In what was one of the wildest days in Australian Open history, the second round is set to wrap up and we give you three matches worth tuning in to on Day 4.
Maria Sharapova vs Anastasija Sevastova
This is turning into a nice little rivalry as the Russian and Latvian have split their two prior meetings (both played last year). Sevastova prevailed 5-7, 6-4, 6-2 in the fourth round of the U.S. Open while Sharapova returned the favor, a 7-6 (3), 5-7, 7-6 (7) victory in the first round of Beijing. Form favors the former Aussie Open champ as she reached the semifinals of Shenzhen while the two-time Slam quarterfinalist has dropped both of her matches heading into Melbourne. The variety Sevastova possesses can drive Sharapova nuts and the Russian will need to protect her serve well. The Latvian will also need to use her superior net skills and outstanding movement to grind Sharapova down. If this match is anything like their first two, the fans on Rod Laver Arena will be in for a real treat.
Marketa Vondrousova vs Caroline Garcia
There will be a ton of big hitting in this one as both players will look to take the offensive as early and often as possible. Vondrousova made her name in Biel last year, claiming the title in just her second WTA-level event as a 233rd-ranked qualifier. She also pushed Svetlana Kuznetsova to a third set tiebreaker at last year’s U.S. Open. The lefty has the ability to claim a huge win here as Garcia retired in her only match prior to Melbourne. Both strong servers, the Frenchwoman will be tested in her abilities to cope with the pressure of being a top seed at a Slam for the first time, something Julia Goerges couldn’t do yesterday. As with the above match, net play may be key, a weapon firmly in the column of Garcia. The leftiness of Vondrousova may give her an added dimension, as well. The present meets the future in what should be a terrific encounter.
Simona Halep vs Eugenie Bouchard
Halep turned her ankle in her first-round victory over Destinee Aiava, a match the 17-year-old led by 5-2 in the first set. If she’s healthy, the Romanian should prevail quite comfortably. If not, perhaps Bouchard can draw on her past success against the world number one, having previously won their biggest career meeting in the semifinals of Wimbledon in 2014. Finally winning a match with her first-round victory over Oceane Dodin, the Canadian has nothing to lose in this match and will look to be the aggressor, trying to bully Halep around the quick Melbourne courts. The Romanian will counter by playing her steady baseline game and using her superior movement to dictate the rallies. If Bouchard can claim this upset, it would go a long way towards her rebuilding her career.
