2021 Australian Open Third Round – Ons Jabeur vs Naomi Osaka Preview & Prediction
THE FACTS
Where is Ons Jabeur vs Naomi Osaka taking place? Melbourne Park, Melbourne
When is Ons Jabeur vs Naomi Osaka on and what time does it start? Friday 12th February, 2021 – not before 02:30 (UK)
Where can I get tickets for Ons Jabeur vs Naomi Osaka? Click here to reach the official 2021 Australian Open ticket selection
What channel is Ons Jabeur vs Naomi Osaka on? The 2021 Australian Open will be televised on Eurosport so it is worth checking their schedule for this specific match
Where can I stream Ons Jabeur vs Naomi Osaka in the UK? Sky customers can stream this match on the Sky Go app. Alternatively, the match can be streamed to subscribers of Eurosport Player, either on the official website or as an add-on to an Amazon Prime subscription
THE LOWDOWN
ONS JABEUR
- 26-year-old Ons Jabeur was tested in her first round by Andrea Petkovic to come through in three sets but the Tunisian looked more comfortable in her straight-sets second round victory over Anna Karolina Schmiedlova.
- The world number 30 reached her first Grand Slam quarter-final here last season and the round of 16 at Roland-Garros in her best year on tour to date.
NAOMI OSAKA
- World number three Naomi Osaka is yet to be tested in her Australian Open campaign after two comprehensive straight-sets wins over Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova and Caroline Garcia.
- 23-year-old Osaka lost at this stage of the tournament last season and the former Australian Open champion will meet Ons Jabeur for the first time here for a first proper challenge.
THE PREDICTION
This looks like one of the must-watch matches of the third round in a first career meeting between Naomi Osaka and Ons Jabeur, with the Tunisian likely to start fast and fiercely. Jabeur will be aiming to keep Osaka from finding a rhythm in her forehand, where the three-time Grand Slam champion can often click into an unstoppable gear, and it would not be a surprise to see Jabeur race into a first set here if she plays her best. The world number three enjoys the big-time matches and thrives on the challenge, though, and both players to take a set in a win for Osaka looks on in this exciting tie.
