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 Daria Kasatkina vs Varvara Gracheva, 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
Lucrezia Stefanini vs Tatjana Maria
Jim:
Maria is something of a grass-court specialist, with the higher (and truer) bounce on hard courts not suiting her game as well. But she can still do some damage on faster courts. Stefanini, meanwhile, won just two games in the first round of qualifying in Auckland in two games. Unless she can find a much higher level, this should be a comfortable enough day at the office for Maria.
Prediction: Maria in 2
Nurein:
Stefanini will be a tough qualifier for Maria. The Italian was an underdog in every match, but came through in the end. Still, the veteran’s experience will be decisive here.
Prediction: Maria in 3
Shane:
35-year-old Tatjana Maria had one of the best seasons of her career in 2022. When playing with confidence, Maria can compete with anyone on tour. She will have her hands full with Lucrezia Stefanini, who won three ITF titles last season. Stefanini is playing in her first Grand Slam main draw. Her raw talent will be on full display, but Maria’s experience will pay off in the end.
Prediction: Maria in 3
Petra Martic vs Viktorija Golubic
Jim:
Golubic had a remarkable 2021, but struggled to sustain that in 2022 and the Swiss finds herself outside the top 80 as a result. Martic did not have a particularly memorable 2022 either, but it was rather better than Golubic’s. She played some solid tennis at the United Cup and more of the same should see her into the second round in Melbourne.
Prediction: Martic in 3
Nurein:
Martic lost twice at the United Cup in singles action, but at least she was put to the test against the WTA’s best in Sakkari and Garcia. That should serve as a perfect Grand Slam rehearsal and I expect her to dominate the one-handed Golubic.
Prediction: Martic in 2
Shane:
Last year, Petra Martic had her first winning season since 2019. She is looking for a breakthrough at a Grand Slam and should be feeling good ahead of this event. Viktorija Golubic is a hard player to pin down, but I believe Martic’s variety will prove too much in this match.
Prediction: Martic in 3
Sloane Stephens vs Anastasia Potapova
Jim:
It’s been a tough start to the year for Stephens, who lost in the first round in straight sets in both Auckland and Hobart. Fortunately for her, Potapova has not looked much better. The Russian’s fitness is also in question after she retired after one game of the second set in her Adelaide opener.
Prediction: Stephens in 3
Nurein:
I watched Stephens in Hobart and she was uninspiring. Maybe a Grand Slam could igniate that fighting spirit to win matches again. But hard-hitting Potapova is tough opener for the American and I think she will struggle to express herself.
Prediction: Potapova in 3
Shane:
Sloane Stephens has a history of playing well in Slams. That said, she has lost both of her matches this season in straight sets and is just 8-12 dating back to June 2022. Anastasia Potapova is a 21-year-old on the rise. Look for her to make Stephens uncomfortable and push her around the court.
Prediction: Potapova in 3
Aryna Sabalenka vs Tereza Martincova
Jim:
Sabalenka got her season off to the perfect start with a title in Adelaide. She may not be able to replicate that achievement at the Australian Open, but she shouldn’t have too much trouble getting past Martincova.
Prediction: Sabalenka in 2
Nurein:
Sabalenka thrives when expectations are very low in the build up to the tournament. Maybe we will get the best version of the Belarusian at Grand Slam level this fortnight. She is in form and just won a title in Adelaide. She will be too strong for the inconsistent Martincova.
Prediction: Sabalenka in 2
Shane:
Aryna Sabalenka is my pick to win this event. Now that her service woes seem to be behind her, there is no player on tour who is more dangerous from the baseline. Sabalenka’s power will allow her to cruise in this match.
Prediction: Sabalenka in 2
Main Photo from Getty.
