Smash picks: AO2018 day 6

Marquee matches are a theme as former Australian Open champions Maria Sharapova and Angelique Kerber take to the court, while Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic return with more Slam history in sight.

Maria Sharapova (RUS) v Angelique Kerber (GER)  

Vivienne Christie: The renaissance of Angie Kerber has been the story of the summer so far. This one will be her toughest test and possibly the match of the AO. There’s a feel-good factor in a Kerber victory but Maria steps up for the big ones. Sharapova in three.

Matt Trollope: Match of the tournament. WTA titans with contrasting styles to go head-to-head – the red-hot Angie will pip Maria in three. Kerber in three

Leigh Rogers: This is a tough draw for both players. On form, Kerber should win in two sets.

Alex Sharp: Sharapova is edging back to her best, but Angelique Kerber’s recent renaissance has been simply scintillating. Kerber in three.

Briscombe: Kerber in three.

Simona Halep (ROU) V Lauren Davis (USA)

Christie: The world No.1 would love a quick win to keep pressure off her injured ankle. That’s what she’ll get against world No.76 Davis, whom she has defeated easily before. Halep in two.

Trollope: Halep moved quite well against Bouchard considering her ankle injury. Too much polish and too many weapons for undersized Davis. Halep in straight.

Rogers: Davis doesn’t have the weapons to hurt the world No.1. Halep in straight sets.

Sharp:  The ankle appears to be on the mend and so was Halep’s belief following a commanding victory over Bouchard. The world No.1 will cruise. Halep in two.

Briscomb: Halep in two.

Ash Barty (AUS) v Naomi Osaka (JPN)

Christie: Love the way the Aussie favourite is figuring things out as she continues her stunning rise. She’ll do so again against the hard-hitting Osaka in their first tour-level meeting. Barty in two.

Trollope: Cracking next-gen clash. Wins against Sabalenka and Giorgi will prepare Barty perfectly for this highly-anticipated third-rounder. Barty in three

Rogers: Osaka’s a tough opponent, but Barty will have too many answers and win in two sets.

Sharp: The home charge has fought back in two cracking contests and will now step it up a level to have too much versatility for the Japanese prodigy. Barty in two.

Briscomb: Barty in tw0

Novak Djokovic (SRB) v Albert Ramos-Vinolas (ESP)

Christie: Injury? What injury? And what rustiness too? We’ve seen little signs of either in Djokovic’s first two rounds. This will be a fifth straight-sets win over the Spaniard. Djokovic in three. ‘

Trollope: Win against dangerous Monfils proved the Serb star is back. He’ll roll against an opponent who admits to struggling at this time of year. Djokovic in straight.

Rogers: Djokovic is talking down his form, but don’t be fooled. He’ll win this in straight sets.

Sharp: The six-time champion wrestled with the heat to edge past mercurial Gael Monfils, but he’ll have plenty in the tank to deal with the Spaniard’s energetic brand of tennis. Djokovic in three.

Briscomb: Djokovic in three.

Tomas Berdych (CZE) v Juan Martin del Potro (ARG)   

Christie: In any other era, Berdych would be a Grand Slam titlist in my view. While I’d love a late-career breakthrough for the Czech it won’t happen here. Riding the wave of mass support, expect another trademark Delpo win. Del Potro in five.

Trollope: Delpo has been solid without being overly impressive. Berdych, when firing, is a tough prospect here. Just a feeling in my gut that the Czech will rise for this one. Berdych in four

Rogers: This should be a great match, I’m tipping Berdych in four sets.

Sharp: The Czech has once again been off the radar in Melbourne. Fan favourite Del Potro looked particularly weary in his victory over Karen Khachanov. Berdych will need to withstand the destructive Del Potro forehand. He also has a fair force behind his shots too. Berdych in four.

Briscomb: Berdych in five.

Roger Federer (SUI) v Richard Gasquet (FRA)

Christie: We talk of this as the “battle of the one-handed backhands” but it’s hardly a fight when Federer his stride. This will be a 17^th win over Gasquet for the Swiss, and he’ll do it easily too. Federer in three.

Trollope: Gasquet has never troubled the defending champ. I don’t see that changing any time soon. Federer in straight

Rogers: There is a reason Federer enjoys this match-up – he wins. Federer in straight sets.

Sharp: The head-to-head record is pretty miserable reading for the Frenchman. Gasquet is playing well and Federer has been patchy thus far. The reigning champion will prevail, but the Gasquet guile will cause some problems. Federer in four.

Briscomb: Federer in three.