We wrap up the first round of the 2022 Australian Open on Day 2. That means there are 32 women’s matches scheduled. As always, we here at LWOT are going to offer you our thoughts on all the matches. We split up the matches into articles with four matches each, so that means eight articles. The other seven articles feature Anett Kontaveit vs Katerina Siniakova, Simona Halep vs Magdalena Frech, Iga Swiatek vs Harriet Dart, Emma Raducanu vs Sloane Stephens, Aryna Sabalenka vs Storm Sanders, Garbine Muguruza vs Clara Burel, and Petra Kvitova vs Sorana Cirstea. Predicting this set of matches are Andrew Watson, Fraser Learmonth, and Jim Smith.
Australian Open Day 2 Women’s Predictions
Elena Rybakina vs Zarina Diyas
Andrew:
Rybakina has one of the most effective serves on tour right now and that tends to make her very difficult to beat in these Aussie conditions. Diyas doesn’t possess the tools to take her on here I think.
Prediction: Rybakina in 2
Fraser:
Rybakina is the obvious choice in this match. The Kazakh is serving immensely well and looks dangerous off both wings as well. The last time she was in this kind of form she tore up the WTA Tour for two months before COVID hit. Expect the same again if she keeps this level up.
Prediction: Rybakina in 2
Jim:
Elena Rybakina has looked very good this year. The only player to have beaten her is Ash Barty and she thrashed Emma Raducanu, losing only one game. She did withdraw ahead of her next match, and it wouldn’t be entirely out of keeping with her to lose this match, but Rybakina should have more than enough in the tank to win.
Prediction: Rybakina in 2
Clara Tauson vs Astra Sharma
Andrew:
The winner of this match probably takes on Ash Barty in the next round so it may be a short run, but likely to be a big match and big motivator, especially for Sharma as an Aussie. However, Tauson is one to watch this season. I expect her to have a progressive year starting with a tough win here.
Prediction: Tauson in 2
Fraser:
Tauson is the better player here. She also has a bigger, more powerful game which should be rewarded on these courts. Expect the Danish star to move on here and don’t be surprised if she wins more than a round or two in Melbourne.
Prediction: Tauson in 2
Jim:
Astra Sharma has done well to break back into the top 100 and with the crowd behind her she could make things difficult for the Dane. But Clara Tauson is developing into a fine player and though just 19, she is rightly the favourite to win this match.
Prediction: Tauson in 3
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Marketa Vondrousova vs Priscilla Hon
Andrew:
This is in a relatively open section of the draw and the Czech is one that could take advantage of that fact. She should be able to win this one with a degree of comfort.
Prediction: Vondrousova in 2
Fraser:
Vondrousova simply has too many weapons available to here to see her being troubled in this match. The Czech is a standout performer on the WTA and shouldn’t be trouble by Hon’s game if she plays to her full ability.
Prediction: Vondrousova in 2
Jim:
Priscilla Hon will be desperate to make an impact, particularly after Petra Kvitova at the Adelaide International. She might be able to do just that, but Marketa Vondrousova is the better player of the pair. That should be reflected in the scoreline.
Prediction: Vondrousova in 3
Angelique Kerber vs Kaia Kanepi
Andrew:
A lot of experience in this match but the versatility and skill of Kerber should be enough to turn the tables on the power of Kanepi.
Prediction: Kerber in 2
Fraser:
Kerber showed real signs of life in 2021 after a quiet few years on the tour. If she continues her upward trajectory she could well become a favourite to win Grand Slams again this year. At the very least she should win this match.
Prediction: Kerber in 2
Jim:
Kaia Kanepi has built a reputation as a difficult first-round draw in the later years of her career, one she burnished last season by stunning defending champion Sofia Kenin. Angelique Kerber enjoyed something of a resurgence last season, however, even if she is not the force she once was. She may have to work hard for it, but expect her to get the win here.
Prediction: Kerber in 3
Main Photo from Getty.
