Smash picks: AO2018 day 4

Who will take the scores as round two matches are completed on Day 4 of the Australian Open? Here’s the Smash team’s view:

Maria Sharapova (RUS) v Anastasija Sevastova (LAT)

Vivienne Christie: Sharapova lost to Sevastova in her US Open comeback but delivering on her mantra to never lose to the same player twice in a row, she won their next match in Beijing. Out to make a statement in her return to the Australian Open, Maria will win this one too. Sharapova in straight.

Leigh Rogers:  Sevastova has the game to frustrate and draw errors from Sharapova, which should help her score a three-set win.

Alex Sharp: There’s history here and Sevastova will relish the chance to take another big scalp on the Grand Slam stage. Sevastova in three.

Bede Briscomb: Sharapova in three

RELATED: AO2018: quick hits day 3 

Angelique Kerber (GER) v Donna Vekic (CRO)

Christie: New coach Wim Fissette was clearly just the change that Angie needed. Showing the form that took her to AO2016, Vekic won’t be any trouble. Kerber in two.

Rogers: Kerber is back in form, which is bad news for Vekic. Kerber to win in two sets.

Sharp: The German is motoring. I’m going for one set being a bagel

 Briscomb: Kerber in two

Back on court. New focus. All set for @AustralianOpen ???? pic.twitter.com/AbygZPT5xn

— Angelique Kerber (@AngeliqueKerber) January 14, 2018

Simona Halep (ROU) v Eugenie Bouchard (CAN)

Christie: Outside the top 100 and with one (one!) match win in the past five months. Why would you pick Genie to win? Because it’s Genie and the turnaround has to start somewhere. She’ll capitalise on an injured Halep. Bouchard in three.

Rogers: Bouchard has won once match since August. The Canadian isn’t about to upset the world No.1. Halep will win in straight sets.

Sharp: The Canadian has been drastically out of form, but will be mightily boosted from her first- round victory. She should go for broke as Halep was far from convincing against Aussie teenager Destanne Aiava and should have been punished. More importantly, the nasty ankle sprain must have hampered preparations and Bouchard can target long, corner-to-corner rallies.

Briscomb: Halep in two

Novak Djokovic (SRB) v Gael Monfils (FRA)

Christie: For all the talk of the new Novak, it’s the old one who’ll claim his 15^th straight victory over the flashy Monfils. Djokovic in four entertaining sets.

Rogers: Djokovic leads their head-to-head 14-0 – Monfils simply has no answers for this match-up. Djokovic to win in three sets.

Sharp: The six-time champion will be determined to stifle this awkward second round match-up and prove his doubters wrong that he is a true title contender in Melbourne. Monfils can be magical, but it will be too sporadic against the Serbian. Djokovic in three.

Briscomb: Monfils in five

Juan Martin del Potro (ARG) v Karen Khachanov (RUS)

Christie: One of those fascinating encounters when you see what the apprentice has learned from the master. Much like del Potro, Khachanov is all charm and a tremendous talent – but his time will come. Delpo to win this one in four sets.

Rogers: Khachanov idolises del Potro but being on the other side of the court is not going to be fun today. Delpo should win in straight sets.

Sharp: The Russian Next Gen star could race out the blocks with his firepower, but del Potro seems to be flying under the radar in Melbourne. He impressed in Auckland and has energy in reserves, following a straight sets triumph over Frances Tiafoe.

Briscomb: Del Potro in four

Roger Federer (SUI) v Jan-Lennard Struff (GER)

Christie: The only thing that might make Federer nervous is the thought of another post-match interview with Will Ferrell. Federer in straight.

Rogers: Federer should roll into the third round in straight sets.

Sharp:  Federer can cut it with the big servers. Does the German have another weapon to hurt Federer with? Not really. This should be a routine stroll into the third round. Federer in three.

Briscomb: Federer in three