Anett Kontaveit vs Simona Halep Prediction & Betting Tips - WTA Australian Open

Prediction published on 27/01/2020, 13:50  by Steve Ashfield | Modified on 27/01/2020 at 14:51 in Tennis Predictions

Fourth seeded Simona Halep has reached the last eight of the Australian Open for only the fourth time. The Romanian faces the number 28 seed Anett Kontaveit for a place in only the second time. Her previous best in this tournament has been a loss in the 2018 final to Caroline Wozniacki. The former world number one is now up to third in the rankings but seeded fourth here becuse defending champion Naomi Osaka was seeded above her. Halep has only won two Grand Slam tournaments, the most recent being the 2019 Wimbledon title. She is up to number two in the live rankings and has made it to this quarter final without dropping a set. The fourth round saw her knock out 16th seed Elise Mertens.

Anett Kontaveit is the 28th seed  (world ranking 31) for this tournament and up to 21 in the live rankings. The Estonian has had two good wins so far, topped by her third round win over sixth seeded Belinda Bencic who only won one game. It was a bit tougher in the fourth round as she defeated unseeded Iga Swiatek in three tight sets. Kontaveit has shown improved form after two disappointing performances in the Brisbane and Adelaide warm-up tournaments, failing to get past the last sixteen in either event. This is the first time she has made it past the fourth round of a Grand Slam. Halep has won their two previous meetings in straight sets for the loss of only nine matches but this is their first clash in three years. Halep can put her experience to good use here and get the win over her rival.