The second round of women’s singles starts on Wednesday in Melbourne, Day 4 at the Australian Open. We get 16 matches as players try to move on to the third round. As always, we at LastWordOnTennis share our thoughts on all 16 matches with you. We split the matches between four articles–the other three feature Caroline Wozniacki vs Maria Timofeeva, Aryna Sabalenka vs Brenda Fruhvirtova, and Coco Gauff vs Caroline Dolehide. Predicting these matches are Jack Edward, Damian Kust, and Jordan Reynolds.
Australian Open Day 4 Women’s Predictions
Barbora Krejcikova vs Tamara Korpatsch
Jack:
It’s been an odd spell for Krejcikova. Her game is still technically one of the soundest on the tour but her recent results haven’t reflected that. Overall, I think she’s too good for Korpatsch but she’ll likely give the German some opportunities to have things her way.
Prediction: Krejcikova in 3
Damian:
Korpatsch has a lot of momentum carried over from last year, especially when she claimed that maiden WTA Tour title in Cluj. This would be a big step up for her and even though Krejcikova was in a bit of trouble against Hontama in the opening round, that was just the Czech’s second match of the season and she should only be getting better from here.
Prediction: Krejcikova in 2
Jordan:
Both women came from a set behind in their opening round matches. Korpatsch is a player who makes a lot of balls and is consistent, but Krejcikova has a style well suited to dealing with that. The 2021 French Open champion possesses great variety, and can seek to unlock Korpatsch’s defences from the baseline or at the net. I think the Czech will prevail in straight sets.
Prediction: Krejcikova in 2
Lesia Tsurenko vs Rebeka Masarova
Jack:
You can count on Lesia Tsurenko to put in a measured performance every time she steps on court. It’s been a long time since Tsurenko played a terrible match–Masarova’s more passive game style won’t do much to bother the rock solid foundations of Tsurenko’s game.
Prediction: Tsurenko in 2
Damian:
This looks pretty open with Tsurenko producing that stellar season of breaking serve over 50% of the time last year, while Masarova had a career-best year and reminded us of how good she was in the junior days. The Ukrainian is the more reliable player, but her ability to compete with Masarova might be limited if the opponent finds her peak stuff.
Prediction: Masarova in 3
Jordan:
Tsurenko won a real battle with Lucia Bronzetti, while Masarova did well to beat Aliaksandra Sasnovich in straight sets. Tsurenko is playing some of the best tennis of her long career. This could be tight, but my instinct is the Ukrainian will hit her way to victory again in the second round.
Prediction: Tsurenko in 3
Leylah Fernandez vs Alycia Parks
Jack:
It’ll probably be close given Parks’ ability to light up for periods of the match. From the back of the court, however, I expect Fernandez to consistently do a lot of damage against Parks’ slightly slower movement.
Prediction: Fernandez in 3
Damian:
Fernandez has been one of the most in-form players of the last few months, which makes this draw somewhat unfortunate for both. You never really want to play Parks, although after claiming that WTA 250 title last year she’s mostly been an unforced error machine. She’s got the level to compete with the Canadian, likely not the consistency.
Prediction: Fernandez in 2
Jordan:
Fernandez started slowly against Sara Bejlek, but got much better after winning the opening set on a tiebreak. In the second set, we saw the aggressive tennis that brought her a lot of success towards the end of last season. Parks will try to play an attacking style as well, but I see the Canadian triumphing. She can hit winners adequately and also dig in when she needs to against the American.
Prediction: Fernandez in 2
Ons Jabeur vs Mirra Andreeva
Jack:
Jabeur has the disruptive powers to defeat many big hitters on the tour. Against Andreeva, however, things will be much tougher. The Russian is quickly becoming recognised as one of the most versatile defenders in the game. What a chance to make a breakthrough at the majors for Andreeva.
Prediction: Andreeva in 2
Damian:
This feels huge and we still don’t know all that much about Jabeur’s form after one match against Starodubtseva. Andreeva is a realistic dark horse contender though and will be hoping to get a win here despite the rankings gap. It seems very close on paper, so I’ll take the player we know is in good shape at the moment and has insane potential herself.
Prediction: Andreeva in 3
Jordan:
This could be a cracking contest. It is a real test of where Jabeur is. She has struggled a lot since losing the Wimbledon final, and beating a rising star like Andreeva can show she is now in the right place mentally again. This promises to be close, but I think Jabeur’s variety is something Andreeva will not have faced. That could make the difference.
Prediction: Jabeur in 3
Main Photo Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports
