The third round begins on Day 5 of the 2023 Australian Open. Who will advance to the second week? As always, we here at LWOT share our thoughts on all the matches with you. We split the day’s eight women’s matches between this and a separate article. Predicting today’s matches are Damian Kust, Shane Black, and Glenys Furness. Who do you think will win?
Australian Open Day 5 Women’s Predictions
Jelena Ostapenko vs Kateryna Baindl
Damian:
Anything can happen In an Ostapenko match and she’s been up-and-down as usual so far. Baindl leads the head-to-head 3-0, but she’s not going to be the one in control of the rallies here and it should depend more on the Latvian’s level.
Prediction: Ostapenko in 3
Shane:
Jelena Ostapenko is on the verge of reaching the fourth round for the first time in Melbourne. This week, she has shown the consistency and power to beat a player like Kateryna Baindl. Baindl is 2-18 in her career against Top 20 players.
Prediction: Ostapenko in 2
Glenys:
Ostapenko does not have a great record here. The Latvian has never progressed beyond the third round, so will be hoping this will be her year. Unfortunately for Ostapenko, her opponent holds the advantage on the head to head. Ostapenko will need to put that out of her mind and believe she can win
Baindl on the other hand has already got further than before at this event. The Ukranian will be confident of defeating the 17th seed, as in the three times they have met, Baindl has won each time. The Ukrainian has the measure of the seed and should progress.
Prediction: Baindl in 3
Jessica Pegula vs Marta Kostyuk
Damian:
Pegula has had a fantastic start to the year and it looks like it will be a truly huge performance from someone to take her out. Kostyuk is capable of that, but she would need to play one if the best matches of her career to have anything more than a puncher’s chance.
Prediction: Pegula in 3
Shane:
Jessica Pegula came into Melbourne as one of the favorites in this tournament. She has backed that up with two promising straight-set victories this week. Marta Kostyuk also has yet to drop a set in Melbourne and has the tools to push Pegula. However, I believe the American will be too consistent to beat.
Prediction: Pegula in 3
Glenys:
Pegula has strolled through the first two matches. The American third seed only lost one game in the first match, and although a tiebreak was needed in the second set of the next match she moved into the third round without dropping a set.
Kotsyuk has eased through to this stage as well. The Ukranian had a much easier second round than the American, and has already taken out an American seeded player. Kotsyuk will want that to continue. Despite the losing head to head Kotsyuk will certainly be a challenge.
Prediction: Pegula in 3
Victoria Azarenka vs Madison Keys
Damian:
Azarenka is flying under the radar, but the two-time champion is still capable of playing excellent tennis on her day. The return is perhaps her best shot and it will come in handy here against the erratic Keys. Could be fireworks if they both deliver.
Prediction: Azarenka in 2
Shane:
Victoria Azarenka and Madison Keys both have their share of fruitful results in Melbourne. 2023 is no different, as both women have looked comfortable in their two victories. Azarenka holds the 3-0 record in this matchup and is the slightly more in-form player. Her play from the ground has been terrific and could carry her very far in this tournament.
Prediction: Azarenka in 2
Glenys:
Azarenka obliterated her last round opponent, losing only one game. The 24th seed took out an American in the first round, and will be hoping to take out another this time round. Azarenka leads the head to head between these players
Keys, although higher ranked has never beaten Azarenka in the three matches they have played. The American had a straight forward second round match, but was on court longer than her opponent. Keys will need to believe she can win, as the higher seed and try not to think about the fact she has never beaten Azarenka
Prediction: Azarenka in 2
Iga Swiatek vs Cristina Bucsa
Damian:
Bucsa’s upset of Andreescu was fun, especially as she saved a match point, but it also makes this match slightly less interesting. The Spaniard will probably push Swiatek more than Osorio did, but the World No. 1 should find a way to progress here with relative ease.
Prediction: Swiatek in 2
Shane:
Qualifier Cristina Busca has had an unforgettable week in Melbourne. She is coming off a Round 2 win where she came back from a set down to take out Bianca Andreescu. That said, I believe her run stops here. No. 1 seed Iga Swiatek has looked very comfortable this week and will control this match from start to finish.
Prediction: Swiatek in 2
Glenys:
Swiatek as the top seed as eased through both her matches so far. Although made to fight for the second set in the first round, since then the Pole has very little trouble progressing. The three time Grand slam champion will be aiming to make it four with the Australian Open and so far looks in fantastic form
Bucsa has more matches under her belt, having come through qualifying to make the Open. The Spaniard needed full three sets in each of the first couple of rounds in the main draw. The big ranking difference puts Bucsa at a distinct advantage, so hopefully she will play with nothing to lose
Prediction: Swiatek in 2
Main Photo from Getty.
