Storm Hunter vs Barbora Krejcikova Preview & Prediction | 2024 Australian Open | Third Round
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THE FACTS
When is Storm Hunter vs Barbora Krejcikova on and what time does it start? Storm Hunter vs Barbora Krejcikova will take place on Friday 19th January, 2024 – not before 10:00 (UK)
Where is Storm Hunter vs Barbora Krejcikova taking place? Storm Hunter vs Barbora Krejcikova will take place at Melbourne Park in Melbourne, Australia
What surface is Storm Hunter vs Barbora Krejcikova being played on? Storm Hunter vs Barbora Krejcikova will take place on an outdoor hard court
Where can I get tickets for Storm Hunter vs Barbora Krejcikova? Visit this link for the latest ticket information for Storm Hunter vs Barbora Krejcikova
What channel is Storm Hunter vs Barbora Krejcikova on in the UK? Storm Hunter vs Barbora Krejcikova will be televised live on Eurosport
Where can I stream Storm Hunter vs Barbora Krejcikova in the UK? Eurosport subscribers can stream Storm Hunter vs Barbora Krejcikova live on their website
THE LOWDOWN
Australia’s favourite underdog, Storm Hunter, overcame perennial pantomime villain Laura Siegemund in three thrilling sets on Wednesday to reach the third round of a Grand Slam for the first time. The doubles world number one will move back inside the top 130 in singles rankings for her efforts and she brings some considerable momentum into this biggest match of her solo career, with tournament organisers handing her the keys to Rod Laver Arena’s raucous partisan support. Hunter had never won a match at her home slam before this week but she suddenly faces a genuine chance at making the second week against former world number two Barbora Krejcikova, who survived an early scare in the first round, coming back from a set down to Mai Hontama, before a more resolute victory over Tamara Korpatsch.
28-year-old Krejcikova is ranked 11th in singles and 12th in doubles as the two-time defending Women’s Doubles champion here in Melbourne but she, notably, is playing alongside Siegemund this fortnight instead of her seasoned partner Katerina Siniakova. The Czech has tried a few things out in recent months as she desperately tries to rediscover her best tennis on court but she has excellent pedigree at this level, reaching at least the second week here in each of her last two seasons as well as famously winning Roland-Garros in 2021.
THE PREDICTION
Storm Hunter and Barbora Krejcikova will face each other in singles for the first time here on Friday but the two will know plenty about each other’s games as former doubles partners, most recently playing together in Adelaide 12 months ago, and oft-doubles foes, with Krejcikova winning all four of their meetings in that format. Rod Laver Arena will give everything it has to Storm Hunter, who epitomises the Aussie sporting spirit to a tee, but Krejcikova should have too much experience at this level to suffer an upset. Back the Czech to win, with three sets about as likely as two.
TIP: BABORA KREJCIKOVA TO WIN
