{"id":63112,"date":"2024-01-18T06:00:59","date_gmt":"2024-01-18T11:00:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/tennis\/?p=63112"},"modified":"2024-01-18T02:52:53","modified_gmt":"2024-01-18T07:52:53","slug":"australian-open-day-6-womens-predictions-sabalenka-tsurenko","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/tennis\/2024\/01\/18\/australian-open-day-6-womens-predictions-sabalenka-tsurenko\/","title":{"rendered":"Australian Open Day 6 Women’s Predictions Including Aryna Sabalenka vs Lesia Tsurenko"},"content":{"rendered":"

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\u2019s matches between this and one other article featuring Coco Gauff vs Alycia Parks<\/a>. Predicting these matches are Jack Edward, Damian Kust, and Jordan Reynolds.<\/span><\/p>\n

Australian Open Day 6 Women’s Predictions<\/h2>\n

Amanda Anisimova vs Paula Badosa<\/h4>\n

Head-to-Head:<\/strong> first meeting<\/p>\n

Jack:<\/strong>
\nIt\u2019s 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.
\nPrediction: Badosa in 3<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

Damian:<\/strong>
\nBoth players weren\u2019t expected to provide a big threat in Melbourne this year, but despite a lack of match practice they\u2019re 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\u2019re healthy.
\nPrediction: Badosa in 3<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

Jordan:<\/strong>
\nA 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.
\nPrediction: Anisimova in 2<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

Marta Kostyuk vs Elina Avanesyan<\/h4>\n

Head-to-Head:<\/strong> first meeting<\/p>\n

Jack:<\/strong>
\nAvanesyan\u2019s win over Sakkari shouldn\u2019t 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.
\nPrediction: Kostyuk in 2<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

Damian:<\/strong>
\nAvanesyan 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\u2019t possess the same problem. It\u2019s been a great run, but the time has come for someone to put Avanesyan away.
\nPrediction: Kostyuk in 2<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

Jordan:<\/strong>
\nBoth 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.
\nPrediction: Avanesyan in 3<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

Embed from Getty Images<\/a>