After a thrilling start to the Australian Open, the excitement is set to continue on day five at Melbourne Park. As ever, we here at LWOT will be offering our predictions for every match on the slate, including Victoria Azarenka vs Clara Tauson, Iga Swiatek vs Danielle Collins, and Jessica Pegula vs Clara Burel. But who will book their place in the third round?
Australian Open Day 5 Predictions
Elena Rybakina vs Anna Blinkova
Jordan: Last year’s runner-up survived a shaky start against Karolína Pliskova to prevail in straight sets. I do not see Rybakina having too many issues here. Her power on serve and from the baseline will be very difficult for Blinkova to handle. Rybakina in straight sets.
Prediction: Rybakina in 2
Jack: Rybakina had one of those opening rounds that players are thankful for in hindsight. Pliskova really forced the world #3 to find another gear at this year’s Australian Open. Though Blinkova is an accomplished hitter, the Kazakhstani shouldn’t have any problems producing a similar performance.
Prediction: Rybakina in 2
Elina Svitolina vs Viktoriya Tomova
Jordan: Svitolina is in great form but she needs to be wary here. Recent Hobart quarterfinalist Tomova has also looked good lately, and is capable of disrupting the Ukrainian’s rhythm from the baseline. I will go with Svitolina to win, but this could be tighter than some expect.
Prediction: Svitolina in 3
Jack: With a comfortable win over wildcard Taylah Preston, Svitolina’s picked up right where she left off in Auckland. Tomova has never made a huge dent at the Slams so this should be the former world #3’s by a distance.
Prediction: Svitolina in 2
Emma Navarro vs Elisabetta Cocciaretto
Jordan: Navarro survived an incredibly tense three-set battle with Wang Xiyu. There will be many long rallies in this contest between two consistent players and good movers. It is likely to come down to who can last the longest. That edge goes to the very fit Navarro.
Prediction: Navarro in 3
Jack: With wins over Petra Martic, Elise Mertens, Wang Xiyu, Clara Burel, Magdalena Frech, Viktoriya Tomova, Yuan Yue and Elina Avanesyan this year, Emma Navarro’s putting together an impressive body of work. Cocciaretto is very steady but Navarro’s recent wins make her a fairly comfortable favourite in my eyes.
Prediction: Navarro in 2
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Martina Trevisan vs Oceane Dodin
Jordan: Dodin showed the impressive ball-striking she is capable of in round one, ability that has made so many of her career struggles a surprise. The Frenchwoman is seeking to make a first Grand Slam third round, and I am backing her to do it. Despite coming from a set down in the first round. Trevisan has not been near her best so far this season. This could be Dodin’s time to shine at last.
Prediction: Dodin in 2
Jack: Dodin has the power to win this one. If she’s playing well, she’s a top 50 player and Trevisan has just a 20% win-rate against top 50 players on hard courts. The Frenchwoman won’t be afraid to play aggressor from the first game.
Prediction: Dodin in 2
Main photo credit: Susan Mullane-USA TODAY Sports
