Herald tennis reporters Michael Burgess and David Skipwith preview day four of the ASB Classic in Auckland.
The business end of the ASB Classic begins with centre court hosting the four quarter-finals.
Barbora Zahlavova - Strycova vs Coco Vandeweghe
This midday showdown promises to be a treat.
The 38th ranked American looked good toppling Kirsten Flipkens in a grinding three set match yesterday, but Zahlavova Strycova may enjoy the crowd support after holding her nerve to send Kiwi hope Marina Erakovic packing in their second round encounter yesterday.
Caroline Wozniacki vs Julia Goerges
Sweet Caroline has looked every bit the tournament favourite so far in her opening two matches but faces a strong test against the German. Goerges, a former top 30 player who has been dogged by injuries in recent years, is better than her current ranking of 74. She is a strong hitter from the baseline so expect some entertaining rallies.
Whether it's enough to halt Wozniacki's seemingly inevitable surge towards the final remains to be seen.
Venus Williams vs Elena Vesnina
This will be a tough test for Williams. Vesnina holds a winning record over the American - having been victorious in two of their three encounters - and always plays well in Auckland, saying yesterday it was the "perfect place" to start the year. The Russian is very consistent - she will try to extend the rallies as long as possible - and has the ability to stay with Williams from the baseline.
Lauren Davis vs Urszula Radwanska
This promises to be an intriguing battle, though you have to favour the American. Radwanska will be playing her sixth match in six days today, and had another three set battle yesterday. How much more does she have to give? Meanwhile, Davis did well to come back from a set down against compatriot Sloane Stephens.
Italian doubles guns remain off centre
Most of the local interest in doubles today will centre on Marina Erakovic, who together with Monica Puig faces highly rated Czech combination Andrea Hlavackova and Lucie Hradecka. The Europeans are second seeds for the tournament and will be favoured, though anything can happen in doubles. Meanwhile, the Italian duo of Sara Errani and Roberta Vinci - who are recognised as the best in the world - will be consigned to an outside court again today.
Stat of the day
It seems experience counts at the ASB Classic. Every one of today's eight quarter finalists have played in Auckland before, including some multiple visitors like Goerges and Vesnina. Sloane Stephens was the last remaining debutant, but she fell yesterday to compatriot Davis.
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