The first round of women’s action continues on Day 2 of the Australian Open, with 28 matchups in store. As always, we here at LastWordOnTennis share our thoughts on the matches with you. We split the matches between this and six other articles. The others feature Naomi Osaka vs Caroline Garcia, Elina Svitolina vs Taylah Preston, Ons Jabeur vs Yulia Starodubtsewa, Beatriz Haddad Maia vs Linda Fruhvirtova, Coco Gauff vs Anna Karolina Schmiedlova, and Donna Vekic vs Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova. Predicting these matches are Andreas Pelekis, Jordan Reynolds, and Shane Black. Who do you think will win?
Australian Open Day 2 Women’s Predictions
Marketa Vondrousova vs Dayana Yastremska
Andreas:
Yastremska has fallen off a bit from her peak at the WTA Tour but did well to qualify for the main draw. Vondrousova enters the Australian Open dealing with some injury worries, and Yastremska will have nothing to lose in this matchup. The Wimbledon champion should do enough here but don’t rule out a final set.
Prediction: Vondrousova in 3
Jordan:
Yastremska is a talented player. However, the reality is that she has exited in the first round of her last eight Grand Slams. She will try to use her powerful groundstrokes to hit through Vondrousova, but the Wimbledon champion’s craftiness and variety is likely to have too much for her opponent.
Prediction: Vondrousova in 2
Shane:
Vondrousova may not come to Melbourne with the best form, but we know she raises her level when it matters most. I do not foresee her having any problems with a young qualifier.
Prediction: Vondrousova in 3
Tatjana Maria vs Camila Osorio
Andreas:
While Maria continues to play her best tennis at 36 years old and sits at a career-high, she hasn’t won her last six Grand Slam matches. Osorio is a fast player who possesses a lot of power, so she won’t be afraid of Maria’s slices and net-play. Going for Osorio on this one, perhaps a small upset?
Prediction: Osorio in 3
Jordan:
Maria continues to cause players issues with her crafty style of play. However, I am going with Osorio here. The Colombian has an energetic style of play. I do not think that suits the German veteran at this stage of her career, and she may eventually fall away if the match becomes long.
Prediction: Osorio in 3
Shane:
At age 36, Maria is still ranked inside the Top 45 and is one of the toughest outs on the tour. Osorio beat just three Top 45-ranked players last season. Give me the German.
Prediction: Maria in 2
Marta Kostyuk vs Claire Liu
Andreas:
Liu was at the peak of her powers at the start of 2023, but hasn’t done much on the tour since then. Kostyuk played well in the Australian Open tuneups this year, and a good result at this tournament could bring her back near her career high of No. 32. The Ukrainian should win this match, overpowering Liu’s consistent game.
Prediction: Kostyuk in 2
Jordan:
It is hard to judge Liu’s form so far this season. She was given unfortunate draws against Coco Gauff and Daria Kasatkina in both her previous tournaments. Kostyuk has looked good, and made the quarterfinal in Adelaide. She’s also reached the third round on three occasions at the Australian Open. She likes the conditions, and I expect her to win this one.
Prediction: Kostyuk in 2
Shane:
Kostyuk is 3-2 to begin her season, with both of those losses coming against top 20 players. The 21-year-old Ukrainian still struggles against the world’s best, but typically handles lower-ranked players like Liu.
Prediction: Kostyuk in 2
Paula Badosa vs Taylor Townsend
Andreas:
This is a feel-good match at the happy slam for Badosa, as she struggled with injuries throughout the 2023 season. Townsend has an exciting cat-and-mouse game, but Badosa’s power may force Townsend to play uncomfortable shots. This should be a great contrast of styles on display, and look for Badosa to continue her comeback.
Prediction: Badosa in 2
Jordan:
Badosa needs to be wary here. She has only just returned from a long-term injury, and Townsend’s level can fluctuate a lot. If she finds her range, the American can be difficult to stop. Badosa is the consistently classier player but something is telling me that this will be an upset in favor of the big-serving American.
Prediction: Townsend in 3
Shane:
The former world No. 2 lost her first match back in six months, but I did like what I saw out of Badosa in the loss. Townsend will look to move the Spaniard all around the court, but I like Badosa’s counterpunching ability to win out.
Prediction: Badosa in 3
Main Photo Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
