Two-time Australian Open champion Victoria Azarenka and two-time U.S. Open finalist Caroline Wozniacki are good friends off the court. But when it’s time to decide a match winner, the two turn into intense rivals.
Which of these two stars of Women’s tennis will take a step forward in the first grand slam of the year? Read on as we give you a complete preview of this high-stakes match in the second round of the Australian Open.
[sc:MultiSportArticles ]Victoria Azarenka vs. Caroline Wozniacki Preview
Where: Melbourne Park, Australia
When: Thursday, January 22
Line: Victoria Azarenka vs. Caroline Wozniacki – view all Australian Open lines
Betting on Victoria Azarenka
After a long injury layoff, Victoria Azarenka is back in an attempt to win her third Australian Open title in four years. However, she finds herself in unfamiliar territory being unseeded in the first Grand Slam of the year. Azarenka was lights out in the first round of the Australian Open defeating Sloane Stephens 6-3, 6-2 to advance to the second round. Seven precise backhand winners dealt Stephens in.
[sc:Other240banner ]Heading into her next match, Azarenka may choose a different approach against a familiar opponent in Caroline Wozniacki. Going for fast, powerful serves and forehands should be a stern test for Wozniacki’s recently healed wrist. Azarenka’s fastest serve against Stephens was measured at about 102 MPH. Meanwhile, Wozniacki allowed 21 forehand winners in her first match in the Australian Open.
Still, Azarenka tends to play an aggressive baseline style based on mobility to hit well-timed winners. This kind of approach may play right into Wozniacki’s defense/return-based game. Expect an entertaining match filled with long rallies.
Azarenka has won six of her last 10 matches on hard surfaces.
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Betting on Caroline Wozniacki
Caroline Wozniacki was off to a shaky start, but rediscovered her brilliance down the stretch in a 7-6(1), 6-2 win over Taylor Townsend in the first round of the Australian Open.
Wozniacki was at her best when she was on the defensive with 63 total return points. Her defensive style is predicated by excellent movement and backhands. She had 13 backhand winners against Townsend.
If the former world No. 1 can force long rallies against Azarenka, then she stands an excellent chance of advancing to the third round. Wozniacki had 18 winners on rallies against Townsend. Meanwhile, Azarenka had 13 in her own match.
Wozniacki can also have some success on serve. She had 75 percent of first serves in and won 72 percent first serve points against Townsend. However, Wozniacki may find much more of a challenge from a baseline player like Azarenka. The two-time Australian Open champion has won 49 percent of her receiving points thus far.
Wozniacki has won four of her last five matches against Azarenka.
Writer’s Prediction
Wozniacki wins in three sets.
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