Australian Open 2015 Day 6 Predictions & Betting Tips

There are no weak players left in this year’s first major. It is serious work in Melbourne on Day 6 with winners graduating to the Sweet 16.

Petra Kvitova (1/4) v Madison Keys (10/3)

If I had to pick an upset, this would be it. The 4^th seeded Kvitova has not been tested and has only lost 11 games through two rounds. She will come out firing but she does not appear match ready for a real test. Madison Keys woke up after listlessly getting outdueled in the first set against Casey Dellacqua (2-6, 6-1, 6-1). Keys has some game and an impressive service line. She wins about 70 percent of her first serves and has more pace than Petra. If you are looking for an underdog winner, Madison Keys just might be up to the task. Kvitova tends to go away when the going gets tough. Time will tell.

Barbora Z Strycova (15/4) v Victoria Azarenka (2/9)

Azarenka did not just beat my pick Caroline Wozniacki, but blew her off the court! Her body language, demeanor and presence, power and whistling ground strokes looked invincible and way more game than will be needed for lightly regarded miracle worker Strycova. Did my ears deceive me or was Queen Victoria too focused to grunt with authority? Well, you may not hear all that commotion in this match but you will in her next one. This is a walk in the park for a woman with something to prove.

John Isner (8/13) vs. Gilles Muller (6/4)

Do you think John Isner’s match scores look similar because he does not return serve very well and has no foot speed? Ya think? Well, that is a good and fair assessment but what he does do extraordinarily well is serve. In his last match, a four set 6-4, 7-6(4), 4-6, 6-4, triumph, he broke serve twice and was broken once. With his outstanding tiebreaker record, that’s about all he needs. Let’s just say rooting for Giant John takes nerve, patience and endurance. He is as good as his serve and that is enough to make him a favorite against Frenchmen Gilles Muller, a four set winner (7-6(5), 1-6, 7-5, 6-1) over Spain’s Roberto Bautista Agut, the 16^th ranked tour player. Worried about that 1-6 first set aberration? Me too! But, I am more concerned to see that Agut broke Muller twice. That would do it for John. Take the American and fasten your seat belt when he lopes to the net.

Feliciano Lopez (7/4) vs Jerzy Janowicz (8/15)

Poland’s Jerzy Janowicz gets high marks for his gritty disposal of France’s enigmatic, Gael Monfils. The Pole had reason to doubt himself before rallying to take command of the last to sets in a five set thriller (6-4, 1-6, 6-7(3), 6-3, 6-3). The 44^th ranked Janowicz overcame his nine doubles and 21 aces by Monfils to advance. He broke six times and was broken four, but served like a rock star when the match was on the line. Lopez will present an interesting challenge. Despite 20 aces, the Spaniard was down 2 sets to 1 but up 40 love when Adrian Mannarino retired.  This will be interesting but I like the Janowicz comeback and five set grit. He is young enough to move on.