Australian Open 2019: day five tips, odds & previews

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Bautista Agut v Khachanov

Karen Khachanov was one of the big improvers in 2018 and he can continue his rise up the rankings by defeating Roberto Bautista Agut in the third round.

The 22-year-old Russian won three tournaments last year, including the Paris Masters where he defeated Novak Djokovic in the final.

He has made smooth progress at the Australian Open – dropping one set – and should be feeling fresher than Bautista Agut.

The Spaniard has battled to two five-set victories in Melbourne, starting with his first-round clash against Andy Murray, who battled back from two sets down before going down 4-6 4-6 7-6 7-6 2-6. Bautista Agut also gave up a two-set lead again in the second round against John Millman before going through in five .

Clearly Bautista Agut has shown plenty of mental strength and ability but the contest with Khachanov looks tougher than previous assignments and he could be found wanting.

Recommendation
K Khachanov
2pts 4-6 general

Tiafoe v Seppi

Francis Tiafoe is through to the third round of a Grand Slam for the first time in his career after a notable 4-6 6-4 6-4 7-5 success over Kevin Anderson on Tuesday but may be brought crashing back down to earth by veteran Italian Andreas Seppi, who looks overpriced at a shade of odds-on.

Bookmakers are struggling to split the pair and may have overreacted to Tiafoe's victory over Anderson.

Tiafoe's big-hitting style was well-suited to the match with Anderson which featured plenty of short rallies and a few key moments.
But the American could be drawn into more of a tactical battle by Seppi, who has an all-court game.

Seppi turns 35 next month but has been rock-solid in the early rounds, defeating 31st seed Steve Johnson (6-4 4-6 6-4 6-3) and Australian Jordan Thompson (6-3 6-4 6-4).

He has reached the fourth round on three of his previous four visits to Melbourne and can do so again.

Recommendation
A Seppi
2pts 20-21 Betfair, Betway

Sasnovich v Pavlyuchenkova

Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova has recorded two victories out of two against Aliaksandra Sasnovich – both in 2018 – and looks a value odds-against wager to make it three in a row.

Confidence should not be an issue for Pavlyuchenkova, who was a 3-6 6-3 6-3 winner over ninth seed Kiki Bertens in the third round.

Sasnovich has impressed in the early rounds, recording straight-sets wins over Kirsten Flipkens (6-1 6-1) and 20th seed Anett Kontaveit (6-3 6-3), but her poor record against Pavlyuchenkova may be at the back of her mind.

Recommendation
A Pavlyuchenkova
1pt 6-5 Betfair, Power

Kvitova v Bencic

Petra Kvitova has built on her Sydney International triumph by making a strong start to the Australian Open with two straights-sets wins and she should brush aside Belinda Bencic in the third round.

Bencic is a player with immense promise, who reached a career high ranking of seventh in 2016, but hasn't been quite the same since undergoing wrist surgery in 2017.

The Swiss has started 2019 in good style but may not be playing well enough to compete on even terms with Kvitova.

Recommendation
P Kvitova to win 2-0
1pt 8-11 Ladbrokes

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