On day five of Australian Open Qualifying, 28 main draw places are at stake for the 56 men and female competitors. So who will book their place into the main draw? Let’s have a look at some of the matches to watch out for:
Ernesto Escobedo v Casper Ruud
This should be a fascinating contest between two of the most exciting talents in the men’s game, who are separated by 20 ranking places. Ruud will head into the contest the favourite after playing a high level tournament in Auckland as well as playing high quality tennis in Melbourne so far. However the American should be feeling confident about his game after he eased past Italian Alessandro Giannessi in straight sets. The winner of this match will be the more clinical player and the player who has a higher first serve percentage.
Priscilla Hon v Irina Falconi
This should be a magnificent spectacle considering the Australian’s high level. Hon has played a magnificent level throughout the Australian summer and based on her superb power hitting, deserves to qualify for her home slam. However qualifying spots aren’t given out for free and Irina Falconi is another tricky obstacle to overcome. The American has eased past the first two rounds without dropping a test and will provide a stern test for Hon.
Ruben Bemelmans v Duckhee Lee
Bemelmans, ranked 119 in the world, has had to battle his way into the final stages of qualifying after struggling past Kamil Majchrzak and Viktor Galovic in his first two rounds. The only reason why the Belgian is here is through is his grand slam experience and his instincts on court. However he will need more than experience to get through the talented South Korean, Duckhee Lee. The world number 195 battled past Frank Dancevic in the last round and is among a talented group of South Koreans rising through. Will South Korea have three representatives in the main draw?
Luksika Kumkhum v Sara Errani
Two experienced players will battle it out in Melbourne for a place in the main draw. Both players have had main draw experience and the Italian has even reached a grand slam final before. However this match will be decided on who’s game is smoother and more fluid as both women will be desperate to qualify for yet another slam.
16 Male competitors and 12 Female competitors will advance to the main draw, with action starting at 10:00 local time.
