Eight exciting third-round matches are to be played on Day 5 of the WTA Brisbane International. This article features two-time champion Victoria Azarenka, who will face off against Marie Bouzkova. As always, we at LWOT will offer our predictions for every match on the slate for Day 5. But which players will advance to the quarterfinals?
WTA Brisbane Day 5 Predictions
Anhelina Kalinina vs Yue Yuan
Head-to-Head: First meeting
Anhelina Kalinina got a big win over #5 seed, Diana Shnaider in the second round. 2024 was not a good season for Kalinina so this start will give her a lot of confidence. Yue Yuan has played two brilliant matches so far and will head into this match as the favourite. This match can be close, but Yuan has been much better on hard courts in the last year and that’s good enough for me to back her.
Prediction: Yuan in 3
Ashlyn Krueger vs Suzan Lamens
Head-to-Head: First meeting
Ashlyn Krueger couldn’t have hoped for a better start to the new season as she upset Anna Kalinskaya to get the biggest win of her career. Krueger played a much better match than she did in the first round and converted all her break points. She has got a good opportunity to gain some more points here and will be the favourite against Suzan Lamens, who has been in great form but doesn’t have the serve to trouble Krueger consistently.
Prediction: Krueger in 3
Ons Jabeur vs Elina Avanesyan
Head-to-Head: Jabeur 0-1 Avanesyan
Ons Jabeur played another confident match in the second round to beat Ekaterina Alexandrova in straight sets. This is a good sign for Jabeur as she doesn’t have many points to defend in the coming months and can work on her rankings. Elina Avanesyan has already beaten Jabeur once and her defense will be key. Her confidence will be up after getting the better of #4 seed, Paula Badosa in the second round. Avanesyan’s baseline game has also improved significantly. and she no longer relies solely on her retrieving skills. This should be a close one and I am giving a slight edge to the Armenian player.
Prediction: Avanesyan in 3
Victoria Azarenka vs Marie Bouzkova
Head-to-Head: First meeting
Victoria Azarenka has an impeccable record at the Brisbane International and despite being not at her peak, she is still winning matches at this event. She had to grind for the win against Maya Joint and I expect another close one against Marie Bouzkova, who played a solid match to get the better of Jelena Ostapenko in the second round. Azarenka’s determination and experience will come in handy if she has to win this match.
Prediction: Azarenka in 3
Main Photo Credit: Mike Frey-USA TODAY Sports
