After rain hit on day one, fans at Melbourne Park enjoyed a glut of tennis on day two at the Australian Open. Now the competition is set to intensify as the remaining 64 players battle for a place in the third round and we here at LWOT are offering our predictions for matches across the board including Ashleigh Barty’s clash with Polona Hercog and Serena Williams’ battle with Tamara Zidansek, as well as Naomi Osaka’s contest with Zheng Saisai. Giving their picks for this slate of matches are Jim Smith, Andy Watson and Yesh Ginsburg. But who will progress?
Australian Open Day 3 Predictions
Julia Goerges vs Petra Martic
Jim: Julia Goerges made a superb start to her Australian Open campaign, demolishing Viktoria Kuzmova 6-1 6-2. But so too did 14th seed Petra Martic, who also dropped only three games in the first round, beating the USA’s Cristina McHale 6-3 6-0. This should be a closer contest. But although Goerges leads the head-to-head 2-0, the German hasn’t passed the second round at the Australian Open since 2015. Expect that frustrating run to continue in the face of Martic’s excellent court-coverage.
Prediction: Martic in 3
Andy: This should be a high quality encounter. In previous years the seeding for this would be the opposite way around. Both players looked excellent in round one, both only dropping three games en route to victory. Goerges demonstrated a really high winner count and a higher first serve percentage than Martic. This could go the distance but the serving power of the German may be deciding factor.
Prediction: Goerges in 3
Yesh: It’s not fair that this is a second-round match. Both players are strong talents and in good form. I’ll go with Goerges’ superior power on a faster hard court, but just barely.
Prediction: Goerges in 3
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Ekaterina Alexandrova vs Barbora Krejcikova
Jim: Barbora Krejcikova scored a great first-round win over Kaia Kanepi, but the Czech will face a stern test up against Ekaterina Alexandrova. The Russian made an excellent start to the season, winning the Shenzhen Open. She was made to work hard by Jil Teichmann in the first round, but with that win under her belt, she should be ready to press on at Melbourne Park.
Prediction: Alexandrova in 2
Andy: The young Russian has been impressive on tour of late. She won her maiden title in Shenzhen a couple of weeks ago. Krejcikova will need to improve from her battle in the first round against Kaia Kanepi. Alexandrova should be able to exhibit too much quality for the Czech here.
Prediction: Alexandrova in 2
Yesh: Alexandrova survived a poor second set against Jil Teichmann, but she shouldn’t have trouble against the qualifier here.
Prediction: Alexandrova in 2
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Coco Gauff vs Sorana Cirstea
Jim: Coco Gauff went someway to proving that her remarkable 2019 was no fluke by beating Venus Williams for the second time at a Major. The veteran was unable to live with her younger compatriots combination of power and athleticism, but Sorana Cirstea may well prove a more difficult obstacle. Nonetheless, Gauff should have the quality and the confidence to progress.
Prediction: Gauff in 3
Andy: For the second time in three Slams Gauff beat Venus Williams. The youngster showed few nerves and an impressive amount of power in her straight sets triumph. Cirstea was excellent on return in her opening match versus Strycova. However, Gauff has more power on serve and off the ground and this will push Cirstea back. That should be decisive.
Prediction: Gauff in 2
Yesh: Once again, Gauff took out Williams. This tournament won’t go as well for her as the last Wimbledon did, where she reached the fourth round, since she’s facing the talented and in-form Cirstea. Expect the Romanian to be too strong.
Prediction: Cirstea in 2
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Arantxa Rus vs Madison Keys
Jim: Arantxa Rus scored a great first-round win over Magda Linette, coming back from losing the first set 1-6 to win in three. But the power of Madison Keys will be a very different proposition for the Dutchwoman. Keys has started the season in great fashion and expect her to hit through Rus to secure a spot in the last 32.
Prediction: Keys in 2
Andy: Keys will have her focus set on a deep run here in Melbourne. The American wasn’t troubled by Daria Kasatkina, helped by the Russian’s nine double faults. It would be a surprise if Rus had the quality to make much of in impact on Keys too. Expect the American to dominate once more.
Prediction: Keys in 2
Yesh: Madison Keys is in incredible form right now. Maybe Maria Sakkari can trouble her in the third round, but she won’t have trouble here.
Prediction: Keys in 2
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