Speaking in her latest blog for the FIVB website, the two-time FIVB Beach Volleyball Swatch world champion expects the World Tour and Olympic champions to battle it out in the final but expects the Brazilian tandem to edge the win as Walsh and May-Treanor, winners of Olympic gold in 2004 and 2008, reunite for the first time in two years.

"It really is very hard to pick a winner at this stage, but I think Juliana and Larissa will clinch it for the women," Adriana said. "Walsh and May-Treanor have been on good form but have only just reunited after two years apart and Juliana and Larissa’s chemistry since then has had a chance to truly blossom. Expect both to be in an exciting final though.

As for the men’s edition, she has highlighted both USA’s Todd Rogers and Phil Dalhausser and Brazil’s Alison and Emanuel as favourites, but says that last year’s momentum in winning the tour title will mean the Americans will come away as winners.

"I’m happy to see the Brazilian teams doing well, being lead by last year’s champs Juliana and Larissa. The round four win over Germany’s Laura Ludwig and Sara Goller really showed that Juliana and Larissa are already improving on last year. The Europeans are no easy team to beat and have often shown that they are a top-class duo, so for Juliana and Larissa to earn the victory was good."

Adriana's blog can be read here and will be added to throughout the season by numerous other former players and personalities from the sport. The Brasilia Open is the first event on the World Tour with the women's competition finishing on Friday.