Three selections from Graham Ruthven, on day three of the Australian Open.
Serena Williams v Tamara Zidansek
The first round of the 2020 Australian Open certainly provided in terms of drama and intrigue and that should continue as the tournament moves into its second round. Serena Williams, Stefanos Tsitsipas and Petra Kvitova all make an early mark on Monday and are in action again on Wednesday. Here are three tips for Day 3 at Melbourne Park.
Wednesday January 22, Australian Open women’s singles second round
She was the pre-tournament favourite coming into this year’s Australian Open and Serena Williams laid down an early marker with her first round demolition of Anastasia Potapova, claiming a straight sets victory that saw the American claim the opening set in just 19 minutes. Williams lost just three games all match and won 67% of her returning points.
This doesn’t bode well for Tamara Zidansek who struggled with her serve in her first round win over Han Na-lae - the Slovenian won in straight sets, but was broken three times. Zidansek was sustained by her returning, winning 58% of her receiving points. Taking on the Williams serve will be an entirely different challenge for Zidansek, though. She will find herself overpowered.
0.5pts - Serena Williams 2-1 17/2
Stefanos Tsitsipas v Philipp Kohlschreiber
Wednesday January 22, Australian Open men’s singles second round
Tipped as a contender for the men’s singles title, Stefanos Tsitsipas barely could have got off to a better start, demolishing Salvatore Caruso 6-0, 6-2, 6-3 in the opening round. The Greek won every single one of his service games, broke six times, hit eight aces and won nearly 80% of points on his serve. Tsitsipas has spoken about moving through early rounds quickly and he made a good start on this vow.
Philipp Kohlschreiber also moved into the second round in straight sets with the German particularly strong in returning, breaking Marcos Giron six times. The 36-year-old is one of the most experienced players on the tour and will be hoping to at least pose a threat to Tsitsipas even if the number six seed is too strong for his opponent in the end.
1pt - 4 Total Sets 23/10
Petra Kvitova v Paula Badosa
Wednesday January 22, Australian Open women’s singles second round
Having made the final of the Australian Open last year, Petra Kvitova has entered this year’s tournament with real motivation. The 29-year-old was outstanding in her first round straight sets victory over Katerina Siniakova, losing just one game in the whole match. Kvitova won 62% of her receiving points, breaking her opponent six times in total. The Czech looks to be in exceptional form and must be among the frontrunners to win the women’s singles.
Paula Badusa was also impressive in her opening round match, also winning in straight sets and also losing just one game. However, the Spaniard has never managed to make it past the second round at the Australian Open and in Kvitova she faces a player in inspired form. This looks like going only one way.
0.75pts - Petra Kvitova Games Handicap -7.5 5/4
Back Graham's tips at the best price on the Oddschecker app. Download it here.
Follow @Oddschecker
