Sonay Kartal v Jessica Bouzas Maneiro: Prediction, Tips and Odds

The future looks bright for British number three Sonay Kartal, who is at a career-high ranking of 85, but her Australian Open debut could end in disappointment against Jessica Bouzas Maneiro.

Kartal showed her class on her run to the third round of last season’s Wimbledon, where she upset Sorana Cirstea and Clara Burel before bumping into second seed Coco Gauff.

That hinted at plenty more to come for the 23-year-old, but these quick conditions in Melbourne will be something new for her to adjust to and in opponent Bouzas Maneiro she faces a difficult task.

The Spaniard, still only 22, is ranked 54th in the world and she made the third round of both Wimbledon and the US Open last season, despite them being only her third and fourth starts in a Grand Slam.

Bouzas Maneiro is another capable of scaling the world rankings and, unlike Kartal, she has three competitive matches under her belt this season after featuring at the United Cup and in Hobart.

Sonay Kartal v Jessica Bouzas Maneiro betting tips and predictions

Jessica Bouzas Maneiro to win - 1/1

There is little to separate Kartal and Bouzas Maneiro in the betting but bookmakers may have the wrong favourite with the Spaniard’s claims appearing much clearer than the Brit’s.

There is no doubt that Kartal is a player of immense potential but the same can be said for Bouzas Maneiro, who is appearing in the main draw of a Grand Slam for the fifth occasion.

It is Kartal’s fourth Grand Slam start but her three previous efforts have all come at Wimbledon and these quicker conditions away from home comforts will demand more from her.

Not only that, but Kartal has not had a competitive match yet in 2025 whereas the Spaniard was representing her country at the United Cup before heading to Hobart.

Bouzas Maneiro defeated former world number three Maria Sakkari in one of her United Cup outings and that form looks stronger than what Kartal may currently be able to produce.

The 22-year-old from Galicia may eventually prove to be at her best on clay but her run to the third round of last season’s US Open, where she defeated Petra Martic and British number one Katie Boulter, shows her versatility.

So on all-known form and with her well-being at least proven, Bouzas Maneiro should be confident that she can get the better of Kartal, whose ranking is inflated by her title triumph at the Jasmin Open in Tunisia in September.

8+ double faults in the match - 9/4

Neither player possesses a massive serve and, in what promises to be a closely-fought encounter, there could be plenty of double faults.

This is a massive opportunity for both with them each making their Australian Open main-draw debut, so there is sure to be nerves at both ends of the court.

With neither likely to serve many aces, they could attempt to add some pace to their serve to put their opponent under pressure and that could lead to more double faults than usual.

The possibility of three sets could be another likely scenario, which would enhance the chance of the pair contributing to at least eight double faults.

Read more tennis betting tips and predictions on site

Sonay Kartal v Jessica Bouzas Maneiro odds

Sonay Kartal - 4/5
Jessica Bouzas Maneiro - 1/1

View the full market and more odds for Sonay Kartal v Jessica Bouzas Maneiro on site

This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.