Australian Open 2015 Day 3 Predictions

With some even matches today, betting lines will tighten on unseeded matches. These look to be four of the most exciting matches of the day three.

Philipp Kohlschreiber (6/4) vs. Bernard Tomic (11/17)

Will this be the year, Bernard Tomic takes the chip off his shoulder and plays consistent, serious tennis in front an enthusiastic home crowd? The talented Aussie is off to a 4-2 start coming to Melbourne and played well on opening day. But, German Phillip Kohlschreiber is no stranger to the role of underdog or upset winner. The German has beaten better players than Tomic in his 13-year professional career. He has a knack for rising to the occasion. Despite an overly zealous crowd, look for  Kohlschreiber to disappoint the Aussie audience again on Tuesday. This shapes up for a four or five set win for the German.

Kevin Anderson ( 1/3) vs. Ricardas Berankis (11/4)

14^th seed Kevin Anderson held on in four sets against Argentinian Diego Schwartzman. Anderson lives and dies by his booming serve and has more racquet savvy than other big servers on the tour but has a poor record in five set matches. The former US collegiate star should advance but Ricardas Berankis of Lithuania gutted out a first round five set win to build confidence and momentum. We look for a solid Anderson win, especially if he stars fast. Berankis covers the court but will be pressed to manage his return game. Anderson moves on.

Klara Koukalova (3) vs. Julia Goerges (3/10)

In what could be a big day for Germany, one of the leaders of Germany’s talented women’s corps, Julia Goerges, will attempt to hold off erstwhile 32-year old Czech challenger Klara Koukalova, who triumphed in the first round at Melbourne for the third time in 9 years. Klara may feel like she is at a bridge too far against the powerful German. But, Goerges has never really lived up to her full potential and unlike most 3/10 favorites can lose to anyone on any given night. However, Julia’s impressive 6-2, 6-1 win over 32^nd seed Switzerland’s Belinda Bencic bodes well for advancing to the third round for the first time in Melbourne. Look for imposing Julia to lead a powerful German contingent into the next round.

Lucie Hradecka (19/20) vs. Polona Hercog (1)

Czech Lucie Hradecka kicked off a day of upsets on day one by knocking off former world number one and resurgent crowd favorite Serbia’s Ana Ivanovic, the fifth seed. The three set triumph was as much an Ivanovic meltdown as it was an Hradecka comeback win (1-6, 6-3, 6-2). Oddsmakers see this one as close, almost a pick. Polona Hercog held on to oust China’s Qiang Wang in three sets (3-6, 6-3, 6-2). In this one, we give Hradecka a bigger edge than the bookmakers. Experience counts and the Czech has reached the second round here three times in succession. Add a little momentum from her resounding upset and the path is clear for a third round appearance.