The race for Grand Slam glory continues Down Under, with many of the leading contenders still in contention to win the Australian Open. Some fascinating ties have been set for round 3 at the Slam across the next couple of days, and you can find our Australian Open picks here.
Australian Open Picks
Paula Badosa vs. Marta Kostyuk
Spanish star Paula Badosa has been consistent in Grand Slam events over the last two years, reaching the quarterfinals at the US Open at the end of last season.
Badosa has maintained those high standards at the Australian Open to this point, winning each of her opening two matches without dropping a set. However, 17th-seed Marta Kostyuk could pose a serious threat to the Spaniard.
The Ukrainian player was at her best in the previous round when beating Jule Niemeier convincingly in straight sets. But, the head-to-head record gives Badosa a 3-1 advantage, and the fact that she has won twice on the Melbourne courts is hard to dismiss.
Coco Gauff vs. Leylah Fernandez
American superstar Coco Gauff is also in third round action this week, as she looks to win a second Grand Slam title.
Gauff has reached at least the semi-final stage in three of her last five major appearances, and she has eased through the rounds so far Down Under. The American boasts a 71% win rate at the Australian Open, and dominated Jodie Burrage in a straight sets win in the second round.
However, Canadian rising star Leylah Fernandez also boasts Grand Slam experience, reaching the US Open final in 2021. She is enjoying her best run at the Australian Open this year, but she required all three sets in the previous round. Gauff looks the main play, and she looks a solid chance to go all the way this year.
Ugo Humbert vs. Arthur Fils
An all-French affair will see 14th-seed Ugo Humbert clash with 20th-seed Arthur Fils in the third round on Friday morning. Humbert has dominated on his way to this stage, winning each of his first two matches without dropping a set.
However, he is yet to progress further than the third round at the Australian Open, losing at this stage in each of the last two years. Fils is one of the brightest young stars on the ATP Tour and has already overcome challenging opponents in the last two rounds.
The 20-year-old was aggressive against Quentin Halys in the previous round, smashing 131 winners. That approach could lead to a shock outcome on Friday.
Taylor Fritz vs. Gael Monfils
American star Taylor Fritz has been knocking on the door in majors for the last couple of years, and ended last season with a solid showing in the ATP World Tour Finals when finishing as the runner-up.
Fritz is yet to drop a set at the Australian Open this year, and he won a staggering 80% of points on his first serve in the previous round against Cristian Garin. The 27-year-old has an excellent record on hard courts, reaching the final at last year’s US Open, and the quarterfinal stage in Melbourne last winter.
However, Gael Monfils will be no push over, as his form has been excellent since winning the ASB Classic in New Zealand. After overcoming a scare in the opening round, the Frenchman eased to a straight sets win over Daniel Altmaier in the second round. But, the American holds the head-to-head advantage, and he is preferred to progress.
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