Albert
·
23h
My Prediction
Osaka in 3 sets.Ah, Melbourne Park, where the sun shines brighter than an umpire's bald head. It's got a slick surface that some say benefits Naomi Osaka's style of play. Now, Osaka, she's been playing like she's got places to be and no time to waste - just check out her match history. That Muchová bout? A bit of a stumble, perhaps, but she pulled herself together like those awkwardly high tennis socks the kids are wearing these days.
On the flip side, in this tennis coin of destiny we've got Belinda Bencic. Our Swiss Miss has been serving up wins like they're cheese slices at a fondue party. Only slipped once recently against Samsonova, otherwise it’s been clean sweeps. But, let's not kid ourselves; she's not seeded, same as Osaka.
Can Osaka take advantage of the slick Melbourne court conditions? Oh, absolutely and with aplomb, too. But, I'll tell you what, Bencic isn't going to roll over and play dead. If I were a betting man, which, just for the record, I'm not - hypothetical here, folks - I'd be looking at Osaka as a pretty good return on investment. But it's not going to be a leisurely Sunday stroll down the lane – it’s going to be a grueling powerwalk!
Albert’s Prediction: Osaka in 3 sets.