Jessica Pegula vs Barbora Krejcikova Prediction & Betting Tips - WTA Australian Open

Prediction published on 20/01/2023, 08:41  by Steve Ashfield | Modified on 20/01/2023 at 10:23 in Tennis Predictions

Jessica Pegula is the second highest seed left in the 2023 Australian Open. The American is seeded third and take on 20th seeded Barbora Krejcikova in the the fourth round.  Whoever wins this match will face either Victoria Azarenka or possibly Maria Sakkari. A win will see Pegula reach the Australian Open quarter finals for the third year in a row. However, she's yet to get to the last four of any Grand Slam despite being ranked third and in with a chance of moving up to second with a couple more wins. Pegula did get to three Grand Slam quarter finals last year, only failing to do so at Wimbledon. Pegula was part of the American team that won the United Cup earlier this year winning four of her five matches, including a win over Iga Swiatek for the loss of just four games. Her good run of form has continued in Melbourne with three wins that have seen her lose only 11 games. Six of those were in the tie-break Pegula played against Aliaksandra Sasnovich in the second round. Her other five sets have included two won 6-0.

Barbora Krejcikova is ranked second in doubles and won three women's doubles Grand Slam titles last year. 2021 saw her massively improve in the singles ranks, including winning the Roland Garros title. After reaching the last eight here in 2022, only three matches were won in the next three Grand Slams. Her ranking has slipped to 23rd after being in second place last February. Going into this match, her live ranking is down to 29th as she is defending the points won for getting to the 2022 quarter final. A win here would see her rise to 22nd.  Two of the three matches played in warm-up tournaments this month were lost. This week has gone better for her with victories over Sara Bejlek, Clara Burel and Anhelina Kalanini without losing a set and dropping only 14 games. This is a lot tougher and it's Pegula who can reach another quarter final.