It is hard seeing anyone other than Ash Barty reaching the second week out of the Australian female contingent.
(1) Ash Barty 1 v Danka Kovinic (MNE) 77
It is hard to go past Australia’s world no. 1 Ash Barty for the title. She defeated an inform Garbine Muguruza in the final of the Yarra Valley Classic.
Barty has the advantage of not having to go through quarantine and was able to put in a few months of solid training.
Barty looked a bit patchy at times early in the Yarra Valley Classic but lifted when it matters.
Against Kovinic Barty should have too much class in what is their first meeting.
Ajla Tomljanovic 72 v Misaki Doi (JPN) 87
Tomljanovic lost in her first round match last week in the Gippsland Trophy, she did however reach the semis of the doubles with Sofia Kenin. That additional match practice in the doubles will put her in a good position against Doi. The Japanese player lost in the opening round of the Yarra Valley Classic.
Tomljanovic is often inconsistent but with a good number of matches last week she should prove too good for Doi.
(WC) Sam Stosur 112 v (WC) Destanee Aiava 218
I am tipping an upset for Aiava over Stosur.
(WC) Astra Sharma 129 v Nao Hibino (JPN) 73
Sharma lost in impressive style last week against Kaia Kanepi in three sets. Based on that I am tipping Sharma.
(WC) Maddison Inglis 130 v (4) Sofia Kenin (USA) 4
Kenin was not in great touch last week. Could we see a huge upset, probably not in this match but you never know.
(WC) Lizette Cabrera 140 v (2) Simona Halep (ROU) 2
Unless Halep is severely hampered by injury this should be a win for the Romanian.
(WC) Arina Rodionova 169 v Madison Brengle (USA) 83
Brengle for the win.
(WC) Daria Gavrilova 452 v Sara Sorribes Tormo (ESP) 62
On the comeback trail I am tipping Gavrilova. She won her first round match last week before losing to Serena Williams 6-1, 6-4.
(WC) Kimberly Birrell 747 v (Q) Rebecca Marino (CAN) 316
Birrell hasn’t played a lot of tennis over recent times. She had a great Australian Open in 2019 reaching the third round but she will struggle against Marino. If she finds some form Birrell has the class to win this match.
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