Smash picks: AO2018 day 5

As the temperatures rise, so too do the standards of tennis – and we’re expecting some Australian Open scorchers today. On a day when forecasts will mean everything, the Smash team make their’s too:

Caroline Wozniacki (DEN) v Kiki Bertens (NED):

Vivienne Christie: A scare survived against Jana Fett, Caroline Wozniacki has turned a big corner. She wouldn’t be the first player to save match points and go on to win in a title. In searing heat, Caro will be efficient and effective. The No.2 seed in straight.

Matt Trollope: The fright of round two against Jana Fett should be the electric shock Wozniacki needs to get her game into another gear. Wozniacki in straight.

Leigh Rogers: Remember when Kerber saved match points and went on to win the Australian Open? Now it is Wozniacki’s turn to do the same. She’ll win this in straight sets.

Alex Sharp: The Dane will be determined to improve on her Day 3 showing and not become embroiled in another see-saw battle. I can’t see Wozniacki being off the ball for two matches in a row. Wozniacki in 2.

Briscomb: Wozniacki in three

Jelena Ostapenko (LAT) v Anett Kontaveit (EST):

Christie: Each is aiming to reach the second week of the Australian Open for the first time; the French Open won’t have it easy but she will secure the win. oPstapenko in three.

Trollope: Ostapenko loves a three-set battle and seems to have the knack for finding her aggressive, accurate best when she needs it most. Against the talented Kontaveit, it could prove the difference again. Ostapenko in three.

Rogers:  Anything could happen in this match. Ostapenko should win, but expect it to be in three sets.

Sharp: A couple of tests under her belt, it’s time for the Roland Garros champion to unleash her full artillery. Ostapenko in 2.

Briscomb: Ostapenko in two

Elina Svitolina (UKR) v Marta Kostyuk (UKR):

Christie: What a memorable run it has been for this 15-year-old. But competing against a fourth-ranked countrywoman in Svitolina is next levels and here, at last, Kostyuk will be overwhelmed. Svitolina in straight.

Trollope: Surely the youngster’s stunning run has to come to an end against somebody? Svitolina is an opponent a level above anything she’s faced so far.

 Rogers: Kostyuk’s run has been impressive, but Svitolina is a class above any opponent she’s ever faced. Svitolina will win in two comprehensive sets.

Sharp: It’s been one hell of a record-breaking ride for 15-year-old Kostyuk, who thrives on the big stage, but her countrywoman will see this as a huge opportunity to progress. It hasn’t been too polished from the No.4 seed thus far, who is brimming with confidence and should be able to edge through. Svitolina in 3

Briscomb: Svitolina in 2

Rafael Nadal (ESP) v Damir Dzhumur (BIH):

Christie: Heard talking about his “win” over Nadal in Miami two years ago, Dzhumur forgot to mention the Spaniard actually retired hurt. It won’t happen this time. Despite the early worries about his knee, he’s looking stronger and more capable than ever and will easily outlast Dzumhur in the heat.Rafa in straight.

Trollope:  Rafa’s cruisey path through the draw to continue. Nadal in straight.

Rogers: Dzumhur’s on roll but his run will come to an end here. Nadal to win in three sets.

Sharp: Dzumhur laboured in parts of his victory over John Millman. The 28th seed is enjoying somewhat of a renaissance, but Nadal is another prospect. Dzumhur will come out firing – he’s a feisty character, who will attack Nadal but the world No.1’s defence will stand firm. Nadal in 3

Briscomb: Nadal in 4

Grigor Dimitrov (BUL) v Andrey Rublev (RUS)

Christie:The toughest of today’s high-profiles to pick, it’s hard to know whether Dimitrov will be stronger or diminished after his scare against American qualifier Mackenzie McDonald. I suspect the former but the fast-rising Rublev will make him work. Dimitrov in four.

Trollope: Against a stronger opponent and after the scare of his second-round match against Mackenzie McDonald, surely Dimitrov improves his level from here? Dimitrov in four.

Rogers: On rankings Dimitrov should win, but on form it is a different story. Rublev will continue his momentum with a four-set win.

Sharp: Rather like Wozniacki, Dimitrov will be desperate to put right his shaky showing against American youngster Mackenzie McDonald. Rublev has rocket fuel power but I fancy a re-energised No.3 seed to get back on track. Dimitrov in four.

Briscomb: Rublev in 5

 Nick Krygios (AUS) v Jo-Wilfried Tsonga (FRA):

Christie: My pre-tournament prediction of Kyrgios as champion is starting to seem less far-fetched. The “new” Nick in attitude is very much the “old” won in talent and wow factor. Even against his childhood idol, the very focussed Aussie will continue on a winning path. Kyrgios in four.

Trollope: Tsonga is playing a younger, faster, more explosive, more talented version of himself. Kyrgios in four.

Rogers: I can’t wait for this one. Kyrgios will win an entertaining battle in four sets.

Sharp: What a prospect. 2008 finalist Tsonga played exhilarating tennis to overturn a fifth-set deficit against Next Gen prospect Denis Shapovalov and the amiable Frenchman has another prodigy in the shape of the home favourite. Kyrgios appears calmer and more composed than ever. He’s spoken of his admiration for Tsonga, chasing his autograph as a kid, so there’ll be a lot of respect on display on court, but Kyrgios is primed to power into the last 16. Kyrgios in 4

Briscomb: Kyrgios in three