Naomi Osaka vs Belinda Bencic Prediction Australian Open Tennis Picks 1/17/25

Naomi Osaka knocked out World No. 20 Karolina Muchova in the second round in three sets. The match took 27 games to decide and lasted an hour and 58 minutes.

Osaka lost the first 1-6, but hit back to win 6-1, 6-3. She recorded 33 winners and 27 unforced errors.

Osaka landed 59% of first serves and won 71% of first-serve points (29/41). She won 54% of second-serve points (15/28).

The Japanese held in 9 of 11 service games in the match and saved four of six break points on her serve. Osaka won 45% of return points (43/95) and 67% of net points (6/9). She converted four of 17 break points on the Muchova serve.

This was her sixth win from seven matches of 2025 (the only loss was in Auckland via retirement).

Belinda Bencic Preview

Belinda Bencic beat Dutch talent Suzan Lamens in straight sets. The match took 20 games to decide and lasted an hour and 41 minutes.

Bencic prevailed 6-1, 7-6. That means she’s won both of her matches at the 2025 Australian Open in straight sets. In the victory, Bencic recorded 20 winners and 16 unforced errors.

She landed 65% of first serves and won 62% of first-serve points (23/37). Bencic won 50% of second-serve points (10/20).

Bencic held in six of nine service games in the match and saved two of five break points on her serve. She won 57% of return points (42/74) and 85% of net points (11/13). Bencic converted six of 11 break points.

This was her sixth win from eight matches. She didn't compete in last year's Australian Open and will be seeking to reach the last 16 for the first time since 2023.

Naomi Osaka vs Belinda Bencic Head-To-Head

• Osaka and Bencic have met six times in all competitions. 

• Bencic leads 4-2 and won their only Grand Slam meeting at the 2019 US Open in straight sets.

• However, Osaka won their most recent encounter at the 2022 Miami Open in three sets.

Naomi Osaka vs Belinda Bencic Prediction

I'm with Osaka here. She is steadily getting back to her best. I was worried that whatever afflicted her in that Auckland final would have affected her physical readiness for the Australian Open. But in two matches against two former top 10 players, she's raised her level to win in three sets. Also, her endurance appears to be getting better. This Grand Slam is one of her favorites, winning the title twice in her career.

Bencic has not lost a set this week but has played two tie-breaks already and was slightly fortunate to win both. Osaka's power can be overwhelming, and right now, the four-time Grand Slam champion has hit her strap. Give me Osaka in another three-setter.