[Wittmann 44]

A few more from the ladies

Govortosova-Bondarenko

This looks a tricky looking opener for Bondarenko who has lost the last three (including a shocker against big underdog Camerin). Govortsova has breezed through qualifying in straight sets and with her aggressive style should put some serious pressure on Bondarenko. Govortsova has made huge strides this year breaking into the top 100 and I’ be very surprised not to see her top 50 by the end of this year. With confidence on her side she looks the value shout here.

1.25 Units Govortosova @ 2.04

Going to also have speculative long shot plays against two strong favorites carrying some baggage.

Santangelo-Dementieva

Neither girl is fully fit here with Santangelo recovering from a toe problem and Dementieva a writs and thigh problem that saw her pretty much immobilised in the last few games of her defeat to Schiavone where she completely lost the plot after winning the first set. Her serve which had seemed to be showing signs of recovery collapsed and with the US Open coming up I’m not sure how willing she will be to go all out if there are any problems. The same applies (to a lesser extent) of course to Santangelo but at 4.2 I can carry that risk. Their clay meeting in April was a close 3 set affair.

0.75 Units Santangelo @ 4.2

Medina Garrigues- MIrza

Mirza pulled from the event in Toronto last week having played an awful lot of singles and doubles tennis in the previous few weeks. Unspecified personal reasons are given as the reason. Like Dementieva Mirzas main focus will probably be on Flushing Meadows where she will be a live contender in the doubles and could go deep into the singles with a nice draw. Median Garrigues has beaten her on indoor hardcourt already this year and the Spaniard should make it difficult again. She also has form here with a SF appearance on her last showing in 2005.

0.75 Units Garrigues @ 3.45
0.25 Units Mirza 2-1 @ 4.5