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, Coco Gauff vs Anna Karolina Schmiedlova, Paula Badosa vs Taylor Townsend, 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
Daria Saville vs Magdalena Frech
Andreas:
Saville plays her best tennis at the Australian Open, as she is slowly returning to her better form after an ACL tear in 2023. Notably, her semifinal result in Hobart was a great step forward. Frech is close to her career-high ranking but may be a bit intimidated against the home Australian crowd.
Prediction: Saville in 3
Jordan:
Saville narrowly missed out on reaching the final in Hobart heading into the first Grand Slam of the year. It is great to see the Australian playing well again after her injury problems. Frech is dangerous when she finds her range, but she has never been past the first round in Melbourne. Saville to win in front of her home fans.
Prediction: Saville in 2
Shane:
The home crowd loves Saville, and she enters this match with confidence after reaching the Hobart semifinals to begin her season. Frech is always a tough out on the hardcourts, but I’ll go with the Aussie in a decider.
Prediction: Saville in 3
Varvara Gracheva vs Yanina Wickmayer
Andreas:
Wickmayer is in her first Australian Open since 2017, and hasn’t won a match at the tournament in nine years. Her last Australian Open ended in a heartbreaking defeat, in which she couldn’t convert on nine match points against Lucie Safarova. Meanwhile, Gracheva is at her career high of No. 39 in the world, and made a solid appearance in the Auckland quarterfinals. She’s struggled to win the big matches against top players, but should get by here. Regardless, it’s good to see Wickmayer back in a main draw.
Prediction: Gracheva in 2
Jordan:
This is Wickmayer’s first appearance at the Australian Open in seven years after struggling with form and injuries, and she also took a hiatus from tennis. Gracheva made it to the third round last year, and is hoping to replicate the strong overall first half to 2023 she had this year. Wickmayer could shock people on her Australian Open main draw return, but Gracheva is certainly the favorite.
Prediction: Gracheva in 3
Shane:
Even at age 34, Wickmayer can produce levels of tennis that would beat anyone on tour. Unfortunately for her, Gracheva has an incredible ability to absorb pace and counterpunch. I’ll take the young Frenchwoman in a tight one.
Prediction: Gracheva in 3
Jasmine Paolini vs Diana Shnaider
Andreas:
Paolini won one of the better matches of 2024 so far, taking out Angelique Kerber 6-4 7-5 in a heavy-hitting match marred by cramps. Meanwhile, Shnaider made her Grand Slam breakthrough here last year, nearly stunning Maria Sakkari before dominating opposition in college tennis at NC State. Look for Shnaider to just barely win this, but both players will be comfortable on the faster courts here.
Prediction: Shnaider in 3
Jordan:
This is a fascinating matchup. 28-year-old Paolini’s progress has been exceptional in the last year, but she is yet to win a main draw match in Melbourne. Shnaider’d recent tennis is not as strong as the Italian’s, but the 19-year-old has been past the second round of the Australian Open. However, I think Paolini’s huge improvements will end her jinx and see her into the second round. She is capable of soaking up pressure from Shnaider, and being aggressive with her forehand.
Prediction: Paolini in 2
Shane:
Paolini really raised her level in the back half of 2023. The Italian does not give you anything and is one of the better movers on the WTA Tour. Shnaider has the power to hit through Paolini, but I do not think the Russian has the consistency to get it in.
Prediction: Paolini in 2
Beatriz Haddad Maia vs Linda Fruhvirtova
Andreas:
Haddad Maia comes into this tournament 1-3 on the year, while Fruhvirtova, the older of the two sisters, also holds the same record as of now. Look for Haddad Maia to work her way into this match, and avenge a frustrating first-round loss from last year’s tournament.
Prediction: Haddad Maia in 2
Jordan:
This is an interesting one. Last year’s WTA Elite Trophy winner Haddad Maia is the higher ranked and more experienced campaigner, but the Australian Open has been her weakest Grand slam in the past. The Brazilian has never been past the second round. By contrast, 18-year-old Fruhvirtova has struggled in the last six months, but had a breakthrough run to the fourth round in Melbourne last year. It could be close, but something tells me Haddad Maia will find a way with her grit and determination.
Prediction: Haddad Maia in 3
Shane:
Haddad Maia put back-to-back top ten seasons in 2022 and 2023 seemingly out of nowhere. The 27-year-old Brazilian is brimming with confidence and plays with a lefty spin that is hard to combat. 18-year-old Fruhvirtova has the weapons to hurt Haddad Maia, but I do not think the consistency is there yet.
Prediction: Haddad Maia in 3
Main Photo Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports
