We start the second round of the Australian Open on Day 3. Here at LWOT, we will share our thoughts on every match for you. The 16 matches on Wednesday are split between four articles. In addition to this article, the other three feature Belinda Bencic vs Amanda Anisimova, Paula Badosa vs Martina Trevisan, and Ashleigh Barty vs Lucia Bronzetti. Predicting this set are Jim Smith, Yesh Ginsburg, and Johnny Connell.
Australian Open Day 3 Predictions
Maria Zanevska vs Nuria Parrizas Dias
Jim:
This looks like a match that could go either way. But Nuria Parrizas Dias has slightly more experience than her opponent and has also been playing slightly better tennis so far this season. Which rather points towards a Parrizas Dias win.
Prediction: Parrizas Dias in 3
Yesh:
It’s hard to predict this match. Neither player is particularly better than the other, and this will come down to whoever plays a better form of their game for longer. I’m guessing that would be Zanevska.
Prediction: Zanevska in 3
Johnny:
A huge opportunity for both players to reach the third round of a Major. There’s little to separate the pair. I’ll give the slight edge to the Spaniard, who has generally had the better results of late on the main tour. Whoever performs better on the day will win, probably the one that handles the occasion better in what is a big chance for both.
Prediction: Parrizas-Diaz in 3
Barbora Krejcikova vs Xiyu Wang
Jim:
Barbora Krejcikova proved far too strong for Andrea Petkovic in the first round and, whilst Wang Xiyu should offer more resistance than the German, there doesn’t seem to be much reason to expect the Czech to find things difficult here either.
Prediction: Krejcikova in 2
Yesh:
Krejcikova quite suddenly became one of the best players in the world last spring, and she hasn’t slowed down since. I don’t expect that to happen now.
Prediction: Krejcikova in 2
Johnny:
Xiyu Wang is a talented young player with great firepower. However, she is likely to struggle in this matchup against the classy, experienced Krejcikova. Wang hasn’t been in the greatest form and is unlikely to have the patience and discipline to live with Krejcikova. Expect Krejcikova to be far too solid here as she continues her winning ways.
Prediction: Krejcikova in 2
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Madison Keys vs Jaqueline Cristian
Jim:
Madison Keys did well to come through a testing first-round clash with former champion Sofia Kenin and maintain the momentum she has built up. This looks like a comparatively straightforward task on paper and it would be a surprise to see the experienced American falter now.
Prediction: Keys in 2
Yesh:
Keys looked pretty good against a much tougher opponent than Jaqueline Cristian in the first round. I don’t expect her to struggle with the Romanian in the second.
Prediction: Keys in 2
Johnny:
Keys is on a roll. Fresh from winning the title in Adelaide she came to Melbourne and knocked out former champion Sofia Kenin in straight sets. Keys is playing disciplined tennis this season, serving extremely well and physically stronger than she has been for a while. I see no reason for the run to end here, Keys is a far better player than Cristian on a fast hard court.
Prediction: Keys in 2
Naomi Osaka vs Madison Brengle
Jim:
Naomi Osaka may not have been at her very best against Maria Osorio in the first round, but she was very comfortable. And it’s hard to see Madison Brengle, who came through a very strange encounter with Dayana Yastremska in her opener, really testing the Japanese either.
Prediction: Osaka in 2
Yesh:
Osaka came out flying against Maria Osorio, though part of that was due to the Colombian’s poor play. Still, even when Osorio played well Osaka had her number. That’s a good sign for the two-time champion here.
Prediction: Osaka in 2
Johnny:
Osaka made a powerful start to her title defense and should be far too strong for Brengle. There’s nothing Brengle can do to hurt Osaka. The American’s only hope will be Osaka has an off day and makes a ton of errors. That’s not going to happen. Osaka is looking good at the moment and should stroll through this clash.
Prediction: Osaka in 2
Main Photo from Getty.
