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, Leylah Fernandez vs Alize Cornet, and Ons Jabeur vs Tamara Zidansek. Predicting this set of matches are Jim Smith, Nurein Ahmed, and Shane Black. Who do you think will win?
Australian Open Day 2 Women’s Predictions
Shuai Zhang vs Patricia Maria Tig
Jim:
Neither player has won a match so far this year, but Zhang has at least won a set. Tig won just four games in her first-round match at the WTA Hobart International and while she may be more competitive here, expect Zhang to have the edge.
Prediction: Zhang in 3
Nurein:
Tig didn’t play a single outdoor hard-court match in 2022 and only entered this year’s tournament with a protected ranking. Zhang’s level is clearly so far ahead, having taken a set off Ludmilla Samsonova in Adelaide. Expect the Chinese to pick up her first win of 2023.
Prediction: Zhang in 2
Shane:
Veteran Zhang had a revival of a season in 2022. She looked comfortable against lower-ranked players and seems to take care of business as a favorite. Patricia Maria Tig has played in just 12 WTA-level matches over the past two seasons and is currently ranked No. 790 in the world. Shuai’s consistency will win out.
Prediction: Zhang in 2
Ariane Hartono vs Shelby Rogers
Jim:
One can never be entirely sure what to expect from Rogers, but if she plays anything like her best tennis, she should be able to overpower Hartono and book her place in the second round in Melbourne.
Prediction: Rogers in 2
Nurein:
Hartono loves quick surfaces, but Rogers is the better player in this matchup. The American might have fallen off from her peak ranking, but she should outplay the Dutchwoman.
Prediction: Rogers in 2
Shane:
Shelby Rogers does not have a fruitful history at the Australian Open. That said, she was able to play six matches in Adelaide and should be feeling comfortable with the slick courts. 26-year-old Arianne Hartono has never won a Grand Slam match, and I have no reason to believe that changes here.
Prediction: Rogers in 2
Beatriz Haddad Maia vs Nuria Parrizas Diaz
Jim:
Haddad Maia made a solid enough start to the season at the WTA Adelaide International where she reached the quarterfinals (lost to Paula Badosa). If she can maintain that level, or better still improve on it, reaching the second week in Melbourne looks achievable. At any rate, she should have the beating of Parrizas Diaz.
Prediction: Haddad Maia in 2
Nurein:
Haddad Maia’s climb to the WTA Top 20 was one of the best storylines last year. I think if she can scale the first week, she could be a force to be reckoned with. With that said, she should win this match at a canter. She is superior as compared to Parrizas Diaz in almost every aspect.
Prediction: Haddad Maia in 2
Shane:
Beatriz Haddad Maia and Nuria Parrizas Diaz have battled three times over the past two seasons, with Parrizas Diaz coming out on top twice. That said, Haddad Maia has looked very impressive in lead-up events. She holds a 4-1 record this season and is playing with supreme confidence.
Prediction: Haddad Maia in 3
Daria Kasatkina vs Varvara Gracheva
Jim:
Kasatkina has not exactly thrived in the top ten, but the Russian played solidly enough last week to reach the final in Adelaide. She was well-beaten there by Belinda Bencic and she will be vulnerable in Melbourne. But expect her to have enough to get past Gracheva.
Prediction: Kasatkina in 3
Nurein:
Kasatkina lost heavily in the Adelaide final a few days ago. It was a disappointing performance and she needs to bounce back. I think this match should give her some sort of respite.
Prediction: Kasatkina in 2
Shane:
No. 8 seed Daria Kasatikina is ready to break out on the Grand Slam level. The 25-year-old looked very solid in her run to the Adelaide final and should be considered a dark horse to win the Aussie Open. I do not believe she will have trouble with Varvara Gracheva.
Prediction: Kasatkina in 2
Main Photo from Getty.
