A battle between seeded players Coco Gauff and Leylah Fernandez highlights third round action at the 2025 Australian Open in Melbourne. Paula Badosa vs Marta Kostyuk is also on the match card as we have predictions for every day 6 match.
Coco Gauff vs Leylah Fernandez
Andreas Pelekis: Leylah Fernandez will make her third-round debut at the Australian Open, but her form hasn’t been amazing at this tournament so far. Gauff looked more confident in a 6-3 7-5 second-round win over Jodie Burrage, and she’ll reach the second week with a win here. The pair also recently played at the United Cup this year, where Gauff won easily. Gauff in 2
Jordan Reynolds: Gauff has not been at her best in the opening two rounds, but she still won both matches in straight sets. At her best, Fernandez is capable of pushing the American and the fans will likely be treated to several great rallies. Overall, Gauff’s greater firepower gives her the edge. Gauff in 2
Yesh Ginsburg: Coco Gauff looks to be in tremendous form right now. Fernandez has the talent to stick with her, but it’s been years since we saw the Canadian put everything together like she’d need to. Gauff in 2
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Aryna Sabalenka vs Clara Tauson
Andreas: This should be a big-hitting battle, with Sabalenka encountering someone rising in form and confidence. After a couple of challenging seasons with injuries, it seems like Tauson has found her rhythm. Sabalenka also looked vulnerable at times in her second-round match, saving herself from a third set and winning 6-3 7-5. I wouldn’t rule out a three-set match, but the defending Australian Open champion should have enough to win. Sabalenka in 3
Jordan: There will plenty of big-hitting between two of the most powerful players on the WTA Tour. Tauson is in the best form of her career, but that does not change the fact she is not near Sabalenka’s level. Expect the defending champion to prevail comfortably. Sabalenka in 2
Yesh: Aryna Sabalenka has been in imperious form recently. I don’t know what it will take to beat her, but I’m pretty sure it’s more than Tauson can muster. Sabalenka in 2
Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova vs Laura Siegemund
Andreas: Siegemund clinched quite the upset over Qinwen Zheng in the second round, but it’s often a tough out to defend such a result in the next match. Pavlyuchenkova hasn’t been too convincing in her first two matches, but she has an underrated game that I think will overpower the German in two close sets. Pavlyuchenkova in 2
Jordan: This is likely to be a battle between attack and defense. Siegemund showed how awkward her variety can be to handle in her shock win against Qinwen Zheng. I think the German can do the same against the more inconsistent Pavlyuchenkova. Siegemund in 3
Yesh: This should be a fun match. Both women play strong tennis with good all-court games. I don’t know how much longer Pavlyuchenkova can compete at the higher levels, but she can probably dig out more than the German woman when called upon. Pavlyuchenkova in 3
Paula Badosa vs Marta Kostyuk
Andreas: A defending quarterfinalist from last year’s Australian Open, Kostyuk struggled in her first-round match, but cruised to a 6-3 6-0 win Wednesday against Jule Niemeier. Badosa, meanwhile, has looked consistent and confident in her two opening matches. The pair have played four times, and twice at the Australian Open in which Badosa came away with the victory. Kostyuk’s only victory was via retirement. Look for the Spaniard to outhit Kostyuk and reach the second week. Badosa in 2
Jordan: This might be the best third round match on the women’s side. These two seem perfectly matched, with Badosa the slightly more powerful, but Kostyuk being marginally more athletic. It is tough to pick a winner, but Badosa is backed to edge it. Badosa in 3
Yesh: Is Paula Badosa out of her doldrums and ready to be a Top 5 player again? The answer is a solid maybe, which looks a lot stronger than Kostyuk’s potential right now. Badosa in 2
Main Photo Credit: Mike Frey-USA TODAY Sports
