Garbine Muguruza, Victoria Azarenka Ready For Australian Open 2016

Garbine Muguruza (click to enlarge)

Garbine Muguruza could be the next big star on the WTA. The 22-year old 2015 Wimbledon runner-up goes into the 2016 Australian Open ranked #3 in the world. She has the shots, size and power to give anybody a problem on a given day. However, question marks surround her injured foot. Will her movement be hampered on the hard courts in Melbourne under a sweltering summer sun. She will be tested immediately by 20-year old rising Estonian Anett Kontaveit. Should Gabi win, she’ll have to face either Kirsten Flipkens or Mirjana Lucic-Baroni. If Muguruza can’t move well on her foot, all three of those opponents could be tricky.

Victoria Azarenka (click to enlarge)

The marquee fourth round potential match up in Gabi’s section would be her against 2-time Australian Open champion Victoria Azarenka. Although she is seeded 14th, many see Vika as the #2 favorite behind Serena Williams to win it all. Certainly, Azarenka’s form at the Brisbane International was impressive. She also has a favorable draw to get to a potential Muguruza match. Obviously, anything can happen. They could both lose in the first round. But if form holds up, fans could be treated to a sensational early clash between two of the top players on tour.