There looks set to be plenty of thrilling action on day one at the Australian Open. As ever, we here at LWOT will be offering our predictions for every match, including Kirsten Flipkens vs Venus Williams, Naomi Osaka vs Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova, Aryna Sabalenka vs Viktoria Kuzmova, Simona Halep vs Lizette Cabrera and Serena Williams vs Laura Siegemund. But who will reach the second round?
Australian Open Day One Predictions
Bianca Andreescu vs Mihaela Buzarnescu
Jim: This will surely be the most eagerly anticipated match of the day, with Andreescu having not played a shot in anger since the 2019 WTA Finals. It may take her a while to find her rhythm as a result. But if she does, expect her to prove too strong for Mihaela Buzarnescu, who has been struggling of late.
Prediction: Andreescu in 3
Fraser: The Canadian has not played a competitive tennis match in over a year and rust will surely be an issue early on in this tournament. however, the draw has been kind in giving her Buzarnescu as an opponent. The Romanian has been in a slow decline in recent years and lacks the quality she once had. Andreescu may take a while to get going, but this match is a great opportunity for her to find her feet.
Prediction: Andreescu in 3
Yesh: Andreescu makes her long-awaited return to top-level tennis. She hasn’t played since 2019, and she hasn’t lost an outdoor hard court match since February of that year (at least, not a match that she was physically healthy enough to finish). She’s thrown right into the fire on her return, but I think she’ll come through here.
Prediction: Andreescu in 2
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Veronika Kudermetova vs Marta Kostyuk
Jim: Barring a disappointing second-round exit at the hands of Ann Li in the Grampians Trophy, Veronika Kudermetova has been in excellent form of late. Indeed, that loss to Li snapped a run of three straight quarterfinal showings for the Russian. Marta Kostyuk, meanwhile, is clearly a player with a bright future, but it would be a surprise were she to get the better of the in-form Kudermetova.
Prediction: Kudermetova in 3
Fraser: Kudermetova won this matchup three weeks ago in Abu Dhabi in a close match. Melbourne represents similar conditions to those they last played on and I see a similar result unfolding here. Kudermetova’s confidence and experience on tour should be the difference.
Prediction: Kudermetova in 3
Yesh: Kudermetova is a rising star and should challenge most players here. Kostyuk could be the same, but she’s a bit behind her opponent now.
Prediction: Kudermetova in 3
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Fiona Ferro vs Katerina Siniakova
Jim: Fiona Ferro’s start to 2021 has been someway short of what might be considered impressive. But the Frenchwoman boasts a solid all-round game and should be sharp enough in her movement around the court to get the better of the often wayward Katerina Siniakova.
Prediction: Ferro in 3
Fraser: Ferro and Siniakova are both in search of their first wins of 2021 after losing in the first round of their respective warmup events. Both players prefer the clay and may struggle to produce their best tennis in Melbourne. However, Ferro can call upon the greater quality and looks like she is set to become one of the better players on the women’s tour. She has the better overall game and should advance relatively comfortably here.
Prediction: Ferro in 2
Yesh: Ferro started her breakout last year with an extended winning streak over the summer. Injuries have slowed her down a bit, but we’re all ready for her to be the next challenger for the top of the game. Siniakova is a solid player who should be a good benchmark to judge Ferro’s progress.
Prediction: Ferro in 3
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Ons Jabeur vs Andrea Petkovic
Jim: Ons Jabeur’s struggles so far this season suggest that the Tunisian might have a hard time backing up her quarterfinal finish at the 2020 Australian Open. But her combination of court-craft and power should still give her enough to account for the veteran Andrea Petkovic.
Prediction: Jabeur in 2
Fraser: Both players are full of personality and flare and aren’t afraid to play shots. Jabeur made history here last year and will hope to equal or better her quarterfinal run over the next two weeks. Both are short of match practice this year, however, although Jabeur has played slightly more tennis and that should be enough to see her pick up the win here.
Prediction: Jabeur in 3
Yesh: Jabeur is quickly becoming a very strong player. She’s not yet ready to contend for Slam titles and likely never will be, but she’s definitely always up to reach the second week now.
Prediction: Jabeur in 2
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Alison Riske vs Anastasia Potapova
Jim: Anastasia Potapova is clearly another player with a very bright future. But the fast, apparently low-bouncing courts at the Australian Open should favour the relatively flat groundstrokes of Alison Riske. Expect the American to edge what promises to be a closely contested encounter.
Prediction: Riske in 3
Fraser: Riske is short of match fitness coming into this match. The American hasn’t played a singles match since the French Open in October last year. Potapova is also rusty, having just returned to action following a wrist injury that kept her out for most of last year. However, the Russian has taken the court this year to play singles matches and that should prove the difference in what will be a close match.
Prediction: Potapova in 3
Yesh: Riske showed her class in 2019 and is ready to continue that. She might not be fully healthy, though, as she withdrew from last week’s tune-up at the last minute. Hopefully she’s ready to validate her ranking off grass here, but we can’t be sure.
Prediction: Riske in 2
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