Top seed Aryna Sabalenka finally takes to the court in Adelaide on Tuesday. The world #2 established herself as a favourite for every tournament with her blistering play last year. She is certainly one of the top contenders for the Australian Open title and will be looking to use this tournament to build momentum ahead of that event. However, she won’t have it easy in Adelaide given the quality of the draw. As ever, we look at how the players involved in Tuesday’s action should fair in our WTA Adelaide 2 day 2 predictions.
WTA Adelaide 2 Day 2 Predictions
Jim Teichmann vs Lauren Davis
Head-to-head: First meeting
This match could be fairly one-sided if these players mimic their form from 2021. Jil Teichmann didn’t win any titles last year. However, the Swiss star went 21-13 on hard courts and made the final in Cincinnati in what was the biggest tournament result of her career so far. By contrast, Lauren Davis went 10-12 on hard courts last year and ice currently in danger of dropping outside the top 100 in the women’s game. Teichmann is the better player in better form and should come through this match relatively easily.
Prediction: teichmann in 2
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Ludmilla Samsonova vs Mayar Sherif
Head-to-head: First meeting
I like Ludmilla Samsonova’s chances here. The Russian finally fulfilled her potential and broke through onto the WTA tour, even lifting her first title in Berlin. She has great power off both wings and is a fantastic mover on the court. Her aggressive nature should suit her well here too, with the quick courts in Adelaide rewarding aggressive tennis. Her opponent, Mayar Sherif, also enjoyed a very good 2021 campaign. However, she will be low on confidence after Ann Li demolished her in the first round of Melbourne 2 last week. Sherif is no slouch, but Samsonova looks to have the edge in this match and should move on to the second round without any major hiccups.
Prediction: Samsonova in 2
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Aryna Sabalenka vs Rebecca Peterson
Head-to-head: First meeting
I really like Rebecca Peterson and I said last week that she is better than her 2021 campaign would suggest. I think the Swede will have a good year this year, but I suspect this match will be one she wants to forget when it’s over. Sabalenka made it a habit in 2021 to demolish all but the very best players in the women’s game. Her power and aggression are frightening to behold and she is almost impossible to stop when she is on song. Peterson simply can’t live with the kind of power the Belarusian can generate and will do well to win a few games across the entire match, let alone taking a set. Sabalenka will be looking to prove a point after Kaya Juan upset her last week in Adelaide. I expect she will make that point emphatically tomorrow, to the detriment of Peterson.
Prediction: Sabalenka in 2
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