Tamira Paszek: So Far In 2016
It has been an impressive start to 2016 for world number 126 Tamira Paszek. She successfully qualified for the main draw at the ASB Classic as an unseeded player, beating players such as fifth seed Monica Puig and second seed Kurumi Nara on her way to to the main draw. She was also extremely impressive in the main draw, recording wins over Francesca Schiavone, fourth seed Svetlana Kuznetsova and Kirsten Flipkens before eventually losing in the semifinals to Julia Goerges.
Things have been even better for the Austrian so far in Melbourne. Seeded 14th for the qualifying draw, she didn't lose a set as she eased past Kateryna Kozlova, Maria Jose Martinez Sanchez and Barbora Krejcikova to make the main draw. Paszek seems to be playing good tennis again and will be full of confidence.
Roberta Vinci: So Far in 2016
2016 has been mixed for world number 15 Roberta Vinci so far, though her opposition has naturally been tougher than Paszek's. Seeded eighth at the Brisbane International, Vinci started with a tough win over Jelena Jankovic and then cruised past Dominika Cibulkova, though was then drubbed herself by eventual champion Victoria Azarenka in the quarterfinal. However things were less positive for Vinci at the Apia International Sydney, as she lost in three tight sets in the opening round against Sam Stosur. Despite her mixed form, Vinci has been playing some strong tennis; it will be hard for anyone to beat her.
Analysis
Paszek has won both their previous meetings, beating Vinci in straight sets at the Hobart International in 2010 and at Wimbledon in 2012. Considering it has been over three years since they last played, it seems unlikely that these previous meetings will have any impact on this match.
However, whilst the previous results between the two may not have an impact on this match, one thing is evident; Paszek comfortably dealt with Vinci's tricky playing style. Whilst Paszek may not be at her best she is playing strong tennis again, and it does seem that she isn't bothered by Vinci's tricky slices and dropshots.
The Austrian star will also be extremely confident after a good few weeks and is more powerful than Vinci, though she may be slightly worn out after having to qualify for the tournament. Vinci will also be confident- she is still on a high following her run to the US Open final- and considering this will probably be her last Australian Open (she has stated she'll retire at the end of the year), there is no doubt she will give it her all. Also, Azarenka and Stosur played well to beat her, so it will take a momentous performance by Paszek to be victorious.
Prediction
There are over 100 ranking spots between the two but it seems that this match will be much closer than the rankings suggest. Paszek will be confident and is playing some very good tennis, though it is hard to see past Vinci here. The Italian should win this, but it shouldn't be easy.
Prediction: Roberta Vinci in three sets.