Our panel of Yesh Ginsburg and Jim Smith offer their predictions for day 4 matches at the 2021 Australian Open including Karolina Pliskova vs Danielle Collins.
Karolina Pliskova vs Danielle Collins
Jim: This should be a real test of Pliskova’s title credentials in Melbourne. She made an excellent start to her campaign, but so too did Collins and it can’t be forgotten that the American is a former-Australian Open semifinalist. Still, the Czech has the higher ceiling and is typically the more consistent performer. Expect her to edge it. Pliskova in 3
Yesh: Collins likes the fast hard courts here, and she has a real chance to outhit Pliskova. I’ll go with the bigger hitter here, but it could be very close. Pliskova in 3
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Shelby Rogers vs Olga Danilovic
Jim: Rogers seems to be player who has found some form at exactly the right time. The American played some very tennis last week at the Melbourne warm-ups, reaching the quarterfinals at the Yarra Valley Classic. Danilovic deserves great credit for her efforts in beating Petra Martic, but it is hard to see her getting the better of the big-hitting Rogers. Rogers in 2
Yesh: Both players do fine on the courts here, and neither has a distinct advantage over the other. Rogers is somewhat better and more experienced at this point, so she’s the safer pick. Rogers in 3
Barbora Krejcikova vs Ekaterina Alexandrova
Jim: Krejcikova is another player who has looked in pretty good nick so far in Melbourne. But, although the Czech has taken impressive strides in her singles career of late, Alexandrova is a cut above. Expect the Russian to prove too strong for the 25-year-old. Alexandrova in 2
Yesh: I really like how well Alexandrova is playing right now. The Russian took out Swiatek and Halep in the warm-up event, and she should do just fine here. Alexandrova in 2
Jessica Pegula vs Samantha Stosur
Jim: Stosur has not, as a rule, enjoyed her trips to the Australian Open, having never gone past the fourth round. Her win over her compatriot Destanee Aiava must have been most welcome as a result. But Pegula has been playing solidly of late and should be able to account for the veteran Australian. Pegula in 3
Yesh: This could be a great match, but Stosur is well past the consistency of her prime. Pegula can work just about anyone around the court and find ways to win points, and she should be able to do just that against the aging Aussie. Pegula in 3
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