Karolina Muchova vs. Ashleigh Barty: Preview and betting tips

Ashleigh Barty will play Karolina Muchova in the quarterfinals of the Australian Open. The native of Olomouc will have the match of her life. Will the home Australian confirm her role as the favourite? Does Muchová have a real chance to advance? What kind of game can we expect from both tennis players?

Ashleigh Barty is one of the biggest favourites of the tournament. A year without match practice hasn’t affected her at all and she has started to play in great form. She hasn’t lost yet this season and has a 9-0 record.

She first won the preliminary tournament in Melbourne, beating Spain’s Muguruza in the final. She has been dominant at her home grand slam and hasn’t lost a set so far. It should be noted that she has had a very favourable draw so far. No one has found a recipe for her variable tennis with a nasty serve.

The Czech Republic is also represented in the quarterfinals of the Australian Open. It’s not Pliskova. It’s not Kvitova. It’s Karolina Muchova. The Moravian native is showing she has great potential. And she’s living up to it at the Grand Slam.

Karolina had a bad draw on her way to the quarterfinals. For example, she stepped on the favored compatriot Pliskova and the world number 16 seed Mertens. She won all 4 matches without losing a set. Against Pliskova she turned the set around in 0:5, against Mertens in 0:4.

That shows how mentally strong she is. Her variable and clever tennis is paying off for her opponents. Tomorrow at 1 a.m., she’ll face her first quarterfinal at a grand slam.

The home team, Barty, is the clear favorite. But that doesn’t mean Muchova is out of the running. Both tennis players practice uncomfortable full-court tennis. The Australian has a slight advantage on serve. The downside will be that the home crowd won’t be there to cheer her on. It’s the little things that make the difference. I expect an even match.

What’s your bet?

Barty is the clear odds-on favorite. I think the odds are too low. Muchova can definitely surprise. She’s playing the tennis of her life. She’s handled the tough matches so far in Australia with excellence. I wouldn’t be afraid to take a risk. I believe she’ll at least play a set.