The first round of the women’s singles at the Australian Open concludes on Day 3 of the event. The final 20 matches of the round should provide blockbuster entertainment, including multiple meetings of former Slam champions. As always, we at LWOT share our thoughts on all the matches. We split the 20 matches between this and four other articles. Those articles feature Iga Swiatek vs Sofia Kenin, Victoria Azarenka vs Camila Giorgi, Jessica Pegula vs Rebecca Marino, and Emma Raducanu vs Shelby Rogers. Predicting these matches are Jack Edward, Glenys Furness, and Jordan Reynolds. Who do you think will advance?
Australian Open Day 3 Women’s Predictions
Sloane Stephens vs Olivia Gadecki
Jack:
The last time Stephens won a match at the Australian Open was 2019. Perhaps there’s something about the stifling conditions or maybe she’s just been unlucky with her draws. Either way, Gadecki has shown plenty of recent promise and will be unperturbed by the occasion.
Prediction: Gadecki in 3
Glenys:
American Stephens has lost early in the run up events in the Australian swing. Gadecki hasn’t fared much better either so this will be an interesting match up. Although Stephens is higher ranked, Gadecki will have the Australian crowd behind her so could progress through.
Prediction: Gadecki in 3
Jordan:
Drawing a former Grand Slam champion is usually a disaster for a wild card player. However, Stephens has lost in the first-round in her last four tournaments in Melbourne. That will give hope to Gadecki, who will also have the home crowd to give her an extra lift. Ultimately, the greater class of Stephens should prevail, but her recent record at the event will make her a little nervous.
Prediction: Stephens in 2
Clara Burel vs Aleksandra Krunic
Jack:
Burel is getting more and more consistent in her results. She’s less likely to beat herself than she used to be and Krunic hasn’t gotten any momentum going in her comeback.
Prediction: Burel in 2
Glenys:
Burel is higher ranked than her Serbian opponent. However, in a Grand Slam anything can happen. Neither have had much success in the run in, and Krunic has actually played more doubles than singles. Burel should take this but not necessarily easily.
Prediction: Burel in 3
Jordan:
Krunic enters her first Grand Slam main draw with a protected ranking. But in truth. She had been struggling to replicate her best level from the past even in recent seasons before that. Burel is a young player who is improving, and has a solid all-round game. I expect her to come through.
Prediction: Burel in 2
Katie Boulter vs Yue Yuan
Jack:
Katie Boulter’s blistering start to the year makes it difficult to ignore the potential of the Brit. Yue Yuan is in a similar mould of great recent results, however, so it’s tough to pick a winner. In hotter conditions, I’d be more inclined to back Boulter’s serve by a whisker.
Prediction: Boulter in 3
Glenys:
Yuan made the semifinal in Hobart last week so can’t be discounted. Boulter came through qualifying in Adelaide and got through to the second round. Boulter has not made the second round here since 2019 and has failed to qualify in the last couple of years. The direct entry this year should help the Brit
Prediction: Boulter in 3
Jordan:
This is an interesting contest. Both players have improved a lot in the last 12 months, and each likes to play aggressively. It will come down to who can execute that style the better. I will back the Chinese player to edge it, but it could be very close.
Prediction: Yuan in 2
Elena Rybakina vs Karolina Pliskova
Jack:
There are many calling Rybakina the best player in the world at the moment. Whilst I wouldn’t go as far as saying that, she isn’t prone to large dips in her game. Regardless of how quickly she starts, she should be steady enough to take down Pliskova relatively easily.
Prediction: Rybakina in 2
Glenys:
The Kazakh leads the head to head 3-0 to date. Rybakina also won the title in Brisbane leading into the Australian Open, although lost early the following week. Pliskova hasn’t had as much luck coming into the event. Losing in the second round in Brisbane and the first round last week.
Prediction: Rybakina in 2
Jordan:
It was a surprise to see Rybakina play in Adelaide straight after claiming the Brisbane title, and it may have been a blessing in disguise that Ekaterina Alexandrova beat her in the quarterfinal to give her some recovery time for the Australian Open. Pliskova’s playing style is similar to Rybakina’s, but the two-time Grand Slam finalist is past her prime. Last year’s runner-up is likely to create enough chances on the Pliskova serve to win.
Prediction: Rybakina in 2
Main Photo Credit: Susan Mullane-USA TODAY Sports
