Australian Open preview and odds: Agnieszka Radwanska vs Eugenie Bouchard

Published on: 19/01/2016

Australian Open preview and odds: Agnieszka Radwanska vs Eugenie Bouchard

January 20 2016 19:00pm - Rod Laver Arena

Australian Open - Round 2

Agnieszka Radwanska has taken her game to a new level over the last six months and can now be considered a serious contender for a Grand Slam crown in 2016. Standing in her way is a resurgent Eugenie Bouchard, who will be keen to continue her good start the year and put a disappointing 2015 behind her.

Radwanska unbeaten since October

Agnieszka Radwanska continued her good run of form with a routine first round win over 65th-ranked Christina McHale. The World No. 4 took just 80 minutes to send her 23-year-old opponent packing 6-2 6-3.

Radwanska started 2016 by winning her fourth title (Shenzhen) in six hard court events and has been tipped by many as a potential champion in this years Aussie Open event.

The Pole now faces a tricky second round match against the young Canadian Eugenie Bouchard. The two players have only met once before (on clay in Madrid) when Radwanska was victorious in two sets 7-6 6-2.

Bouchard boosted by Hobart final

Eugenie Bouchard began the year by reaching the final in Hobart where she was beaten by Alize Cornet. As a result, she came into this event full of confidence and took just over an hour to dispose of first round opponent Aleksandra Krunic. She has been serving well all year and could cause a few problems for her opponent if she maintains her current level.

The Canadian has made a welcome return to form after a difficult 2015 where she struggled to live up to her own high expectations. First round exits at the French Open and Wimbledon marked particular low points.

She comes into this match with a 7-2 record in 2016 and has good form in this event having reached the semi-finals and quarter-finals in her last two appearances.

Betting odds and tips

Both players are in great shape and this should be a competitive match, however, Radwanska has been in championship form and should just edge this one.

Radwanska 2-1 can be backed at 10/3 with Ladbrokes.

Alternatively, back the match to go to three sets at 9/4 wioth the same bookie.

By Neil Morris

Published on: 19/01/2016

Any odds displayed within this preview were correct at the time of publishing (19/01/2016 10:32:48) but are subject to change.