Sofia Kenin has been shaky thus far for a top player at the Australian Open, but Kaia Kanepi will still need to play her best to get the win. Our panel of Jim Smith and Yesh Ginsburg offer their predictions for this and other matches including Kontaveit vs Watson.
Sofia Kenin vs Kaia Kanepi
Jim: There is a widespread feeling that Kenin is not at her best and whilst there is certainly an element of truth in that, the American has been winning matches. This will be a real test, with Kanepi particularly dangerous on the big stage, but Kenin is a harder woman to beat than is often assumed. Kenin in 3
Yesh: Kenin is in strong form and looking to defend her title. Kanepi is playing some of her best tennis in years, but she’s no match for the American. Kenin in 2
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Anett Kontaveit vs Heather Watson
Jim: Watson did superbly to oust Kristyna Pliskova in the first round, holding her nerve to win a match that could easily have gone the other way. But Kontaveit has found some form in the past couple of weeks and if she plays as she has been, she should be able to overpower Watson. Kontaveit in 2
Yesh: Kontaveit has been in great form recently. Watson did well to get this far, but she’s about to run into a buzzsaw. Kontaveit in 2
Zhu Lin vs Elise Mertens
Jim: Zhu Lin made surprisingly light work of Whitney Osuigwe in the first round, playing well enough to suggest that she might just be able to cause Mertens some problems and indeed beat the Belgian in their last meeting. But Mertens’ level really dips far and she will, correctly, view this match as one she should be winning. Mertens in 3
Yesh: Mertens isn’t playing quite at the elite level that she was a few years ago, but she’s still very strong and should probably reach the second week, but will definitely win another match. Mertens in 2
Yulia Putintseva vs Alison Van Uytvanck
Jim: Van Uytvanck looks to be enjoying the court surface at the Australian Open, which, according to some players, is considerably faster than in previous years. Her flat powerful groundstrokes could well take the racquet out of Putintseva’s hands. Van Uytvanck in 3
Yesh: Putintseva plays a weird but effective style. It keeps her in matches and tournaments, and as long as she sticks to her game and doesn’t get in her own head, she should win this match. Putintseva in 3
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