With several star names, including the world #1, set to take to the courts on day five at the Australian Open, there should be plenty of entertaining tennis for the fans to enjoy. As ever, we here at LWOT will be previewing and predicting every match including Victoria Azarenka vs Clara Tauson, Elena Rybakina vs Anna Blinkova and Iga Swiatek vs Danielle Collins. But who will advance?
Australian Open Day 5 Predictions
Jessica Pegula vs Clara Burel
Jordan: Pegula is one of the best in the game at avoiding upsets in the first couple of rounds. Yet, she still needs to be on her game here. Burel is talented, and her all-round tennis is improving quickly. Pegula to win in straight sets, but each set to be competitive.
Prediction: Pegula in 2
Jack: Pegula hasn’t gone out in the first two rounds of nine consecutive Slams. She’s consistently going deep at these events, producing a considerably high level every time she steps to the court. Burel’s power is not to be underestimated but I still think Pegula is reliable enough to get the win.
Prediction: Pegula in 2
Daria Kasatkina vs Sloane Stephens
Jordan: Expect many brutal rallies between two great movers, but who also do not have the natural power of some of the other players. Stephens has struggled in Melbourne in recent years, and claimed her first victory since 2019 in round one. Yet, I am backing the American to triumph. Ending her Australian Open jinx will have been a weight off her shoulders, and I have a feeling she will find a few more winners than the gritty Kasatkina.
Prediction: Stephens in 3
Jack: It’s tough to know how much stock to put in Stephens. She has produced moments of magic over the past few years but she is prone to unravelling. If there’s one player that’s a master at unravelling her opponents, it’s Daria Kasatkina.
Prediction: Kasatkina in 2
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Zheng Qinwen vs Katie Boulter
Jordan: There will be a lot of firepower on show in this second-round contest. Zheng serves and hits big, and Boulter tries to step into the court and be aggressive at every opportunity. This is a tough one to call. It could go either way, but Zheng gets the narrowest of edges.
Prediction: Zheng in 3
Jack: A little bit of a slow start but, once Zheng got going, Ashlyn Krueger struggled to keep up in their first round clash. Boulter has made plenty of improvements and actually could do enough to scare the world #13. But Zheng is due a breakout at the Slams sooner rather than later.
Prediction: Zheng in 3
Arantxa Rus vs Anna Kalinskaya
Jordan: Rus played incredibly against the seeded Anhelina Kalnina, losing just one game. It was reminiscent of the form that took her to the Hamburg title last year. The Dutchwoman’s level can fluctuate between matches, but I am still giving her the edge against Kalinskaya. Some of that form from the first round is likely to be enough to prevail.
Prediction: Rus in 3
Jack: In a bizarre first round, Rus dropped just eight points on return and was able to save 14/14 break points in her win against Kalinina. Rus will do everything she can to be a thorn in the side of Kalinskaya.
Prediction: Rus in 3
Main photo credit: Mike Frey-USA TODAY Sports
