Our panel of Steen Kirby and Fraser Learmonth predict an exciting day 4 at the Australian Open with top Aussies Ash Barty and Daria Gavrilova set to do battle.
Ash Barty vs Daria Gavrilova
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Fraser: We’ll see if anyone can stop Ashleigh Barty this fortnight but the top seed is looking incredibly strong. Daria Gavrilova is very talented but it’s probably a bit too early in her injury comeback to expect such a massive win from her. Barty in 2
Steen: The Barty party should continue, Australia’s #1 is the tournament favorite right now for me and has to be favored here. Barty in 2
Nadia Podoroska vs Donna Vekic
Fraser: Nadia Podoroska is not a one-run-wonder and she is back playing at a level that allows her to compete with the very best. Donna Vekic just broke through a losing streak (before the AO her last win came at the US Open) and hasn’t been playing particularly well recently. For Podoroska, a great opportunity presents itself and maybe she can be one of the stories of the slam again? Podoroska in 3
Steen: Vekic is capable but Podoroska is in better form and looks set to continue her run. Podoroska in 2
Mayar Sherif vs Kaja Juvan
Fraser: There is a lot of hype regarding Mayar Sherif as she keeps breaking new ground in her country’s tennis history. But Kaja Juvan is already past that establishing herself as a threat phase and while she advanced to the second round via retirement, she is definitely among the most talented youngsters in the women’s game at the moment. Expect fireworks. Juvan in 3
Steen: The more experienced Juvan has a small advantage here. Juvan in 3
Nao Hibino vs Kristina Mladenovic
Fraser: Kristina Mladenovic was as erratic as ever in her first round win over Maria Sakkari. But the good periods were actually quite solid and should make her the favorite to win here. Nao Hibino hasn’t played since the French Open and owns two head-to-head losses to Mladenovic, both on hard five years ago. Mladenovic in 3
Steen: Mladenovic has the h2h edge and is better on hard courts. Mladenovic in 3
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