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Shuai Zhang and Katie Volynets are set to face off in the third round of the Australian Open after the pair came through their respective second-round matches. While Zhang was expected to be here, Volynets pulled off a massive shock, beating Veronika Kudermetova in round two. Ahead of this third-round tie, we’ve pulled together a couple of predictions.
Prediction 1
Total sets - 3
6/4 (2.5)
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Prediction 2
Set 1 result - Katie Volynets
13/8 (2.63)
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Odds from
The odds in this article were correct at the time of writing, and odds are subject to change. We recommend checking with the bookmaker before placing the bet.
Shuai Zhang vs Katie Volynets – Match Predictions
Contents
Both players will be feeling confident after how they’ve performed throughout the early stages of the tournament. With that in mind, let’s take a closer look at our predictions:
Prediction 1: Total Sets – 3
Both players have already gone the distance in the tournament with Zhang needing three sets to overcome Tig in round one and Volynets overcoming Kudermetrova in the same fashion in round two. Although Zhang should win comfortably on paper, so should Kudermetrova and we all know what happened there. Both players are in a confident mood which should lead to a good and long tennis match.
Prediction 2: Set 1 Result – Katie Volynets
Katie Volynets gave the performance of her life to defeat Kudermetova in round two. Her Russian opponent was ranked ninth in the world and was tipped by many to go deep into the tournament after a good 2022. Volynets, however, was in inspired form and won the deciding set in emphatic fashion. We are expecting her to roll into this match in the same form and play the opening set with the same aggression. While we wouldn’t want to commit on a match-winner, we are backing the American to at least win the first set.
Shuai Zhang vs Katie Volynets Preview
Considering we’re predicting a three-set thriller, we should probably take a closer look at the two individuals involved.
Shuai Zhang
At the age of 33, Shuai Zhang is arguably enjoying the best form of her career. A solid 2022 meant that she ended the year 22nd in the WTA rankings – the highest she has ever been. Although she started off 2023 with a hiccup, losing in the first round of the Adelaide Open to Samsonova, she has bounced back at the Australian with two impressive victories. She has previously reached the quarter-finals in Melbourne and will fancy her chances again this year with the draw opening up.
Katie Volynets
Katie Volynets is at the opposite end of her career at just 21 years of age. While 2022 was all about finding her feet on the WTA Tour, she will be looking to break into the top 100 in 2023 and she couldn’t have made a better start. In reaching the third round at Melbourne, Volynets has already surpassed her previous grand slam best of a 2nd round. From here, anything is a bonus and she has nothing to lose. That makes her dangerous.
Shuai Zhang vs Katie Volynets Head to Head
Zhang and Volynets have never played each other before.
Shuai Zhang vs Katie Volynets Match Details
- What time will the match start? The match is scheduled to start at around 02:00 GMT on Saturday 21st of January.
- On which surface will the match be played? Zhang vs Volynets will be played on an outdoor hard court
- Where can I watch AO 2023 in UK? All Australian Open matches will be broadcast live on Eurosport, you can also live stream this match on Discovery +.
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