A definite truism which applies to Serena Williams is that she’s always hungry for another major. The two time defending champion demonstrated that despite some first week cobwebs, she is prepared to fight for a “three-peat” at the All England Club.

Venus Williams, a five time champion at Wimbledon, is still in contention for another title on her most successful surface. Maria Sharapova, the 2004 champion, is almost playing to the standards expected of her. Sharapova is trying to get pass the fourth round for the first time since 2006 at this venue.

The most stunning early departure was 2010 runner-up Vera Zvonareva. Here’s a mid-tournament summary and a preview of the interesting match-ups to come.

After going the distance her first two rounds, Serena Williams cruised in the third round against Maria Kirilenko. The next round, Serena will have to bring her best stuff against Marion Bartoli, the 2007 Wimbledon finalist. Bartoli is playing with great confidence since winning her maiden grass court title in Eastbourne.

Subsequent to a comfortable opening match, Venus Williams clawed past 40 year old Kimiko Date-Krumm in the second round. However, in the third round, Venus coasted to victory. Next up for Venus is Tsvestana Pironkova.

In a rematch of last year’s semifinal, Pironkova avenged her lost to Zvonareva in the third round. In 2010, Pironkova reached the semifinals by upending Venus in the quarterfinals. Pironkova also ousted Venus at the Australian Open in 2006. With Pironkova’s 2-1 against Venus, this tussle could be another doozy.

Following straight sets victories her first three matches, Sharapova meets Shuai Peng in the fourth round. If Sharapova prevails, she could encounter world number one Caroline Wozniacki in the quarterfinals.

Wozniacki has been untroubled through three rounds. Standing in Wozniacki’s way for a maiden Wimbledon quarterfinal appearance is Dominika Cibulkova.

Nearly two years after being derailed by injuries, Sabine Lisicki is blossoming once again. Lisicki followed up her recent title in Birmingham by upsetting 2011 French Open champion Na Li in the second round. Lisicki can equal her 2009 Wimbledon quarterfinal showing as she faces Petra Cetkovska in the fourth round. Cetkovska booted Agniezska Radwanska in the second round, then shocked Ana Ivanovic in the third.

After two easy rounds, Victoria Azarenka shook off Daniela Hantuchova in a tough three set encounter. In the round of 16, Azarenka collides with Nadia Petrova, a two time Wimbledon quarterfinalist. Petrova knocked out rising star Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova in the first round. At 29 years of age, Petrova has plenty of fire power to bother Azarenka.

2010 semifinalist Petra Kvitova has been progressing quietly through the draw. The Czech’s fourth round opponent will be Yanina Wickmayer.

Along with Cetkovska, two players making their debut in the round of 16 at a major are a pair of 20 year olds, Russian Ksenia Pervak and Austrian Tamira Paszek. Pervak bounced Shahar Peer in the first round and Andrea Petkovic in the third round.

Paszek recorded the biggest win of her career over Francesca Schiavone in the third round. Since Pervak and Paszek will clash in the fourth round, one will move on to her first quarterfinal at a major.

Some other names surprisingly absent from the second week of the tournament are Samantha Stosur, Jelena Jankovic and Svetlana Kuznetsova.

Wozniacki continues to play defensive tennis. In a quarterfinal with Sharapova, if the Russian’s aggressive style does not fail her, it’s difficult to imagine Wozniacki advancing any further.

With Venus and Serena still in the draw, the possibility of an all Williams final is plausible. But, the obstacles are huge. Should Venus get by Pironkova, Kvitova may be up in the quarterfinals and Azarenka in the semifinals.

Waiting for Serena after Bartoli could be Lisicki who’s been getting stronger with each passing round. Moreover, for Serena, a semifinal versus Sharapova would no walk in the park.

Still, out of the top half of the draw, Serena and Sharapova are the likeliest finalist. In the bottom half, if not Venus, Kvitova may book her first spot in the final at a major this tournament.

The Williams sisters made their long awaited return to competitive tennis this week. Despite being rusty, with nine of the last eleven championships at the All England Club, Venus and Serena are among the favorites. Moreover, the Wimbledon draw sets up the potential for a fifth all Williams final. Here’s a more detailed analysis.

World number one Caroline Wozniacki hopes to validate her ranking with a first major. However, Wozniacki will need to do some heavy lifting to achieve that feat.

In the quarterfinals, Wozniacki may have to go through 2004 Wimbledon champion Maria Sharapova. In addition, for the Dane, a semifinal encounter with defending and four time winner Serena or reigning French Open champion Na Li may be in the cards. Needless to say, Wozniacki will have to work hard to earn her maiden major.

Serena will begin her title defense by facing the talented Aravane Rezai in the first round. In the fourth round, Serena could see another sizeable French hurdle in 2007 finalist Marion Bartoli.

Later, in the quarterfinals, Serena may clash against Li who is no push over. In Li’s case, Sabine Lisicki may present difficulties in the second round. Lisicki has been regaining her form and confidence as is evident with her recent title in Birmingham.

Sharapova is again in the mix at another major. While a first round match with countrywoman Anna Chakvetadze could be testy, Sharapova should come through. Sharapova is likely to have a tougher time in the fourth round if Samantha Stosur is the opponent.

Serena had been out of commission nearly a year. For the seventh seed to claim her fifth Wimbledon crown, she will have to come up with the type of performance which resulted in her surprise victory at the Australian Open in 2007. With Serena’s track record, it’s certainly hard to bet against her. Yet, with Ana Ivanovic, Maria Kirilenko, Flavia Pennetta and Julia Goerges in the top half of the draw, there is an endless list of players capable of pulling off an upset.

As a consequence of Kim Clijsters’ withdraw due to a foot injury, last year’s finalist Vera Zvonareva is the top seed in the bottom half. Zvonareva is slated to meet either Victoria Azarenka or Francesca Schiavone in the semifinals.

Beforehand, Jelena Jankovic and five time champion Venus offer a tantalizing potential third round match-up with the victor scheduled to collide with Zvonareva in the fourth round.

2010 semifinalist Petra Kvitova is hoping to advance one step further this time. For that to occur, the Czech may have to get past Svetlana Kuznetsova in the fourth round. In the quarterfinals, Kvitova could take on Venus, Zvonareva or Jankovic.

In the first round, Schiavone will see Jelena Dokic. Thus, it may be a short stint on the grass for the Italian. If Schiavone progresses, Andrea Petkovic could stop her in the round of 16. Schiavone’s uphill climb could continue with Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova or Azarenka as possible quarterfinal adversaries.

Speaking of Azarenka, the Belarusian’s most difficult obstacle could be Pavlyuchenkova in the fourth round. If Azarenka prevails in such a showdown, she should sail to her initial major semifinal.

With no absolute front runner for the trophy, Sharapova, Venus and Serena who have been at the winner circle previously have an edge. Still, for young guns such as Wozniacki, Azarenka, Pavlyuchenkova and Kvitova, it’s a golden opportunity to seize the moment.

Strangely enough, Maria Sharapova is also a favorite on clay. The Russian’s victory in Rome two weeks ago demonstrates that she can power her way to a title on this surface. As such, Sharapova deserves to be in the column of players to beware of.

More so than previous years, there has been no standout on the red clay this season. Julia Goerges surprised world number one Caroline Wozniacki in the final in Stuttgart. Petra Kvitova made her debut into the top ten with her victory in Madrid, stunning world number four Victoria Azarenka.

Therefore, any one residing in the vicinity of the ten best from world number three Vera Zvonareva to Azarenka to defending champion Francesca Schiavone to Kvitova has a fair shot at hoisting the title. The French Open draw is revealed. Here’s an analysis of the key match-ups.

Wozniacki’s first round opponent is Kimiko Date-Krumm. The Japanese is know for pulling upsets at majors. Last year, she shocked Dinara Safina in the same round. As a result, Wozniacki will have no time to relax early on.

Another challenging encounter for the world number one could come in the third round where she may face 2009 French Open winner Svetlana Kuznetsova. Wozniacki’s progression to the final could be further complicated by 2010 finalist Samantha Stosur or Goerges in the quarterfinals and either Jelena Jankovic, Zvonareva, or Schiavone in the semifinals.

A sole semifinal showing in Brussels is Zvonareva’s best performance on clay this year. The Russian could stumble in the third round if she clashes with compatriot Nadia Petrova or in the fourth round where countrywoman Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova could offer tremendous resistance.

Also in the top half of the draw, Schiavone and Jankovic could collide in the round of 16. Either player could battle Zvonareva in the quarterfinals.

Azarenka and Sharapova are in the bottom section of the draw. Despite being in a winning position in Rome, Azarenka had to retire in the quarterfinals against Sharapova due to a right elbow injury. Whether Azarenka has fully recovered from that problem will determine how well she performs in Paris. Azarenka and Sharapova could meet in the semifinals.

Prior to that, Azarenka may need to bypass someone also with injury issues in the fourth round, 2008 French Open champion, Ana Ivanovic.

Yet, Azarenka’s tallest hurdle may be Kvitova in the quarterfinals which would be a rematch of the Madrid Open final. As a newcomer to the top ten, Kvitova is playing with the least pressure which makes her even more dangerous.

But, if the draw holds, Kvitova and Na Li will duel in the round of 16. With two semifinals placements, Li is a force on this surface.

Before a possible semifinal with Kvitova or Azarenka, Sharapova could have her hands full in the fourth round against Yanina Wickmayer or Agnieszka Radwanska. In addition, ahead in the quarterfinals for Sharapova could be Andrea Petkovic or Clijsters.

Speaking of Clijsters, if the Belgian is able to find her clay feet in the initial two rounds, Maria Kirilenko would be a huge test in the third round or Petkovic in the fourth round.

In conclusion, it’s truly a tossup as to which player will emerge as the conqueror at Roland Garros. If Wozniacki wants to live up to her ranking and end her drought at the majors, she will have to stray from her comfort zone and rely more on offense rather than defense.

Sharapova and Kvitova with their titles on clay have shown that big hitters who are not necessarily graceful on this surface can overpower their rivals come away with the big prize.

With the unpredictability in the ladies’ game, it would not be surprising to see Clijsters carry the French Open despite no real play on clay for five years. The drama unfolds in a less than a day.

Participating in Miami for the first time since 2007, Sharapova cruised to the quarterfinals. However, the Russian fought off Alexandra Dulgheru and Andrea Petkovic to reach her third final in Miami.

After difficult three setters to advance to the quarterfinals, Azarenka dominated defending champion and world number two Kim Clijsters and coasted to victory in the semifinals versus world number three Vera Zvonareva.

Azarenka was in the zone early on. In the initial game, after Sharapova had double game point, Azarenka connected on a forehand up the winner for break point. Despite Sharapova surviving that one, on her third break point chance, Azarenka converted.

With a few miscues by Azarenka, Sharapova broke back quickly to level the set at 1 all. Still, as a result of two consecutive double faults, Sharapova went down 0-30. Later, when Sharapova sent a forehand wide, Azarenka had the break for 2-0.

With Sharapova spraying forehands and backhands all over the place and ineffective on the return of serve, Azarenka rolled five consecutive games which included two additional breaks to take the first set.

In the second set, with a double fault on break point by Sharapova, Azarenka had a 2-0 lead. After consolidating, Azarenka put on the pressure to get to deuce after Sharapova was at 40-love.

With a one handed backhand winner off the return, Azarenka had her third break point of the fourth game and converted with a net court winner for 4-0. Consequently, Azarenka was up a double break and had nine successive games.

But, Sharapova ever the fighter did not make it easy for the Belarusian. By forcing a few mistakes from Azarenka who had committed only a handful previously, Sharapova broke for 1-4.

Sharapova chipped away, narrowing the deficit to 3-4. However, by pushing a forehand long, Sharapova faced break point. When the Russian double faulted the very next point, Azarenka arrived at 5-3.

With Azarenka serving for the match, Sharapova dismissed two match points and was gifted the break on a double fault. Yet, the issue was Sharapova’s own serve.

Sharapova had held serve only once thus far. With a backhand down the line winner, Azarenka arrived at break point which was also her third match point. With Sharapova netting another forehand, Azarenka had the championship and her sixth tour victory.

Down 0-4 in the second set, Sharapova tried to make a match of it but stated “it’s a little bit too late to pick up the pace. . Against a player like her you have to have that level from the beginning or she’s going to go with it and only get better. She’ll gain more confidence. She did many things better today. She was the aggressive one; she returned better”.

Considering where she was ten weeks ago with the flu, having to pull out of Paris and unable to practice, Sharapova expressed that she was satisfied with the last four weeks “I was in no shape or form to even play a tournament. . . So it’s really amazing that I even achieved this. I came into Indian Wells without a lot of expectations”.

With her finalist status, Sharapova on Monday will be ranked at number nine. Along with Sharapova, Jennifer Capriati is the sole player to have failed to win in Miami her first three times.

Azarenka was very satisfied with her play today “I think I had the right tactics. She likes to swing big and when she has time, it’s very heavy and comes back fast. So I was trying to take time away [from her]. . . But in the end she really stepped it up. I don’t think I did anything wrong, she was just going for her shots, catching few lines and playing really well. So I just had to really hang in there and keep playing my game”.

In the past, Azarenka had outbursts on court when things went south. Today, the Belarusian was very composed even after Sharapova was at 3-4.

Azarenka explained “I went home, spent three days by myself and just realized a few things what I want to do with my life, how to really find that balance. I guess it takes time and sometimes loneliness to realize what you have to do with your life”.

At that time, Azarenka had an epiphany that she would “do the best I can. . . fight for every ball. . . [but] the outcome is not up to me. So I just came to practice and I tried every day to be happy, to enjoy myself on the court”.

It seems a matter of time before this 21 year old hoists a majors’ trophy. Thus, MiamiTennisNews.com asked if she had a preference.

Azarenka replied “ No. It’s the same points. Maybe a little bit of difference in the prize money, but any title is good”. She agreed though that her game is better suited to hardcourt, still “you have to adjust and be smart with how you prepare to play on clay or grass. I’ve had good [results] on grass. . .so we’ll see”.

With this victory, Azarenka will match her career best ranking of number six.

After Petkovic and Sharapova traded breaks to start the match, Petkovic took control of the first set by breaking and consolidating for 5-2.

In the second set though, Sharapova turned the tables on Petkovic. After Sharapova fought off a break point and had four deuces to hold in the initial game, she seized the break for 2-0.

Subsequently, Sharapova sponged over a break point to get to 3-0. Later, in a game that Petkovic seemed to be in command of, Sharapova manufactured break point to go up 4-0.

Ultimately, on the fourth break point opportunity, Sharapova banked the second set to force a decisive third.

The concluding set was more of the same. An aggressive Sharapova did not allow Petkovic to breathe. Following an swift first game, Sharapova had triple break point. The Russian capitalized with a forehand up the line winner.

With another quick game, Sharapova had a 3-0 lead. When Petkovic sent another backhand out of play, Sharapova had double break point. With another winner, Sharapova sprinted to a 4-0 advantage.

Petkovic mounted a mini charge in breaking Sharapova the first time she served for the match. But, Sharapova reasserted her supremacy by stealing Petkovic’s next game and punched her ticket into the final.

Petkovic was attempting to reach her second final of the year, she was a finalist in Brisbane. Petkovic was the first German in the semifinals in Miami since Steffi Graf in 1999. Moreover, Petkovic was trying to become only the second German to compete for the title.

In analyzing the match, Petkovic had the following to say when asked by MiamiTennisNews.com whether fatigued played a part “ I think so. . .definitely. But on the other hand, I was telling myself she also had to be tired after a three and a half hour match. You’re not the only one. . . , so come on, move your ass. Sorry. When you get in that state, it’s really tough to get out of it, but I think at least I tried my best”.

By reaching the semifinals, Petkovic will be in the top 20 for the first time in her career. MiamiTennisNews.com wanted to know what Petkovic felt she had to work on to crack the top ten other than being consistent. Petkovic replied “It’s definitely hard work. I’m one of the girls who works the hardest. I [will] do everything I can to [get to] the top. I needed some experience and some confidence”.

In addition, Petkovic explained “there are two types players I always find. . . The types who are just there and have confidence and others who gain confidence from experience and from matches. I’m the second type of player. . . I really started believing in my ability as a top player during this week. . . .[it was] the confirmation. The good thing is I beat these players and I feel like, man, I still have 105 things to improve. I think that’s a good sign when you still have so many things that you want to improve”.

Following a three hour and twenty nine minute quarterfinal, the longest match of the tournament so far, Sharapova perhaps came out a little flat. Sharapova said “ I didn’t feel in the beginning that I was moving well. I knew that I had to make that adjustment”.

Despite the score the last two sets, Sharapova expressed that it was a difficult contest “although I won the set 60, I still felt like we had a lot of deuce games, as many as we did in the first set”.

Sharapova is thrilled to be in the final saying “It would mean a lot[ to win this tournament]. It’s the biggest I think after the grand slams. I’m pretty fortunate to be in the final after having a few tough ones like I had the previous rounds. I look forward to going out there and getting it done”.

Sharapova is in her third final at the Sony Ericsson Open and her maiden final of 2011. Sharapova last clashed in 2006 with countrywoman Svetlana Kuznetsova for the trophy, but came up short.

The potential for a second all Russian final exists. Tonight, Vera Zvonareva faces Victoria Azarenka for the remaining slot.

If Sharapova wins the championship, her ranking could rise as high as number eight. The last time Sharapova was in that neighborhood was in 2008 right before her shoulder surgery. That year, Sharapova finished the year at number nine.

Regardless, with her semifinal victory, Sharapova is guaranteed a spot in the top ten.

Jankovic was sizzling in the first set. With Petkovic’s backhand landing long, Jankovic converted the break for 2-1. Later, Jankovic got an insurance break for 5-2.

With Jankovic rolling, the rain came. When play resumed, Jankovic served a love game to seal the first set.

The pause in the proceedings gave Petkovic a moment to breathe and refocus. Consequently, her play improved. After holding to open the initial game of the second set, on a double fault by Jankovic, Petkovic had triple break point. The German capitalized when Jankovic’s forehand up the line traveled long.

After dismissing four break points, Petkovic consolidated to go ahead 3-0. Later, with Jankovic serving to keep the set alive, Petkovic connected on a backhand winner to get to set point number three. With Jankovic’s backhand sailing out of play, Petkovic slammed the set shut.

In the third set, Jankovic banked the break to get up 3-2 and consolidated after overcoming a love-30 deficit. But, Petkovic far from being down and out.

After holding at love, Petkovic manufactured triple break point with Jankovic’s forehand going long. With a forehand crosscourt winner, Petkovic squared the set at four all.

Subsequent to withstanding three break points, Petkovic moved in front 5-4. Then, with Jankovic letting two game points escape, Petkovic was at deuce.

Six more deuces followed and four more game points for Jankovic. On her third match point, Petkovic thumped a backhand crosscourt winner to continue her surreal run in Miami.

With the turnaround in her play after the interlude, MiamiTennisNews.com asked Petkovic whether the rain delay was helpful considering her slow start “Definitely, definitely. I started off very slow, as you said, especially my feet were not moving well. I was always one step late. Also, Jelena was playing really, really great in the beginning and she didn’t really give me the chance to play my best”.

Further, Petkovic felt that “ the rain delay slowed Jankovic down a little bit and gave me also the time to calm down a little bit because I was getting emotional and frustrated with myself. Well, that’s the worst thing that you can do when you’re in a match”.

Also, MiamiTennisNews inquired whether the pause in play helped Petkovic reevaluate her strategy with her coach. Petkovic answered “Well, no. Actually, he just told me to remain calm that she was playing really great. If she plays a whole match like this, then you can just say, very well played. So, that calmed me down. I felt that I was not playing badly. But, I didn’t really acknowledge the fact that she was playing great”.

In the semifinals, Petkovic will meet either Maria Sharapova or Alexandra Dulgheru. Petkovic and Sharapova have battle twice, each has a win. The ultimate clash was at this year’s Australian Open with Petkovic victorious.

The sole encounter for Petkovic and Dulgheru was in Brisbane this year. Petkovic carried that match in straight sets.

The first set could have been decided by the flip of a coin. However, it was Petkovic breaking for a 6-5 advantage and on her second set point producing the ace to wrap it up.

In the second set, Wozniacki capitalized on triple break point when Petkovic dumped a forehand into the net and moved in front 2-0.

Yet, when Wozniacki double faulted, Petkovic obtained triple break point. Despite getting to deuce, Wozniacki gave the German one more chance which she seized. Petkovic eventually consolidated for 2 all after wiping out triple break point.

Later on, with a backhand volley, Wozniacki arrived at double break point. She converted for 5-3 and with a love game sealed the second set.

In the deciding set, with a backhand crosscourt winner, Petkovic had break point. The German captured the game for a 2-0 lead. However, Wozniacki with a forehand volley winner promptly broke back.

Throughout the match, Wozniacki was having trouble with her forehand which proved her undoing. When another forehand went astray on break point, Petkovic banked the break for a 4-2 advantage.

Once she consolidated for 5-3, at triple match point Petkovic struck an ace to put a period on the victory.

Customarily, Wozniacki is solid from both wings. Today, the Dane had 14 winners and 52 errors, the forehand in particular was nonexistent. MiamiTennisNews.com asked Wozniacki what went wrong: “Nothing was going on with my forehand. Nothing was going on with my backhand. She played a good match. I had so many chances in the first set. I had set points and I didn’t take them. Then my energy level dropped a little bit and I lost the match. That’s what happens in sports”.

When asked whether fatigue contributed to her downfall today, Wozniacki replied: “I have been playing a lot of matches, but I have been doing well. Today, I made the wrong decisions at the important moments”.

Petkovic was pleased with the way she handled herself on court. The German was focused and came out with a well thought out strategy against her opponent “I played well. . . I was able to stick to my game plan even after losing the second set where I lost my concentration for two games. I think this was the key to the match. . . I was able to step it up in the third set, and I’m really happy with the way I played”.

In terms what the “game plan” was, Petkovic cited “ most of the players think they can overpower Caroline. I think that’s the wrong approach because that’s where she’s most comfortable, she can run and bring the most balls back. . . The balls are not slow and short, they are quite deep, so you cannot really attack them. I tried to mix it up and when I had the short ball to go for it. Because if you try to hit every single shot with power, she just gets more comfortable and eventually you will miss”.

Although Petkovic was born in Bosnia, her family emigrated to Germany when she was a toddler. As such, MiamiTennisNews.com wanted to know whether Steffi Graf was an inspiration: “she’s definitely my idol. But the funny thing is I have learned to appreciate her more now because I was still quite young when she was playing. When you’re young you see a player, you don’t really understand what makes them so good ”.

Petkovic explained “ I spent a lot of time watching tennis on YouTube especially [her] old matches . . . learning from the best. . . I had the honor of practicing with Steffi before Indian Wells, she’s still amazing. She’s still hitting the ball so well. I’m sure she could still be top 20 if she wasn’t getting injured so easily now. A huge experience playing with her, getting to meet her and to see what a wonderful person she is. So she’s definitely my idol. But to be honest, Serena Williams was always my idol”.

When asked why Serena, Petkovic claimed “I really relate to her with her fighting spirit on court. She impresses me so much with the way she turns matches around even when everything is lost. She was the first player to really touch me emotionally on the court”.

Petkovic is a great talent, but the mental aspect of the game is so crucial, MiamiTennisNews.com inquired whether this was the department where she’s had the greatest growth “Definitely. I was always mentally tough in the juniors. . . I love the close moments . . . the challenges when it’s four all in the third. Even if I sometimes lose, afterwards I always feel the most alive in those moments”.

Furthermore, Petkovic expressed that “ it was a long experience for me, playing against the top players, learning what to do at key moments because sometimes I would just rush. . . So that was definitely a part of growing up and getting the experience playing on the big stages, playing the top players. I feel that I have come a long way from when I started on the WTA Tour”.

Jelena Jankovic, the world number seven, destroyed Anabel Medina Garrigues 6-1,6-3 to reach the quarterfinals where she will clash with Petkovic. For Jankovic and Petkovic, it will be their first tour meeting.

From the first ball strike, Sharapova made her presence felt. After an early break and consolidating, with Lisicki serving at 2-4, Sharapova went up triple break point. Although Lisicki got to deuce, it was just delaying the inevitable. In the end, Sharapova captured another break and closed out the set.

After getting the break the initial game of the second set, Sharapova rolled on to clinch a spot into the third round.

Subsequent to the match, Sharapova commented that it was good that it was “pretty straightforward. . .a little tricky with the conditions. [Lisicki] is someone [who] can fire the ball really well and hits pretty solid[ly] from both sides. She’s someone [who]‘s beaten top players before. . . I knew that she would come out swinging pretty hard and deep. So I just wanted to be aggressive from the beginning.”

Sharapova recently changed coaches to Thomas Hogstedt. As such, MiamiTennisNews.com inquired how the relationship was working out and what he was bringing to her game which was lacking “ it’s brought a lot of fresh, new things for me. I worked with Michael [Joyce] for many, many years. . .we had so many achievements together. It was really, really fun and we’re still the best of friends. But bringing in Thomas has just brought fresher perspectives and a lot of enthusiasm into the practice. He’s a professional coach and has a lot of experience behind his back. [He] goes about his business, just trying to make me a better player”.

Sharapova has recently changed rackets from Prince to Head, MiamiTennisNews.com wanted to determine whether her shoulder surgery factored into that decision. Sharapova replied “absolutely not. I actually tried the Head frames end of October/November, and had a few different brands, few different frames. It was one of the new racquets and new technology that Head was working on. I hit a couple of balls with it, and I think some players have a feeling when they’ve played a really long time that they know something works for them. I loved the feel of it. I loved how it helped me when I was on the run [therefore the change]”.

Fourth seed Samantha Stosur also had a comfortable first set against Lucie Safarova. Although the second set was more competitive, Stosur prevailed 6-0,7-6.

Sharapova and Stosur will go toe to toe in the fourth round. Despite Sharapova dominating their past encounters, it has been a long time since these two have meet.

With shoulder surgery two years ago, Sharapova emphasized that the two are really starting at zero. Sharapova cited “ she’s a top 5 player, and she’s been so consistent, so tough to beat. I really look forward to that. We haven’t played each other in a while. . . Personally, I have to put the previous encounters behind, take a few things that worked well for me and try to use them again, but also know that we did play a while ago. It’s always a new match”.

Lisicki was disappointed that she was not able to perform better. It has been a slow process coming off an ankle injury. Lisicki missed most of the tour last year, she is grateful to back on the court.

The German is cognizant that she has a difficult road ahead of her. Lisicki is currently training at the Bolleteri Academy and has been practicing well. But, she underscored that training cannot be a substitute for a true match environment. As such, she just wants to get back into the routine of day in and day out competing in a real match setting.

At her peak, Lisicki was ranked at 23, now she is at 217. So, MiamiTennisNews wanted to know what her goal was this year, Lisicki responded that the immediate objective was to return to the top 100 which will allow her more direct entries into the draws.

Earlier in the day, 2006 Sony Ericsson Open champ Svetlana Kuznetsova lost to Shuai Peng 6-3, 6-1.

Jelena Jankovic defeated Klara Zakopalova in straight sets. Next up for Jankovic is Anabel Medina Garrigues who bounces tenth seed Shahar Peer in the second round. Medina Garrigues ousted Elena Vesnina in two sets to go through to the fourth round.

Andrea Petkovic is in fine form. The German had no difficulty booting Iveta Benesova 6-0, 6-3 in reaching the fourth round. Petkovic awaits the winner of the Caroline Wozniacki/ Daniela Hantuchova match which will be the last one for the night session.

In the top half of the draw, world number one Wozniacki coasted into the round of 16.   Despite difficult challenges from Gisela Dulko and Dominika Cibulkova, the Dane has yet to drop a set.  Wozniacki will battle Latvian talent 20 year old Anastasija Sevastova  who stunned Yanina Wickmayer in the second round.

On the other hand, Henin, a finalist last year, was dismissed in the third round by Svetlana Kuznetsova.  The 2009 French Open champion who appears to be fitter than ever will face reigning French Open victor Francesca Schiavone in the fourth round.  The latter needed three sets in each of her first two rounds.

There will be no Williams hoisting the prize this year.  Venus was forced to retire one game into her third round match with Andrea Petkovic due to a pelvic muscle injury.  Consequently, Petkovic will clash with Maria Sharapova in the round of 16. Sharapova scraped by Julia Goerges in the previous round.  With Sharapova’s serve a continual sore spot, Petkovic has a golden opportunity to reach her first quarterfinal at a major.

Both Li Na and Victoria Azarenka have been unforgiving thus far with straight sets victories to get to the round of 16.  These two will now collide for a place in the quarterfinals.

In the bottom half of the draw, two big names are absent.  In the second round, Jelena Jankovic, the seventh seed, was ousted by Shuai Peng.  With a fourth round showing, this is Peng’s best performance at a major to date. The Chinese woman battles Agnieszka Radwanska next.  Radwanska overcame a tough first round tussle with Kimiko Date-Krumm.  For Radwanska and Peng, this will be a rematch of their 2010 U.S. Open second round where the latter was the winner.

The second player to make a shocking exit in that section was Samantha Stosur.  The Aussie who appeared unstoppable in her first two rounds was taken out by Petra Kvitova.  Kvitova will subsequently compete against Flavia Pennetta for a slot in the quarterfinals.

Despite being tested, world number two Vera Zvonareva remains in the hunt for her first major.  In the round of 16, Zvonareva will play veteran Iveta Benesova who downed teenager Anastasia Pavlyuchenckova in the prior round.

After serving a bagel to former world number one Dinara Safina, Clijsters sailed through her second round encounter.  In the third round, Clijsters overcame resistance from Alize Cornet, pulling out a two sets win despite 13 winners and 41 errors.  In the round of 16, Clijsters should be back in cruise control as she squares off against Ekaterina Makarova who terminated Ana Ivanovic’s Australian Open hopes in the first round.

In spite of the mentioned third round lull, Clijsters is the favorite.  Wozniacki is a certain contender and has a good chance of seizing the big prize.  Two other candidates to strongly consider as possible trophy holders are Kuznetsova and Azarenka.  The dispute for the quarterfinal spots start tonight.

With Kirilenko dumping a backhand into the net, Azarenka broke to start out the match.  However, Kirilenko wiped away game point and by provoking a few errors from her rival manufactured a couple of break points.  Kirilenko capitalized when Azarenka double faulted.  Later though at 2 all, as Kirilenko’s forehand up the line sailed long, Azarenka had triple break point.  Azarenka converted when Kirilenko’s backhand directed down the line found the net instead.  Then, with a forehand up the line winner on game point, Azarenka consolidated for 4-2.  Down the road, with a love game, Azarenka extended her lead to 5-3. Next, with a forehand up the line winner, Azarenka got to double set point.  By connecting with a backhand down the line winner, Azarenka took the first set.

In the second set, after squandering a game point, Azarenka erred on the backhand side to hand her opponent a break point.  When Azarenka’s forehand bounced long, Kirilenko bagged the break.  Following a tough hold to consolidate, Kirilenko on her third break chance struck a winner to stretch her advantage by a double break.  Next, with a quick game, Kirilenko sprinted to 4-0.  Consequently, a third set appeared a surety. After steadying herself with a love hold, Azarenka obtained double break point when Kirilenko pushed another backhand into the net.  With Kirilenko committing another miscue, Azarenka narrowed the deficit to 2-4.  Still, Kirilenko kept the pressure and courtesy of a backhand mistake by Azarenka arrived at triple break point.  Yet, Azarenka responded to the challenged and leveled the game at deuce.  Then, with two tremendous volleys, Azarenka closed the gap to 3-4.  Once more, by forcing errors from Kirilenko, Azarenka was at triple break point.  The Belarusian grabbed the opening and squared the set at 4 all.  However, Azarenka duplicated her previous service game and found herself in a love-40 hole.  Just as before, aided by good serves and mistakes by Kirilenko, Azarenka climbed out of that predicament and guarded serve for a 5-4 edge.  Perhaps a little dejected by a 3 for 12 mark on break point, Kirilenko made three consecutive backhand errors to help Azarenka get to triple championship point.  Although Kirilenko managed to survive the first two, Azarenka thumped a forehand volley winner on the third match point to ultimately seal the victory.

In the second round, Azarenka needed three sets to get by Andrea Petkovic.  With that win after Serena Williams withdrew, Azarenka secured the eight and final spot at the season ending championships in Doha.  With Jelena Jankovic, the top seed, falling to qualifier Zarina Diyas in the second round, Kirilenko crushed the latter, Anna Chakvetadze and Vera Dushevina to advance to the final.  Because of those results, Kirilenko will rejoin the top 20; her prior career best ranking was 18 in July 2008.  By finishing the year with a strong performance, for Kirilenko 2011 will look a lot brighter.