It’s been so far, so good for Dominika Cibulkova as she looks to make it back-to-back trips to the Australian Open final. But the upstart Slovak will have a significant obstacle to overcome in World No. 1 Serena Williams, who is still in search of her first Aussie Open crown since 2010.
Will Cibulkova topple Serena for a place in the semis? Read on below for our complete preview of this quarterfinal clash. And on the men’s side, see how No. 1 seed Novak Djokovic fares in his quarterfinal date with Milos Raonic with our preview here.
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Serena Williams vs. Dominika Cibulkova Betting Preview
After breezing by the first two rounds of the Australian Open, Serena Williams has experienced a much tougher time in her last two matches. The World No. 1 dropped the opening set against Elina Svitolina and Gabrine Muguruza, but rallied to win the next two sets on both occasions to reach her ninth career Australian Open quarterfinal.
[sc:Other240banner ]Once again, Williams’ Achilles Heel continues to be her unforced errors. She recorded 35 more in her Round 4 matchup with Muguruza, and made seven more miscues than Svitolina in the previous round.
The World No. 1 certainly has more than enough ability to power past Cibulkova. Williams’ serve has been particularly strong in this tournament. She’s recorded 42 aces over four matches, 17 more than her closest competitor.
Williams just has to avoid beating herself by making too many mistakes. She hasn’t made many mistakes in four previous meetings against Cibulkova. She’s an undefeated 4-0 against the Slovak, with two of those matchups coming on hardcourt.
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Betting on Dominika Cibulkova
Dominika Cibulkova is back in the Australian Open quarterfinal. Last year’s runner-up brought down two-time Aussie Open winner Victoria Azarenka in three sets, 6-2, 3-6, 6-3 to set up her encounter with the World No. 1 Williams in the last eight.
Cibulkova has been a very canny shot-maker over the last two rounds. She struck 27 against Alize Cornet in their Round 3 matchup before exploding with 44 against Azarenka. She’ll need to pull off a lot more big timely strikes against one of the premier shot-makers ever in Williams.
A good chunk of Cibulkova’s winners have come against her opponent’s first serve. The Slovakian has won 79 first serve receiving points in four matches, the third most in the tournament and three more than Williams.
Cibulkova’s excellent return game will be crucial in neutralizing one of Williams’ ability to gather points in her service game.
Writer’s Prediction
Williams survives a scare from Cibulkova and emerges victorious in a three-set war.
