SportsHub Tennis: Best 2024 Australian Open 3rd Round Picks

Due to the congested nature of the tournament schedule, things are moving along quickly at Melbourne Park. In fact, it’s already time to lock in your 2024 Australian Open 3rd round picks. 

Since the start of the event, the SportsHub tennis experts have been working overtime to track down the best value bets for the AO. Today, I will share my Australian Open 3rd round picks and predictions with you. 

Having landed two of my three picks in the previous round, I’m confident that we can make a tasty profit in the coming days. Before we dive in, let’s recap the tournament so far. 

Recapping the Tournament So Far 

It’s fair to say that the men’s singles event has not sprung too many surprises so far. Big hitters like Novak Djokovic, Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner, Andrey Rublev and Alexander Zverev have booked their place in round three. Other top seeds such as Daniil Medvedev and Stefanos Tsitsipas are expected to join them. 

Nicolas Jarry and Alexander Bublik were the only men’s singles seeds to fall in round one. Although round two claimed the scalps of seeded players like Frances Tiafoe and Francisco Cerundolo, the majority of the big names remain unscathed. 

However, the landscape of the women’s singles event looks very different. Four of the top eight seeds – Jessica Pegula, Ons Jabeur, Marketa Vondrousova and Maria Sakkari – have already been eliminated, while only 13 of the 32 seeded players remain in the tournament. 

Anyway, it’s time to look ahead to the next phase with my Australian Open 3rd round picks. 

Best 2024 Australian Open 3rd Round Picks 

We may only be a few days into the 2024 AO, but the tournament has already served up plenty of talking points. Due to multiple upsets – especially in the women’s singles event – I recommend taking time with your Australian Open 3rd round picks. 

The round three action gets under on Friday, January 19. Both the men’s and women’s singles events will also have round three games on Saturday, January 20, so be sure to familiarize yourself with the schedule before you lock in your predictions. 

My Australian Open 3rd round picks concern one women’s singles match and two men’s singles matches. Without further ado, let’s get stuck into my AO predictions and picks for round three. 

Anna Kalinskaya vs. Sloane Stephens Prediction 

Odds: Anna Kalinskaya (+120) / Sloane Stephens (-154) 

Sloane Stephens kicked off her 2024 AO campaign by defeating Aussie youngster Olivia Gadecki in straight sets. The American then punched her ticket to round three with an impressive victory over #14 seed Daria Kasatkina. 

Meanwhile, Anna Kalinskaya defeated Katie Volynets in round one before seeing off Arantxa Rus last time out. Still, Kalinskaya remains 31 places below Stephens in the WTA Single’s Rankings. 

Let’s not forget that Stephens reached the 2013 AO semifinals before winning the 2017 US Open. By contrast, Kalinskaya has limited experience at major tournaments, so I expect the American to dispatch the Russian. 

Best Bet: Sloane Stephens (-154) 

Sebastian Korda vs. Andrey Rublev Prediction 

Odds: Sebastian Korda (+190) / Andrey Rublev (-250) 

Interestingly, Sebastian Korda and Andrey Rublev were each pushed all the way in round one before easing past a tougher opponent in round two. Both players required five sets to win their first match, but both players also won 6-4, 6-4, 6-4 last time out. 

Korda knocked out Frenchman Quentin Halys in the previous round, while Rublev punched his ticket to round three with a strong victory over American Christopher Eubanks. 

It is worth remembering that Korda reached his first-ever major quarterfinal at last year’s Australian Open. That said, Rublev has reached nine major quarterfinals over the years, highlighting his experience at the highest level. 

Best Bet: SIGN IN TO ACCESS PICK 

Novak Djokovic vs. Tomas Martin Etcheverry Prediction 

Odds: Novak Djokovic (-3300) / Tomas Martin Etcheverry (+1100) 

Last May, Tomas Martin Etcheverry took Novak Djokovic to a tiebreaker in the first set of their clash at the Italian Open. Although Etcheverry eventually lost the match, he can take confidence from his previous performance against the Serbian legend. 

The Argentine can also draw confidence from his performances at the AO so far. After thrashing five-time finalist Andy Murray 6-4, 6-2, 6-2 in round one, Etcheverry enjoyed another straight-sets victory over Gael Monfils in round two. 

Despite Etcheverry’s recent efforts, Djokovic heads into their clash as the overwhelming favorite. After all, the iconic 36-year-old has dominated the AO for the best part of two decades. 

Best Bet: SIGN IN TO ACCESS PICK

Is Novak Djokovic on Course for Yet Another AO Title? 

I just mentioned that Djokovic has dominated the Australian Open in recent times, but dominated may be an understatement. Since 2008, the Serb has won 10 of the 16 men’s singles titles in Melbourne, cementing his status at the AO GOAT. 

Djokovic has also won four of the previous five titles, securing a famous three-peat between 2019 and 2021 before reclaiming his crown last year. Naturally, Djokovic’s record is extremely ominous for his rivals. 

In 2023, Djokovic reached all four major finals, triumphing in Australia, France and the United States. If he carries on the way he’s going, “The Joker” will likely add another AO trophy to his bustling silverware collection. 

Finalize Your Australian Open 3rd Round Picks 

It’s time to lock in your 2024 Australian Open 3rd round picks. I have shared my predictions for three standout matches, but it’s up to you to decide which players you want to back. 

With 16 men’s singles and 16 women’s singles matches on the schedule for round three, there is no shortage of betting opportunities to take advantage of. Plus, you can explore the doubles, wheelchair and junior events if you’re looking for more options. 

I will be back with more Australian Open predictions and picks as the tournament progresses. The SportsHub tennis experts will be covering each round, highlighting the best picks for all the top events.