Three selections from Graham Ruthven, on day six of the Australian Open.
Rafael Nadal v Pablo Carreno Busta
Saturday 25 January, Australian Open men’s singles third round
Having eased through his first two rounds this will be Rafael Nadal’s first genuine test at this year’s Australian Open. The Spaniard was extremely impressive in his straight sets victory over Federico Delbonis in the second round, winning all of his service games and serving eight aces. He also won close to 80% of his points on serve.
Pablo Carreno Busta is a dogged competitor, but has never beaten Nadal before having met his countryman four times. The 27th seed should be able to stick with Nadal in the rallies. He might even make inroads on the Nadal serve, breaking Peter Gojowczyk no fewer than four times on Thursday. However, it’s difficult to look past the number one seed.
0.75pts - Over 3.5 Sets 15/8
Elina Svitolina v Garbine Muguruza
Saturday 25 January, Australian Open women’s singles third round
As the number five seed, Elina Svitolina is expected to challenge for this year’s Australian Open title, but in Garbine Muguruza she will face her first real test of the tournament. Of course, Muguruza is a former Grand Slam winner herself and despite struggling for form over the past two years has shown signs of recovery after a reunion with her old coach Conchita Martinez.
Svitolina was impressive in her straight sets win over Lauren Davis on Thursday and looks very comfortable with her game at the moment. Muguruza showed good fight to get past Ajla Tomljanovic in her second round tie, winning in three sets, but many of the mental dips that have come to define the Spaniard as a top level performer were still evident. Svitolina looks in the zone and should win this one.
2pts - Elina Svitolina To Win 8/13
David Goffin v Andrey Rublev
Saturday 25 January, Australian Open men’s singles third round
On the basis of the rankings, this promises to be one of the tightest and toughest to call matches of the third round on the men’s side. David Goffin is an experienced operator at the top level, making the quarter finals of the Australian Open in 2017 and currently holding a ranking of 11th that reflects his status.
On the other side of the net, though, will be an opponent who has enjoyed an exceptional start to 2020 with Andrey Rublev winning every match he has played so far this year, lifting titles in Qatar and Adelaide. The 22-year-old looks set for a big season and comes into this match on the back of a straight sets victory in round two while Goffin had to battle past Pierre-Hugues Herbert in five sets. This should be a good one.
1pt - Over 37.5 Total Games 11/13
