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
Clara Tauson vs Danielle Collins
Jakub:
The young Dane pulled off a big upset to take out sixth seed Anett Kontaveit in straight sets in the second round, playing some really good tennis. Next, she is facing 2019 semifinalist Danielle Collins who didn’t drop a set in wins over Caroline Dolehide and Ana Konjuh. Yet another third-round clash that is difficult to call, but I think the rising star of Tauson cannot be denied and this tournament might be where she takes the spotlight.
Prediction: Tauson in 3
Fraser:
This will be a great watch. Both Tauson and Collins aren’t afraid to play there shots and have done exactly that so far in this tournament. The Dane has a better serve but Collins is the better mover of the two. This match may well be decided by who can keep their errors under control and I think Collins has the edge in that department.
Prediction: Collins in 3
Jim:
Clara Tauson was quite exceptional in her second-round win over Anett Kontaveit, even if the Estonian was not at her best. Maintaining that level will not be easy for the Dane, but if she can do it expect her to have just about enough to get past Danielle Collins.
Prediction: Tauson in 3
Simona Halep vs Danka Kovinic
Jakub:
Halep has been looking dangerous this year, 7-0 so far, with a title fat Melbourne Summer Set 1 and wins over Magdalena Frech and Beatriz Haddad Maia. I expect the 2018 finalist to continue her undefeated run against Danka Kovinic, who upset a blistered Emma Raducanu. Halep’s consistency in rallies is simply superior and an upset here is unlikely.
Prediction: Halep in 2
Fraser:
Kovinic made history by being the first player representing Montenegro to make the third round of a Slam when she beat Raducanu on Wednesday. However, she must now find an even higher level just to have a chance here against an in-form Halep. The diminutive Romanian is one a seven match winning run and is quickly becoming a favourite to win this tournament. She should take one step closer to the title here.
Prediction: Halep in 2
Jim:
One suspects that Simona Halep is rather glad to be facing Danka Kovinic rather than Emma Raducanu. Of course, the Montenegrin should not be underestimated, but if Halep maintains the level she has shown so far at the Australian Open this should be a comfortable day at the office for the former-finalist.
Prediction: Halep in 2
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Kaia Kanepi vs Maddison Inglis
Jakub:
The 36-year-old hasn’t gotten past the third round at the Australian Open in any of her 12 appearances here but now has a prime opportunity. Kanepi pulled off straight-set wins over Angelique Kerber and Marie Bouzkova and next has wildcard Maddison Inglis. Inglis pulled off an upset over Leylah Fernandez and followed it up with a win against Haley Baptiste. I see Kanepi as a favorite here, a veteran with a great opportunity for one last great run, though Inglis will have the crowd on her side.
Prediction: Kanepi in 2
Fraser:
We have often seen dream runs in women’s Grand Slams, particularly in recent years. Inglis is showing all the signs of being the latest to pull off something special in that regard. She beat Kerber and Bouzkova in straight sets and will be full of belief in her ability to do the same here. Kanepi is something of a Grand Slam specialist, but I don’t think she can overcome the wave of support Inglis will draw on from the home crowd here.
Prediction: Inglis in 2
Jim:
This is a great opportunity for both to reach the second week at a Major. Kaia Kanepi has experience on her side, but Maddison Inglis has found a rich vein of form and will have the fulsome backing of the Australian crowd. Still, facing Kanepi is a fairly unique challenge and it might well be one that Inglis isn’t quite ready for.
Prediction: Kanepi in 3
Iga Swiatek vs Daria Kasatkina
Jakub:
Swiatek is looking to reach the fourth round in Australia for the third year in a row and the Pole has been looking like a contender this year. The 20-year-old dropped only seven games to Harriet Dart and Rebecca Peterson but will face a different caliber of opposition in Kasatkina. The 24-year-old Russian is only in her second third round in Melbourne in seven appearances. Kasatkina has enjoyed a good Australian summer though with wins over Madison Keys, Garbine Muguruza, or Elise Mertens. It should be an interesting match with lots of variety, but I expect Swiatek to pull through.
Prediction: Swiatek in 3
Fraser:
Kasatkina has once again started the year well with some strong performances in Australia. However, she will be hard-pressed to continue that trend here when she faces Swiatek. The young star continues to improve on hard courts and is as close to a sure thing for the second week of Grand Slams as you can get in the women’s game. Her forehand and mental fortitude should see her through here.
Prediction: Swiatek in 2
Jim:
This should be a very entertaining match. Daria Kasatkina, especially when she is on song, is a better player than her ranking suggests and she has looked sharp so far at Melbourne Park. But Iga Swiatek has been in destructive mood and should have enough to see off the Russian.
Prediction: Swiatek in 2
Main Photo from Getty.
