The third round of the 2019 Australian Open begins. The first two rounds saw newcomers, upsets, and comebacks by former stars. What will happen in Round 3? Day 5 brings a strong lineup, headlined by a huge battle between Caroline Wozniacki and Maria Sharapova. Who will win? Our writers predict the best five women’s matches on Day 5. Predicting are myself (Yesh Ginsburg), editor Steen Kirby, and writers Brett Margolies and Eric Han.
Australian Open Day 5 Women’s Predictions
Angelique Kerber vs Kimberly Birrell
Brett:
Kimberly Birrell picked an excellent time to have her breakthrough tournament on the WTA tour. The 20-year-old is coming off a comeback win over Donna Vekic. Kerber hasn’t lost more than three games in a set so far this tournament, so it might be a tough ask for Birell to get through to the Round of 16. Kerber shouldn’t have any issues here.
Prediction: Kerber in 2
Steen:
The Aussie’s run will come to an end at the hands of a Top 5 seed here.
Prediction: Kerber in 2
Eric:
Kerber should win this match comfortably, I do not really see Birrell having enough weapons or experience at a Major to trouble Kerber.
Prediction: Kerber in 2
Yesh:
Birrell is riding a ton of momentum and should have great support from the crown. She won’t win, but she’ll make it a lot closer than anyone expected.
Prediction: Kerber in 2
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Danielle Collins vs Caroline Garcia
Brett:
Danielle Collins is starting to play a similar brand of tennis that we saw in Miami, where she reached the semifinals. Garcia is playing well right now, but I think Collins will continue her run.
Prediction: Collins in 3
Steen:
A great opportunity for Collins but I’ll back the favored Garcia.
Prediction: Garcia in 3
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Eric:
Both players have been playing well throughout the tournament, but Garcia is the more consistent player out of the two. But if Collins does manage to win, I will not be surprised.
Prediction: Garcia in 2
Yesh:
Collins announced herself on tour in Miami last year. She’s doing it again right now, and is playing much better tennis than Garcia. The American should win this match.
Prediction: Collins in 2
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Aryna Sabalenka vs Amanda Anisimova
Brett:
This is a matchup that we will probably see a lot of in the next ten years. Sabalenka is a step up from what Anisimova has seen so far this tournament; I think she’ll be able to hang around for a little bit, but Sabalenka is too good right now.
Prediction: Sabalenka in 2
Steen:
The gap between these players is less than their rankings gap but Sabalenka will still prevail.
Prediction: Sabalenka in 2
Eric:
This match is a battle of the next generation. Sabalenka is 20 years old and Anismova is only 17, so this could be a future rivalry in the making. I do think Sabalenka will win this match as she looked impressive since the beginning of the year.
Prediction: Sabalenka in 2
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Yesh:
Sabalenka is looking like a future World No. 1 right now, but so is Amanda Anisimova. The young American plays her best tennis in the biggest events. Playing against Sabalenka on this stage will be a huge opportunity for the 17-year-old. She won’t miss it.
Prediction: Anisimova in 3
Petra Kvitova vs Belinda Bencic
Brett:
Bencic is into the Round of 32 after back-to-back three set wins. Kvitova hasn’t had any issues in the past with Bencic; she leads the H2H 2-0 and hasn’t dropped a set. I think that’ll continue as Kvitova advances to the Round of 16.
Prediction: Kvitova in 2
Steen:
Kvitova has cruised so far and I don’t expect this match to be any different.
Prediction: Kvitova in 2
Eric:
This is a tricky match-up for both players, and both players have a fair chance of winning However, Bencic is very inconsistent you just do not know which Bencic will show up.
Prediction: Kvitova in 2
Yesh:
Bencic has been out of form for a while now, but she finally seems to be playing back into it. I don’t think she has the game to take on Kvitova right now, but keeping this match close will be a huge step in the right direction for her.
Prediction: Kvitova in 2
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Caroline Wozniacki vs Maria Sharapova
Brett:
It’s weird seeing this matchup so early in the tournament. Both Wozniacki and Sharapova are playing at a high level right now so the quality should be good. Sharapova playing this well is one of the most surprising things so far in the tournament; I think she continues that with a relatively easy win over Wozniacki.
Prediction: Sharapova in 2
Steen:
Sharapova winning would be an upset even though both players are big names. Wozniacki is still a top tier player while Sharapova appears headed to retirement.
Prediction: Wozniacki in 2
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Eric:
The pair have played ten times, and Sharapova leads their record 6-4, but have not played each other since 2015. Both players have yet to drop a set so far, but as this is the first big match Wozniacki will play as a defending Major champion, the pressure might get to her.
Prediction: Sharapova in 3
Yesh:
Both of these players are playing great tennis right now. Wozniacki has always been vulnerable to the biggest hitters, but Sharapova has not been consistent since her comeback from her suspension. Inconsistency will kill you against Wozniacki, every time. Wozniacki will defend well enough to frustrate the Russian, and then the errors will flow.
Prediction: Wozniacki in 3
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