Day seven at the Australian Open promises plenty of entertaining tennis as the third round continues. As ever, we here at LWOT will be offering our predictions for every match on the slate, including Naomi Osaka vs Madison Inglis. But who will secure their spot in the second week in Melbourne?
Australian Open Day 7 Predictions
Iga Swiatek vs Anna Kalinskaya
Yesh: Both of these players have looked great so far this week, which makes for an incredible third-round matchup. Iga Swiatek started her first match a bit slow but has shown no signs of struggle since. She might get a challenge here from Anna Kalinskaya, but the Pole should win.
Prediction: Swiatek in 3
Jordan: Expect Swiatek to be tested here. The world #2 showed vulnerable signs in the opening two rounds, despite winning them in straight sets, and Kalinskaya is more talented than those opponents. Kalinskaya’s previous lack of belief against top opponents prevents me from backing her, but it should be an entertaining battle.
Prediction: Swiatek in 3
Nurein: It hasn’t taken Swiatek long to find her range in Melbourne and the Pole is coming off her most assured display of the week in the second round. Kalinskaya won’t be intimidated by the setting and opponent. She’s been Swiatek before on a hard court, but the world #2’s ability to close out sets and pressure on return games gives her a decisive margin.
Prediction: Swiatek in 2
Peyton Stearns vs Amanda Anisimova
Jordan: Stearns’s backhand makes a very difficult challenge even harder. She is much weaker off that wing compared to her forehand, and will need to somehow cover that weakness against arguably the WTA’s best backhand. Achieving that is unlikely.
Prediction: Anisimova in 2
Nurein: Stearns has done some great work to make it this far with a couple of solid wins, but Anisimova’s shot-making depth is still far superior and she can rip angles and turn defense into offense instantly. The two-time Grand Slam finalist should punch her ticket to the last 16.
Prediction: Anisimova in 2
Elena Rybakina vs Tereza Valentova
Yesh: Tereza Valentina is making a breakthrough here, but I think the run is coming to an end. Elena Rybakina is just too powerful. When she has her range, it’s very difficult for anyone to beat her.
Prediction: Rybakina in 3
Jordan: I am backing a huge upset here. Valentova has the type of game which can disrupt Rybakina and get her on the move, which is crucial for beating her. The Kazakhstani has also been prone to being upset at Grand Slams.
Prediction: Valentova in 3
Nurein: Rybakina is quietly doing the business in Melbourne where she remains a contender to win her second Grand Slam title. On paper, this looks like a tricky third round to navigate. Valentova is extremely talented and has beaten some seasoned pros in her young career. But Rybakina operates in the elite group of players and she is on top of her game.
Prediction: Rybakina in 2
Linda Noskova vs Wang Xinyu
Yesh: This is a great result for Wang Xinyu, but Linda Noskova is a rising star who is set for a breakthrough run right now. I’ve been really impressed with the Czech so far and I think she’ll cruise.
Prediction: Noskova in 2
Jordan: Wang, who beat Jelena Ostapenko in the previous round, will need to curb her typical attacking instincts once more against another opponent who strikes the ball more powerfully. The Chinese player did that excellently against Ostapenko, and I think she can do it again here. Expect it to be close though.
Prediction: Wang in 3
Nurein: Noskova outplayed Wang in their only previous meeting in Prague. It could be argue home advantage favoured Noskova in that match and on a neutral setting, Wang could make this a competitive affair. Still, Noskova has the higher upside between them and should come out on top.
Prediction: Noskova in 3
Main photo credit: Mike Frey-Imagn Images
