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 Coco Gauff vs Alycia Parks. Predicting these matches are Jack Edward, Damian Kust, and Jordan Reynolds.
Australian Open Day 6 Women’s Predictions
Amanda Anisimova vs Paula Badosa
Head-to-Head: first meeting
Jack:
It’s been a pretty great return to the courts for both Anisimova and Badosa. At the same time, whilst the American has a better game for these courts on paper, her game dropped off a cliff last week in Adelaide. Badosa seems the more likely of the two to find the level required to get the win.
Prediction: Badosa in 3
Damian:
Both players weren’t expected to provide a big threat in Melbourne this year, but despite a lack of match practice they’re quickly back to their best. Anisimova seems like the one who might break down more easily. It would be great to see them produce a full season though and both are likely to return to the top 20 or thereabouts quickly if they’re healthy.
Prediction: Badosa in 3
Jordan:
A battle between two women with impressive comeback stories so far. Anisimova returned this year after a break from tennis, while Badosa is back in 2024 after a long injury layoff. It is a tough one to call, but Anisimova gets the edge. She has been a tough player to stop in the past when she gains some confidence.
Prediction: Anisimova in 2
Marta Kostyuk vs Elina Avanesyan
Head-to-Head: first meeting
Jack:
Avanesyan’s win over Sakkari shouldn’t be taken as reflective of her level as the Greek has been struggling at majors for a while now. The Russian is a talented player for sure but she will likely give Kostyuk the chance to dictate proceedings on these courts.
Prediction: Kostyuk in 2
Damian:
Avanesyan was able to make it past Sakkari, taking advantage of the slower conditions and making the opponent question her every move. The Greek has had her fair share of mental issues at the Slams though and Kostyuk doesn’t possess the same problem. It’s been a great run, but the time has come for someone to put Avanesyan away.
Prediction: Kostyuk in 2
Jordan:
Both women managed dramatic second-round triumphs. Kostyuk beat the seeded Elise Mertens in a final-set tiebreak, while Avanesyan got a stunning victory in straight sets against Maria Sakkari. This is another close one to predict. Kostyuk could be a little fatigued after her long battle, giving Avanesyan a slight edge.
Prediction: Avanesyan in 3
Magdalena Frech vs Anastasia Zakharova
Head-to-Head: Frech 1-0 Zakharova
Jack:
Frech may have some good results under her belt in defeating Garcia and Saville but there’s no doubt she prefers to sit back against her opponents. Though Anastasia Zakharova is young, she’s warmed up and she’ll hit with nothing to lose on Friday.
Prediction: Zakharova in 3
Damian:
Quite an opportunity for both women with Frech defeating Garcia in the second round, while Zakharova enjoyed an easier path but has already won five matches in a row along with the qualifying. The Pole enjoyed herself in the reactive role against Garcia, trying to make her play as many balls as possible and keep her moving. Most of that won’t be as useful here, but she’s the more experienced and solid player.
Prediction: Frech in 3
Jordan:
Frech’s win against Caroline Garcia was a big upset, but in truth, the Frenchwoman was far below her best and made it easy at times for Frech. Zakharova demolished Kaja Juvan for the loss of just two games in her last match. If she replicates that form against Frech, she is very likely to win. I am going to back to her to do it.
Prediction: Zakharova in 2
Aryna Sabalenka vs Lesia Tsurenko
Head-to-Head: Sabalenka 1-1 Tsurenko
Jack:
Tsurenko is a consummate professional on the tour. She keeps her head down and consistently gets results by bringing the same level into every match. With that said, she probably doesn’t have the peak to trouble Sabalenka, especially given the Belarusian suffers far less wobbles in early rounds at Slams than she used to.
Prediction: Sabalenka in 2
Damian:
Will it be a bit of a classic Tsurenko run with two wins over players you’d expect her to beat and then a brutal defeat against the high seed? Maybe and at this point in time it’s hard to see what she can bring to make Sabalenka uncomfortable. The Belarusian has really cut down on the random losses where she’s her own biggest enemy.
Prediction: Sabalenka in 2
Jordan:
Sabalenka is the best in women’s tennis at avoiding early-round upsets. But she may get a bigger challenge than usual from Tsurenko. The Ukrainian veteran is playing some of the best tennis of her career, and has nothing to lose. Sabalenka to come through in two competitive sets.
Prediction: Sabalenka in 2
Main Photo Credit: Susan Mullane – USA TODAY Sports
