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, Emma Raducanu vs Sloane Stephens, Angelique Kerber vs Kaia Kanepi, 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 Yesh Ginsburg.
Australian Open Day 2 Women’s Predictions
Elise Mertens vs Vera Zvonareva
Andrew:
Whilst it hasn’t been a startling comeback Zvonareva has still exhibited a decent level at times over the last year or two. However, Mertens is a pretty consistent seed at a Grand Slam and I think she will get off to a solid start here.
Prediction: Mertens in 2
Fraser:
Mertens tends to live up to her seeding at Grand Slam events and usually wins at least two rounds. Zvonareva is good in patches but has failed to return to her previous levels in her comeback attempt. Mertens should be too much for her here.
Prediction: Mertens in 2
Yesh:
Zvonareva’s comeback has been impressive at times, but beating Mertens is probably a bridge too far at this moment. The Belgian is never quite in Slam-winning form, but she’s always good enough to go very deep. I think she’ll move on, and without too much trouble.
Prediction: Mertens in 2
Tamara Zidansek vs Arantxa Rus
Andrew:
Zidansek pulled out of her semifinal a few days ago. However, I would interpret that as a method to retain some rest for the Australian Open rather than a serious physical problem. If that is the case then I would expect that Zidansek would win this match.
Prediction: Zidansek in 2
Fraser:
Zidansek is fresh off a semifinal run in Adelaide. Provided her withdrawal there was just precautionary, the Slovenian should be the favourite to pick up the win here behind her lethal forehand.
Prediction: Zidansek in 2
Yesh:
Zidansek had a great run of play a few years ago. She hasn’t been looking at the level to win tournaments since then, but Rus hasn’t been playing at her top level for quite a while now. Zidansek is capable of the better tennis, but it’s not at all clear who is closer to their top form right now.
Prediction: Zidansek in 3
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Ann Li vs Xinyu Wang
Andrew:
Ann Li is another player that I’m keeping my eye on for the tournament in general. She has made big strides recently and I expect her to start the season very well in this tournament.
Prediction: Li in 2
Fraser:
Ann Li had a stellar 2021 and looks a good bet to improve on that this year. The young American looks to be a future star of the game and should have enough to get past Wang here.
Prediction: Li in 3
Yesh:
Wang has had some impressive showings in recent months, so don’t count her out of this. Li has just been brilliant recently, though, so I expect her to win.
Prediction: Li in 2
Iga Swiatek vs Harriet Dart
Andrew:
Unlucky qualification spot for Dart who has been looking excellent through qualification. However, Swiatek looks primed for another big season, perhaps her best yet. I have her down for a deep run in this tournament so I expect her to fly the first hurdle here.
Prediction: Swiatek in 2
Fraser:
Swiatek is the obvious choice here. The Pole is yet to show she can topple elite players in the later stages of hard court Grand Slams, but has been very good at winning matches she should win early in those tournaments. This is one of those matches. Expect her to take care of business accordingly.
Prediction: Swiatek in 2
Yesh:
Dart could have won a match or two with the right draw. Unfortunately for the Brit, she did not get the right draw here. Swiatek is one of the top players in the world and is in good form right now. This won’t be close.
Prediction: Swiatek in 2
Main Photo from Getty.
