Smash picks: AO2018 day 3

Title favourites and crowd favourites return for the second round. But will they have it all their way? Our Smash picks team discuss…

Katerina Siniakova (CZE) v Elina Svitolina (UKR)

Vivienne Christie:  As a Brisbane titlist, Elina Svitolina was already an AO favourite, but she firmed that position after Venus Williams lost early in their section of the draw. But she won’t have it all her way – Siniakova was a finalist in Shenzhen recently, and will provide a test. Svitolina in three for me.

Leigh Rogers: Siniakova is a dangerous opponent, but Svitolina is in impressive form and will win in two sets.

Alex Sharp:  Svitolina didn’t waste much time on court in round one and will be fresh for another two-set win.

Matt Trollope: Svitolina in three

Bede Briscombe: Svitolina in two.

Caroline Wozniacki (DEN) v Jana Fett (CRO)

Christie: The efficient tennis that the No.2 seed displayed in her win over Mihaela Buzarenescu will continue to feature against world No.119 Fett today. Another straight-sets win for Wozniacki.

Rogers: Wozniacki’s experience should be the difference against a player making her Grand Slam debut. The No.2 seed to win in straight sets.

Alex Sharp:  Wozniacki is too confident and focused to be too seriously troubled in this early encounter. The Dane in straight.

Trollope: Wozniacki in two.

Briscombe: Wozniacki in two.

Daria Gavrilova (AUS) v Elise Mertens (BEL)

Christie: Mertens has won both matches she’s contested against Gavrilova – at the 2017 French Open and recent Hopman Cup – in three sets. Dasha will be desperate to atone in her home town. The Aussie in three this time.

Rogers:  This is a tough draw for Gavrilova. Mertens will prove too consistent and win in three sets.

Sharp:  Mertens defended her Hobart title and is riding a wave of confidence. This will be a very tricky test for the home charge.  Mertens in three.

Briscomb: Gavrilova in two.

Trollope: Mertens in three

Rafael Nadal (ESP) v Leonard Mayer (ARG)

Christie: For all the worries about his knee leading in, Rafa is looking mighty fresh. After a straight-sets win over Victor Estrella Burgos, I see another one coming today. No.1 seed in straight.

Rogers: Nadal was ruthless in the opening round and this will be another one-sided affair. Nadal to win in three sets.

Sharp: Nadal seems eager to prove a point and will motor into the third round. The Spaniard in three.

Trollope: Nadal in three.

Briscomb: Nadal in four.

Denis Shapovalov (CAN) v Jo-Wilfried Tsonga (FRA)

Christie: They’re equally flashy and entertaining but aged 14 years apart. Shapovalov’s win over Tsonga at the US Open was among his career-defining wins but the AO2008 finalist will thrive this time. Tsonga in four.

Rogers: Tsonga has been surprised by the flashy Canadian before and won’t make the same mistakes again. Tsonga to win in four sets.

Sharp: This is poised to be an absolute thriller. Tsonga continues to fly under the radar these days, but I sense this is a breakout Slam for Shapovalov. His explosive game is set to flourish on the big stage and he’ll rush Tsonga into shots. A big win in a big match for the teenager. Shapovalov in five.

Trollope: Tsonga in four.

Briscomb: Tsonga in five.

Alexandr Dolgpolov (UKR) v Matt Ebden (AUS)

Christie: I’m potentially driven by sentiment but the spirited celebrations showed how much Matt Ebden’s upset of John Isner meant to the Aussie. I predict another four-set win.

Rogers: This tournament is Ebden’s chance to steal the spotlight from his more high-profile Aussie peers, which he’ll do with a straight-sets win over Dolgopolov.

Sharp: Ebden was so efficient and composed in ousting John Isner. Dolgopolov is very unpredictable and could become unstuck against the rejuvenated Aussie playing on home soil.

Trollope: Dolgopolov in four.

Briscomb: Ebden in five.