Forehand_lob wrote:

I've decided I'm going to hit the DC tournament this year, at least the semis and final.  If Stephens makes it that far, I'll see how she's progressed as per her doubles performance back in 2011.

If Stepehns makes it to the final, it will be something she's never done to this point at any tournament. 
 

I think Halep will beat Sharapova. Assuming she's not overcome by nerves, It will depend on her ability to neutralize Shazza's blistering forehands hit right at her. If she can get them back deep, she will take control of the points and use her angles and ability to take the ball early to get the ball away from Sharapova's hitting zone. If she hits the ball short, Sharapova will win. 

I know all about Sharapova winning 19 consecutive clay matches that extended to three sets, but Halep can win if it goes three sets. She is 8-1 this year in three-set matches. Yes, the one loss was to Sharapova, but Halep is a great three-set player in her own right. 

The results...

funches - 90
Forehand_lob - 87

Congrats, funches!  You've broken the Forehand_lob streak!

Had I picked Halep in the final, my Reeshard pick would have given me a 2 point edge.  But, I didn't, so I lost.

Watching the women's final, I got the feeling that Halep is Henin 2.0.  Is that crazy?  She doesn't have the aristry of the one-handed backhand, but she's got a compact power game and a pleasing sense of strategy and point construction.