Sat Jan 24 09:30:00 UTC 2026: ### Rybakina and Pegula Favored in Australian Open Round 3
The Story:
The 2026 Australian Open is underway, and tennis analysts are providing their predictions for the third-round matches. This report focuses on two matches: Jessica Pegula vs. Oksana Selekhmeteva and Elena Rybakina vs. Tereza Valentova. Analysts favor Pegula for a straightforward victory, citing her consistent form and Selekhmeteva’s vulnerability on her second serve, while Rybakina is also favored to win, despite the potential for a close match against rising star Valentova due to Rybakina’s inconsistent serving.
Key Points:
- Jessica Pegula is heavily favored against Oksana Selekhmeteva.
- Pegula has not dropped a set in her first two matches.
- Selekhmeteva’s second serve is identified as a major weakness. Analyst predicts she will commit over 3.5 double faults.
- Elena Rybakina, a former Wimbledon champion, is considered a strong contender for the Australian Open title.
- Tereza Valentova, an 18-year-old, is viewed as a future star.
- Analysts predict over 5.5 breaks of serve in the Rybakina vs. Valentova match.
Key Takeaways:
- Established stars like Pegula and Rybakina are expected to progress in the tournament.
- Inconsistencies in serving can heavily influence match outcomes.
- Young talents like Valentova are making a mark and are seen as future contenders.
- Betting analysts provide insights into potential match dynamics and probabilities.
First Piper 