semis, beating a game Li in the final round robin match to earn the right to play her rival Maria in the semis. But these are the three players we’ve all been eyeing: Serena, Maria and Vika. That the season is coming down to the three of them, it just feels right.
Our champ: Serena. Really, is there anyone else?
SWISS INDOORS BASEL - BASEL (Draw)
Each year at the Swiss Indoors Basel, it seems as though there is no player other than Roger Federer. King Rog was made to work in the second round against a streaky Thomaz Bellucci, the hometown favorite coming through 7-5 in the third set. But again the expectations from the Swiss fans are clear: they want to see their guy flourish. And can you blame them?
Perhaps the only true hurdle for Federer to clear will be a potential final with Juan Martin del Potro. The Argentine qualified for the ATP World Tour Finals with his work this week, and has been steadily gaining steam -- in tennis and on Federer. Now 22 months into his comeback from wrist surgery, the 2009 US Open champ won in Vienna last week and could make a good case for the Big Four expanding to a fifth member with the close of the year. Federer owns a ridiculous 13-2 career record against the big server, including six (yes, six!) victories this year. But the last was their epic 19-17 in-the-third Olympics encounter and Delpo is only gaining confidence every week. It’s a tennis rivalry that might have some legs on it, after all.
Our champ: It’s not going to be easy, but Federer fends of JMdP for another Basel win.
VALENCIA OPEN 500 - VALENCIA (Draw)
At the Valencia Open 500, another London-bound Top 10 player (and hometown favorite) is taking advantage of what has ended up being a rather depleted draw. Top seed David Ferrer hasn’t dropped a set in three matches, including an impressive 6-3,7-5 win over countryman Nicolas Almagro in the quarterfinals, perhaps his stiffest challenge this tournament.
Ferrer has avoided whatever has felled his fellow seeds this week, who have dropped like flies: No. 2 Jo-Wilfried Tsonga and No. 3 Janko Tipsarevic both retired in first-round contests, while John Isner, Juan Monaco, and Milos Raonic were upset as well. For Ferrer, it’s turning out to be the perfect week of practice prior to Paris and London. Practice session and win a 500-level tournament? OK.
Alexandr Dolgopolov, the fiery Ukranian, gets Jurgen Melzer in the bottom half of the draw. Ferrer will face Ivan Dodig.
Our champ: Viva, David!
And for your viewing pleasure, an “I Feel Pretty” Friday.