Eight third-round matches are scheduled on Day 5 of the WTA Brisbane International. This article features world No.1. Aryna Sabalenka who will face off the gritty Yulia Putintseva. As always, we at LWOT will offer predictions for every match on the slate for day 5. But who will advance to the quarterfinals?
WTA Brisbane Day 5 Predictions
Anastasia Potapova vs Kimberly Birrell
Head-to-Head: First meeting
Anastasia Potapova played a much more solid match in the second round to beat Dayana Yastremska in straight sets. Potapova is one win away from reaching back-to-back quarterfinals at the Brisbane International. However, the wild card Kimberly Birrell will have other ideas as she got the biggest win of her career by upsetting the #2 seed, Emma Navarro. Birrell played extremely well in the second set and was more consistent. Getting such a big win in her home tournament will give her loads of confidence against Potapova. I am backing the home player to win.
Prediction: Birrell in 3
Daria Kasatkina vs Polina Kudermetova
Head-to-Head: First meeting
Daria Kasatkina had to fight until the last moment to win her second-round match against Peyton Stearns. It was a great battle between the two players and took over three hours to finish. The draw has opened up nicely for Kasatkina as she is the only seeded player remaining in the bottom half. Polina Kudermetova is having a great start to the new season as she defeated Liudmila Samsonova in three sets. This was the biggest win of Kudermetova’s career in terms of rankings. Kasatkina will have to be dialled in to win this.
Prediction: Kasatkina in 3
Mirra Andreeva vs Linda Noskova
Head-to-Head: Andreeva 1-1 Noskova
An intriguing showdown between two young WTA Tour sensations, as well as a replay of this event’s quarterfinals from last year. Both players easily won their second-round matches, but this has all the makings of a close thriller. Noskova got the better of Andreeva last year and I am expecting the Russian player to get revenge and reach the quarterfinals.
Prediction: Andreeva in 3
Aryna Sabalenka vs Yulia Putintseva
Head-to-Head: Sabalenka 1-1 Putintseva
World No.1 and last year’s finalist, Aryna Sabalenka won her opening match comfortably and improved as the match progressed. She will have a tougher fight in her hands against Yulia Putintseva, who took a set the last time these two played. Putintseva’s game style can frustrate Sabalenka but I can’t see her losing this given her immense power. However, the Kazakhstani player can steal a set if Sabalenka is not sharp enough.
Prediction: Sabalenka in 2
Main Photo Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports
