Took a little blog break after the Wegmans LPGA Championship. Was going to wait until Wimbledon started to start posting again, but my Caroline Wozniacki fandom compelled me to come back early. I remain a believer in Caroline. Although getting to the 3rd round of the 2013 AEGON International seems underwhelming considering Wozniacki is a former world #1, I do think it’s a nice step forward. Laura Robson is a dangerous opponent. Getting by her 6-4 6-4 is a nice win for Caro. Even better would be if she can get by her next opponent, the similarly formidable Ekaterina Makarova. Usually, I would say the AEGON International isn’t really all that important to win for top players. I’d recommend getting a few grass court rounds in and then rest up for the real jewel next week, Wimbledon.
That’s why I look at Petra Kvitova, Angelique Kerber and Samantha Stosur being upset with little alarm. I am not saying they were trying to tank the matches. 2011 Wimbledon champion Kvitova took Yanina Wickmayer to a 5-7 3rd set before bowing out, so I don’t think she was trying to lose. That said, I think it’s better for players who could contend to get some matches in on grass and then rest up for the fortnight.
ALL PICS CLICK TO ENLARGE
MARIA KIRILENKO
ELENA VESNINA
CAROLINE WOZNIACKI
EKATERINA MAKAROVA
YANINA WICKMAYER
LUCIE SAFAROVA
JAMIE HAMPTON
PETRA KVITOVA
ANGELIQUE KERBER
LAURA ROBSON
HEATHER WATSON
SAMANTHA STOSUR