<font size=5>First Round Predictions<font=size><font size=2><font=size>
Elena Manevska vs. Anna Kournikova<br />In a rematch of last week's first round match, Manevska will try to repeat her 6-7(5), 7-6(6), 7-6(6) win. Kournikova though will look to change her game plan against the Macedonian. The Russian No. 1 was seen watching tapes of the Henin vs. Manevska match. <br />Prediction: Anna in three
Arantxa Sanchez-Vicario vs. WC Serena Williams<br />The Spainard leads in head to heads on the previous tour, and has shown some promising form in the past couple of tournaments. Williams though needed a wildcard to enter the event and has lost several tight matches. My feelings are that the defending champion will come through and defeat the Barcelona Bumble Bee.<br />Prediction: Serena in straights
Elena Dementieva vs. (6) Maggie Maleeva<br />The No. 2 Russian is coming off of a tough quarterfinal loss to Martina Hingis at the Brasil Ladies Open. Maleeva on the other hand, was upset in the first round by Monica Seles. Even though Maleeva may have reached the US Open semis, she seems like she has not been able to recapture that form. Dementieva though has been steadily rising through the rankings and reaching the later stages of events.<br />Prediction: Dementieva in the three sets
Sandrine Testud vs. WC Cris Fernandez<br />Testud started the season well, but then suffereed back to back first round loses. The Frenchwoman though has turned things around, winning the Bronx Classic Challenger and reaching the quarters of the Brasil Ladies Open. Fernandez snapped her 4 match losing streak, winning 3 games and losing to doubles partner in the round of 16 of Brasil. Testud seems to be riding high on confidence and looks poise to defeat the precocious teenager.<br />Prediction: Testud in the three
Monica Seles vs. Petra Mandula<br />Seles displayed a high level of tennis stretching Henin in three sets in last week's quarters. Mandula has yet to find her form in singles, and is looking more and more like a doubles specialist. Seles should advance easily over the Hungarian.<br />Prediction: Seles in straights
Helena Sukova vs. (7) Rachel McQuillan<br />In a battle of doubles partners, expect Sukova to defeat McQuillan. Even though Sukova has done very little since her Pilot Pen semis and Bronx Classic semis, the lower ranked Sukova should suprise McQuillan. There is a saying that in a battle of doubles partners, the lower ranked player always comes out because they have a greater advantage and insight into their partner's game.<br />Prediction: Sukova in a tight three
(5) Anke Huber vs. Lina Krasnoroutskaya<br />In another rematch of last week's first round battle, Huber will aim for 5 straight quarterfinal appearances. Her first hurdle will be to try and recreate her 2-6, 7-5, 6-3 win over Lina. The hard hitting Russian who has hit a slight slump though has been studying tapes of their match and will look to reverse the outcome.<br />Prediction: Lina to hold off Huber in three
Chanda Rubin vs. Mary Pierce<br />This match seems to be the most even and balanced of all of the first round matches. Both players have had their fair share of success, with both players throwing in the occasional upset and early loss. There is not much that separates the two and thus tough to pick a winner.<br />Prediction: Flip a coin
