Shuai Peng [20] vs Maria Sharapova [5]
Maria Sharapova is the odds makers' favorite to win Wimbledon. She won her first title here in 2004. She leads Peng in their head to head 2:1. They have never played on grass.
Sharapova's tactics almost always involve two things. Creaming the ball and walloping the ball. She hits the ball as hard as she can on almost every shot. She has been serving relatively well so far with her first serve percentage hovering in the 60's. She has served a total of fourteen double faults so far which averages slightly more than four double faults every match. However, she still hasn't lost a set, so it doesn't seem like those double faults are hurting her much.
Peng has seen a significant increase in her rank from last year. She's reached her third fourth round in the past four grand slams (She was forced to retire against Francesca Schiavone in the third round of Roland Garros because she had the flu) and has reached a career high rank of 20. She hits flat off both sides and uses two hands on both wings. However, when she is stretched, she can hit a one-handed forehand. She isn't very good at net.
Although the last match they played was close, (2011 Indian Wells, 6-2 5-7 6-3) I can't see Peng beating Sharapova on grass. Sharapova has too many weapons and can move Peng around. Peng's effectiveness is reduced significantly when she is forced to use her one-handed forehand. The fast and low bouncing grass courts will hamper Peng's game, and Sharapova will advance to her first Wimbledon Quarterfinal since 2006.
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