The first round of the Australian Open wraps up on Day 2. We get to see 32 women’s matches across the grounds in Melbourne, in the more wide-open half of the draw. As always, we here at LWOT share our thoughts on all the matches with you. We split the day’s matches between eight different articles. Our other articles feature Aryna Sabalenka vs Tereza Martincova, Sorana Cirstea vs Yulia Putintseva, Karolina Pliskova vs Xiyu Wang, Anett Kontaveit vs Julie Grabher, Mayar Sherif vs Magda Linette, Daria Kasatkina vs Varvara Gracheva, and Ons Jabeur vs Tamara Zidansek. Predicting this set of matches are Jim Smith, Damian Kust, and Jakub Bobro. Who do you think will win?
Australian Open Day 2 Women’s Predictions
Diane Parry vs Taylor Townsend
Jim:
It’s been a tough start to the season for Townsend, who lost in the first round of qualifying at both Adelaide events. But Parry has not exactly been in red hot form herself. The quick conditions in Melbourne should suit Townsend better than Parry and that may well be the difference here.
Prediction: Townsend in 3
Damian:
Parry continues to showcase some incredible potential from time to time, but her base level just isn’t that high. On a fast hard court, a player like Townsend can probably serve-and-volley against her effectively and apply a lot of pressure early in the rallies.
Prediction: Townsend in 3
Jakub:
Interesting match-up of two reciprocal wild cards. Parry has had a mixed start, 2-2 on the season, but showed that she steps up to the occasion last year with third-round runs at both Roland Garros and Wimbledon. Townsend comes into Melbourne winless on the year in singles, though she took a set off Amanda Anisimova. The American has been the best doubles player in 2023 so far though, winning back-to-back Adelaide titles with two different partners. With her confidence at the moment, I’m leaning toward Townsend.
Prediction: Townsend in 3
Claire Liu vs Madison Brengle
Jim:
This will be an interesting marker of where Liu’s game is at. She has a higher ceiling than Brengle, but the 32-year-old has a great attitude and will give nothing away. Liu should still have enough to get past her compatriot, but it won’t be easy for the young gun.
Prediction: Liu in 3
Damian:
They’ve split a couple of meetings on green clay in Charleston and now it’s time for their first match on hard courts. Liu seems to be a small favorite given her higher upside and Brengle’s two losses to start the season, but it can really go both ways.
Prediction: Liu in 3
Jakub:
Liu had a strong opening week, reaching the second round as a qualifier in Adelaide. Brengle is winless on the year, losing a very tight match to Lin Zhu in Auckland before losing to Bernarda Pera in straights the next week. Liu has won the most recent meeting between the two and enters in better form.
Prediction: Liu in 2
Alison Riske-Amritraj vs Marketa Vondrousova
Jim:
This promises to be an enjoyable watch. Riske-Amritraj and Vondrousova both have slightly unusual techniques, but they have plenty of craft and both are adept at using angles to their advantage. Vondrousova is playing the better tennis right now though.
Prediction: Vondrousova in 3
Damian:
It’s great to see Vondrousova clawing her way back to the top level so quickly after missing half of the 2022 season. The Czech looked excellent in reaching the quarterfinals at Adelaide, losing to eventual champion Aryna Sabalenka. Keeping up that quality could get her far in Melbourne.
Prediction: Vondrousova in 2
Jakub:
Riske-Amritraj comes into Melbourne 1-3, only beating the World No. 490 and failing to win a set against any of her Tour-level opponents. Vondrousova, 2019 Roland Garros finalist, had a nice week to start 2023. The Czech scored wins over Ekaterina Alexandrova and Kaia Kanepi before losing to eventual champion Aryna Sabalenka. Vondrousova comes in playing much better tennis and should win here.
Prediction: Vondrousova in 2
Leylah Fernandez vs Alize Cornet
Jim:
Fernandez’s run to the quarterfinals in Auckland was encouraging, but this a tough draw for the Canadian. Cornet reached the quarterfinals in Melbourne last season and generally saves her best tennis for the Majors. Fernandez is certainly good enough to win this match, but expect Cornet to just about have the edge here.
Prediction: Cornet in 3
Damian:
One of the best round one matchups. Cornet hasn’t started the season well, but she’s been constantly producing big upsets at Slams and Fernandez isn’t exactly at the top of her abilities at the moment either. The Frenchwoman will need to raise her level very quickly if she is to win this one.
Prediction: Fernandez in 3
Jakub:
One of the most exciting matches of the day. Fernandez, 2021 US Open finalist, is still looking for her first main draw win in Melbourne. Cornet, a veteran coming off one of the best seasons of her career, is defending a quarterfinal here. The Frenchwoman’s form isn’t the best coming in but she stepped up her level at slams compared to tour events all season in 2022. It’s a tough one to call but I will lean toward Fernandez here.
Prediction: Fernandez in 3
Main Photo from Getty.
