We wrap up the third round of the Australian Open on Day 6. Eight more women will advance to the Round of 16, and we’re here to offer our thoughts on all eight matches for you. We look at four matches in this article, and four in a separate article. Predicting these matches are Jakub Bobro, Fraser Learmonth, and Jim Smith. Who do you think will win?
Australian Open Day 6 Women’s Predictions
Sorana Cirstea vs Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova
Jakub:
Cirstea had a rocket start to the tournament, allowing only four games to Petra Kvitova in the first round. The Romanian followed it up with another win over Kristina Kucova. The 30-year-old Pavlyuchenkova has also looked dominant, dropping only seven games against Anna Bondar and Samantha Stosur. The two faced off five times in their careers, but have only played three games on outdoor hard as their only other meeting in those conditions ended in a retirement. I expect an equal battle with strong rallies, but ultimately Pavlyuchenkova coming out on top.
Prediction: Pavlyuchenkova in 2
Fraser:
Cirstea looks in great form in Melbourne. The Romanian has a lethal backhand and is always more than happy to throw her racket at the ball. Pavlyuchenkova is always a consistent performer on the tour. However, I’m not sure she can live with Cirstea when she’s playing like this.
Prediction: Cirstea in 3
Jim:
Sorana Cirstea has enjoyed another solid outing at a Grand Slam, scoring wins over Petra Kvitova and Kristina Kucova, both in dominant fashion. But Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova is a class above. If the Russian plays anything like her best tennis, she should have too much by half for Cirstea.
Prediction: Pavlyuchenkova in 2
Tamara Zidansek vs Alize Cornet
Jakub:
Zidansek had to fight to get through her first-round match against Arantxa Rus, coming back from a set down in a third-set tiebreak. The 29th seed then beat Heather Watson in two tight sets. Coming up next, she has Alize Cornet who has won all of her sets 6-3 so far. The 31-year-old first beat qualifier Viktoriya Tomova before upsetting third seed Garbine Muguruza. Another match that is tough to call, but I believe the experience of Cornet here.
Prediction: Cornet in 2
Fraser:
Cornet scored a huge upset win last match when she knocked out Muguruza in straight sets. Such big wins are often followed by dips and that could prove costly here against Zidansek. The Slovenian is in superb form and will be looking for another deep Grand Slam run here. She should take one step closer here in a match where she has form and firepower on her side.
Prediction: Zidansek in 2
Jim:
Alize Cornet has made some start to her Australian Open campaign, recording back-to-back 6-3 6-3 wins over Viktoria Tomova and third seed Garbine Muguruza. This is another test for the Frenchwoman, but Tamara Zidansek is rather more comfortable on the clay. Expect Cornet to keep her charge going.
Prediction: Cornet in 3
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Elise Mertens vs Shuai Zhang
Jakub:
Mertens has been the definition of consistency at Slams, reaching at least the third round in every Slam since 2018. This is the case once again and the former Australian Open semifinalist has a good chance to go even further here. Up next for Mertens is Zhang, who beat Viktorija Golubic and got a retirement from Elena Rybakina. I expect Mertens to continue her run.
Prediction: Mertens in 2
Fraser:
Mertens continues to be a reliable seed who takes care of business in early rounds while Zhang continues to surprise us all in Melbourne. A withdrawal by Rybakina certainly helped the Chinese star, but she has been very good regardless. Mertens might be a step too far for Zhang here, but her form in Melbourne should give her a set in this match.
Prediction: Mertens in 3
Jim:
Elise Mertens has made assured progress through to the third round. Too often of late for a player of her ability, she has stumbled at about this stage, but this looks like a very winnable match for the Belgian. Expect her to reach the second week.
Prediction: Mertens in 2
Aryna Sabalenka vs Marketa Vondrousova
Jakub:
The second seed has had a shaky start to the tournament, having to come back from a set down against Storm Sanders and Xinyu Wang, both of whom are ranked outside the top 100. Vondrousova has had a more smooth road through her first two rounds, not dropping a set against Priscilla Hon and Ludmila Samsonova. This one is tough to call as Sabalenka is a superior player but hasn’t looked great so far, so I believe Vondrousova will be able to pull off the upset here.
Prediction: Vondrousova in 3
Fraser:
Sabalenka has looked shaky in all four of her matches in Australia this year. However, she has found a way to win in her last two matches, buying her time to find the game that saw her rise to #2 in the world in 2021. If she finds her best – and I think she will–she simply has too much for Vondrousova here.
Prediction: Sabalenka in 2
Jim:
Aryna Sabalenka has battled her way into the third round without looking particularly convincing. That is an improvement on her early season form, but she faces a potentially stern test in the shape of Marketa Vondrousova and it’s not one that she looks ready for.
Prediction: Vondrousova in 3
Main Photo from Getty.
