Australian Open preview and odds: Victoria Azarenka vs Naomi Osaka

Published on: 22/01/2016

Australian Open preview and odds: Victoria Azarenka vs Naomi Osaka

January 23 2016 11:00am - Rod Laver Arena

Australian Open - Round 3

Victoria Azarenka has already grabbed the public`s attention with her impressive performances in the first two rounds of the Australian Open, but how will she fair against up-and-coming Japanese star Naomi Osaka?

Azarenka dominant in early rounds

World No. 14 Victoria Azarenka blitzed past her second-round opponent Danka Kovinic 6-1 6-2 to book her place in round three of the years first Grand slam event.

The two-time former champion has already set tongues wagging in the tennis media with her strong service and return game, and there have been cautious whisperings that the favourable draw could also play to her advantage.

However, there is still a long way to go and the Belarusian must now navigate her way past one the games rising stars.

Key stats from Azarenka`s Round 2 match:

- Points won on first serve: 92%

- Points won on second serve: 55%

- Returns won: 56%

- Break points won: 5 out of 10

Azarenka is coming into this game with a 8-2 record from her last 10 outings, and has dropped just three games in the tournament so far.

Osaka looking for second high-ranking scalp

Naomi Osaka has already caused one upset in this event by dumping out 21st-ranked Elina Svitolina 6-4 6-4 in Round 2. This will be her first meeting against the double Grand Slam winner.

The 127th-ranked Japanese player will be hoping to carry some momentum from that match into this clash against her in-form opponent. However, she will have to improve her all-round game and cut down on her unforced errors if she is to stand any chance of causing another shock.

Including qualifiers, Osaka is coming into this game with a 12-3 record in 2016.

Betting odds and tips

Osaka has the power to cause problems for Azarenka and is great value to win with a +7 Handicap at 11/8 with Bet365.

By Neil Morris

Published on: 22/01/2016

Any odds displayed within this preview were correct at the time of publishing (22/01/2016 16:58:13) but are subject to change.