WTA U.S Open 2011 Preview: Marion Bartoli vs. Christina McHale

Marion Bartoli made a good start to her U.S Open campaign this week in New York by seeing off a feisty challenge from her underdog opponent Alexandra Panova in round one (7-5, 6-3). She’ll now be hoping to rack up a few more wins and mount a serious title challenge. Whilst not considered one of the immediate favourites, Bartoli could achieve big things here. Her next contest will be a second round clash against rising American star Christina McHale. McHale had to show plenty of grit and determination in her opening match, where she clinched a 6-3, 6-7, 6-4 victory over Aleksandra Wozniak. The 19 year-old should be feeling confident at the moment, and she’s worth keeping an eye on following her recent win against world No. 1 Caroline Wozniacki.

This will be the first competitive meeting between Bartoli and McHale, and it will be intriguing to see how it pans out. Bartoli should be able to get the better of the youngster, but McHale could be a force to be reckoned with here in New York in front of a home crowd. This contest has the potential to be a thriller.