We wrap up the third round of the Australian Open on Saturday, Day 6 of the tournament. We’ve seen plenty of great tennis and some shocking upsets. There should be plenty of amazing tennis left to play. Who will win on Day 6? We’re predicting every match for you. This article contains four matches, and we have the other four in a separate article. Predicting today are Jim Smith, myself (Yesh Ginsburg), and Tracey Essex.
Australian Open Day 6 Women’s Predictions
Karolina Pliskova vs Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova
Jim:
This feels like a real chance for Pliskova to claim her maiden Major title. She arrived at the Australian Open in great form and she has continued to impress in Melbourne. And this looks to be a more than winnable match. Pavlyuchenkova is a fine player, who has enjoyed an excellent career, but she has not beaten Pliskova in six previous meetings. With the Czech in such good form, that does not seem likely to change.
Prediction: Pliskova in 2
Yesh:
Pliskova looks in great form, and Pavlychenkova just doesn’t have the power to stick with her. Expect an easy win in this one.
Prediction: Pliskova in 2
Tracey:
Pliskova and Pavlyuchenkova have played each other six times and the Russian has yet to win. With the Czech’s current form, I think she’ll easily chalk up win number seven.
Prediction: Pliskova in 2
Elise Mertens vs CiCi Bellis
Jim:
Bellis has had to battle against more than her fair share of injuries, but she was once considered one of the brightest young stars in the game for a reason and she has shown that so far at Melbourne Park. But as impressive as her revival has been, Mertens is a cut above any of the opponents she has faced so far. Expect the Belgian to prove just too good.
Prediction: Mertens in 3
Yesh:
Mertens is a top player playing well, but this is the young American’s breakout tournament. She’s not ending it in the third round. This is her chance to make a statement that she’s the best young player in the world, and she won’t give it up.
Prediction: Bellis in 3
Tracey:
Mertens got a good look at the Bellis game during their first round doubles clash. It took Mertens and Sabalenka a set to break through the Bellis/Vondrousova game. That will certainly give Mertens the knowledge of how to win this match.
Prediction: Mertens in 3
Donna Vekic vs Iga Swiatek
Jim:
Swiatek is another young star who has impressed at the Australian Open and she has more experience than players most her age, having already reached the fourth round at Roland Garros. But Vekic has now gone some way to her establishing herself as one of the most consistent performers on the WTA Tour. She should have the tactical awareness and the variety to get past the Pole’s challenge.
Prediction: Vekic in 3
Yesh:
This should be a great match. Both of these players are in good form and playing freely. Swiatek has more power, but Vekic has the experience and the ability to adjust her game to uncomfortable situations. She’ll move the Pole out of her comfort zone just enough to win.
Prediction: Vekic in 3
Tracey:
Iga Swiatek accomplished what Sabalenka couldn’t as she bounced Carla Suarez Navarro in straight sets. The Polish teen should find a way through an in form Vekic as well.
Prediction: Swiatek in 2
Elina Svitolina vs Garbine Muguruza
Jim:
This could be some match. Svitolina arrived in Melbourne in no kind of form, but she has played well so far, beating Katie Boulter and Lauren Davis without dropping a set. Muguruza, meanwhile, has looked to have recaptured something of her best in beating Shelby Rogers and Ajla Tomljanovic. But she has remained somewhat inconsistent and Svitolina has the quality to punish that inconsistency.
Prediction: Svitolina in 3
Yesh:
Svitolina is in excellent form and playing well enough to challenge for the title. Muguruza has been a bit inconsistent here, which is bad news against a player like Svitolina.
Prediction: Svitolina in 2
Tracey:
Garbine Muguruza appears to be returning to champion form. And while she has started strong in Melbourne, it will be a big test against an elite player. Svitolina is in good form and returns serve so well. I think Svitolina grabs an early break and never looks back.
Prediction: Svitolina in 2
Main Photo from Getty.
