The Australian Open third round of women’s singles begins on Day 6. Eight matches are on the slate as players look to move into the Round of 16. Which players have the advantage on Day 6? As always, our writers here at LWOT share their thoughts. We split the day’s matches between this and one other article featuring Aryna Sabalenka vs Lesia Tsurenko. Predicting these matches are Jack Edward, Damian Kust, and Jordan Reynolds.
Australian Open Day 6 Women’s Predictions
Barbora Krejcikova vs Storm Hunter
Head-to-Head: first meeting
Jack:
Krejcikova isn’t the tour de force she was when she won in Dubai last year. Storm Hunter will sense an opportunity here—she’ll be backed by raucous support and she has the attacking mindset to push Krejcikova all the way. I think this is her moment.
Prediction: Hunter in 3
Damian:
Krejcikova isn’t a player we’ve been talking about a lot this year, but with the right draw maybe she can actually go pretty deep. Hunter remains one of the best doubles players in the world and this is the best run of her singles career already. She’s got the game to make this a bit of a chess match with Krejcikova, but the former French Open champ should eventually come up with the mating sequence.
Prediction: Krejcikova in 2
Jordan:
Hunter’s victory against Laura Siegemund in front of a raucous home crowd was dramatic viewing, Krejcikova is Siegemund’s doubles partner in Melbourne, and I think she will avenge her defeat. Hunter could be slightly fatigued, and the Czech’s all-round complete game is likely to be too much for the Australian regardless.
Prediction: Krejcikova in 2
Mirra Andreeva vs Diane Parry
Head-to-Head: Andreeva 1-0 Parry
Jack:
Parry’s done well to win her first two matches at a hard court major but Andreeva is a different breed from her previous opponents. The 16-year-old didn’t blink in her one-sided win over Jabeur—she shouldn’t have many problems against the heavy groundstrokes of the Frenchwoman.
Prediction: Andreeva in 2
Damian:
Andreeva is the real deal and while Jabeur never recovered from her slow start, some of the counter-punching that the 16-year-old played there was astonishing. This is a clash of two former junior World No. 1s and despite Parry’s best attempts to maintain the one-handed backhand legacy on the WTA Tour, she just hasn’t been able to fully break through.
Prediction: Andreeva in 2
Jordan:
Although Ons Jabeur struggled a lot, it is impossible to overstate just how good Andreeva was in the previous round. The 16-year-old’s future is immense in tennis. Parry is also playing great tennis, but expect Andreeva to repeatedly target and find her weaker backhand wing with great success to win again.
Prediction: Andreeva in 2
Beatriz Haddad Maia vs Maria Timofeeva
Head-to-Head: first meeting
Jack:
Despite the fact Haddad Maia hasn’t progressed passed the second round often at the Slams, her results have been phenomenal outside of them and she’ll fight every single time she takes to the court, regardless of what’s come before. Timofeeva may be given chances to take control of the match but the physicality the Brazilian brings to the court will be tough to live with.
Prediction: Haddad Maia in 3
Damian:
Haddad Maia overcame that Slam block at last year’s Roland Garros and it looks like now you can pretty much rely on her at the Majors. Timofeeva won that WTA Tour title last year and didn’t follow it up, but she’s here now and has the talent to make this a competitive match. The Brazilian just has a much higher floor, making her the likely winner.
Prediction: Haddad Maia in 2
Jordan:
There will be several gruelling rallies in this one. Timofeeva played superbly to overcome former champion Caroline Wozniacki. The Dane’s consistent style will be good preparation for the Brazilian’s similar style, but I am backing Haddad Maia. She came through easily in her last round, and her extra match sharpness compared to Wozniacki could be key.
Prediction: Haddad Maia in 3
Coco Gauff vs Alycia Parks
Head-to-Head: first meeting
Jack:
This is potentially the most dangerous match Gauff will face up until the semifinals. Alycia Parks could be untouchable on serve for the duration of the match or she could turn up without landing many first serves. It’s probably safest to assume the latter given Gauff hasn’t sustained a loss to a player ranked outside the top 10 since last July.
Prediction: Gauff in 2
Damian:
Gauff’s draw is opening up, but she’ll need to get through Parks first. The lower-ranked of the two Americans has all the weaponry needed to win this match, but also very likely could lose 1-6 1-6 or thereabouts. Does she have what it takes to keep directing the pace to the Gauff forehand and keep her error count in check? Likely not but she’s an uncomfortable opponent who doesn’t give you any rhythm.
Prediction: Gauff in 3
Jordan:
Parks was superb from 5-2 down in the opening set to beat Leylah Fernandez. serving and hitting big from the baseline. But Gauff will be too big a challenge. She is comfortable dealing with pace, and can also vary her game. Gauff showed this when trailing against Caroline Dolehide, turning the match around by playing with more topspin and disrupting Dolehide’s rhythm. Those options will help her here.
Prediction: Gauff in 2
Main Photo Credit: Robert Deutsch – USA TODAY Sports
