• Williams, who turns 40 this year, has been stuck on 23 since winning the 2017 Australian Open, losing four finals since to remain one short of Margaret Court's record. But Evert believes Williams.
• Women’s final prediction – Ash Barty vs Naomi Osaka While the women’s game appears to pretty open at the moment, there are a few stars emerging from the pack. One of those is the Australian, World No.1, Ash Barty, whose all around game has her opponents in a whirlwind of pain.

Vs vs Performance of the day Forejtek d. Lenz 6/4, 6/1 111 rank difference; Popularity Roger Federer 113,813 Fans Rafael Nadal 102,381 Fans Novak Djokovic 83,438 Fans Dominic Thiem 46,262 Fans Stan Wawrinka 43,452 Fans Full ranking; Popularity Simona Halep 23,540 Fans Serena Williams 22,994 Fans Angelique Kerber 20,091 Fans Maria Sharapova.

American World No.4 Sofia Kenin will battle Spanish World No.15 Garbine Muguruza for a semifinal spot in Yarra Valley Classic 2021. It will be a classic rematch of the Australian Open 2020 finale. And just what the fans want to see before the grand opening of the major tournament.

Till now, the 22-year-old American has surpassed two opponents in the WTA 500 event. In her first match after 14-day quarantine, Sofia faced Italy’s Camila Giorgi. But the 29-year-old Italian’s walkover after losing the first set pushed the American to the next round.

Following that, the defending Australian Open champion nearly passed the test of her compatriot Jessica Pegula. That is to say, Kenin won the match after being down 7-5, 4-1 to 7-5, 5-7, 6-2.

For the 2-time Grand Slam champion, both wins have come to her without breaking a sweat. First, Garbine defeated Belgian Alison Van Uytvanck 6-2 and 6-0. Next up, she failed the eleventh seed Russian Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova 6-1 and 6-2 as the final score.

However, the Spaniards next opponent will not give her such an easy win. Having said that, there is no easier way to separate one from the other.

Read More: “Wasn’t Easy”: Serena Williams Sinks Tsvetana Pironkova at WTA 500 Melbourne 2021

Sofia Kenin v Garbine Muguruza: Head-to-Head

The American-Spanish clash has occurred twice on a tennis court before. In both the matches, Sofia has come out as the winner. Now, they will play one-on-one for the third time in three years in Margaret Court Arena.

Their first encounter was at China Open 2019, where Sofia Kenin won the R32 match 0-6, 6-2, 2-6. After that, Garbine Muguruza lost her biggest game last year in the Australian Open final to the American star. Also, Sofia was down one set in the final, but came back stronger and claimed the title 4-6, 6-2, 6-2.

Moving forward, they are looking forward to updating their head-to-head tally in the quarterfinal.

Read More: Sofia Kenin Reveals the Key Advice From Novak Djokovic that Helped Her Win Australian Open 2020

Kenin v Muguruza: Prediction

Both Sofia and Garbine back their game with an aggressive mentality and all-out power. But more than that, they are known on the tour for their ability to execute flawless forehand and backhand shots.

For Sofia, it will be tough to rise to her opponent given her earlier performances. However, once the opponent delivers good tennis, the American professional instantly ups her level.

Therefore, it might be a blessing for World No.4 to have a strong opponent. It will even help in her preparations for her title defense starting next week.

On the other side, the former World No.1 has started her season with sheer confidence. But, she will need something more than that to beat her next opponent. If the 27-year-old denies Sofia to take control, she might turn the result of their two previous encounters.

In finality, it seems like a great and equal challenge for both the players. And it will all depend on the day, as to who plays in the semifinals.

Prediction: Sofia defeats Garbine in the decider set.

Halep Vs Kenin Prediction Muguruza

Also Read: How Can Simona Halep Dethrone Ash Barty From World No.1 Spot at Australian Open 2021?

Despite the global pandemic, the tennis season has been able to start in Australia, though under stringent restrictions. This brings us to the 2021 Australian Open, which begins a few weeks after it is usually slated. Who has the skill and temperament to go all the way?

2021 Australian Open Predictions

Women’s final prediction – Ash Barty vs Naomi Osaka

While the women’s game appears to pretty open at the moment, there are a few stars emerging from the pack. One of those is the Australian, World No.1, Ash Barty, whose all around game has her opponents in a whirlwind of pain. Her draw is relatively open, with many of her rivals in the bottom draw. Her main competition will come in the semis where she is likely to face Sofia Kenin, who beat her in the same round last year.

Naomi Osaka has a much tougher route to the final with Serena Williams, Bianca Andreescu, Simona Halep, and Garbine Muguruza all on her side of the draw. But she has the power and athleticism to blast through. The Japanese player has had enough match practice to be ready for the tournament, and is in good stead to make another Grand Slam Final.

The dark horse

In terms of dark horses, I am predicting Belgian Elise Mertens to do damage over the next few weeks. While she has always had a big game, her defensive skills in the Gippsland Trophy in Melbourne were equally impressive. Mertens is going to be very formidable opposition to anyone she plays at the Open.

And the winner is…

As for the final, I am predicting a Barty win in three sets. Being the crowd favorite as this is her home Slam, this should give her the edge to take out the title.

Men’s final prediction – Novak Djokovic vs Rafael Nadal

Another year gone and it appears not much has changed in the men’s game. Djokovic and Nadal (along with Federer) appear to play tennis in a different galaxy to the rest of the tour. It is true that the Austrian, Dominic Thiem, has considerably improved his level and become a genuine contender for Grand Slams, but for me, Djokovic and Nadal are still head and shoulders above the rest, especially when they are playing well.

An exciting match up

Jannik Sinner is an upcoming player with a big game, and good form heading into the Open. Unfortunately he has to overcome World No.11 Denis Shapovalov in the first round itself. Make no mistake, this is going to be a tough match. Whoever comes out the winner will be brimming with confidence and a tough match for anyone else in the draw.

And the winner is…

Halep Vs Kenin Prediction Real Madrid

Djokovic. He’s won eight Australian Opens, and as far as I’m concerned, a ninth is just around the corner. If Nadal wants to win his second Australian Open, he will need to attack the lines with the same confidence as he does at the French. But in my eyes, Djokovic will take home the title.

Main Photo from Getty.