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, Ons Jabeur vs Mirra Andreeva, and Coco Gauff vs Caroline Dolehide. Predicting these matches are Jack Edward, Damian Kust, and Jordan Reynolds.
Australian Open Day 4 Women’s Predictions
Diane Parry vs Kamilla Rakhimova
Jack:
Parry did well to defeat Xin Yu Wang in the first round but she hasn’t got many other wins on hard courts against Top 100 players to add to that tally. With previous top level wins as proof, Rakhimova won’t be afraid to play aggressor in this match.
Prediction: Rakhimova in 3
Damian:
Parry is definitely the brightest young player with a one-handed backhand on the WTA, but we still haven’t seen her talent fully explode. The Australian Open conditions probably aren’t the best canvas for it to do so on, but playing Rakhimova in the second round must be considered an opportunity for the former junior World No. 1.
Prediction: Parry in 3
Jordan:
Parry managed a very impressive victory against Xinyu Wang in round one. Her forehand was firing, and she eventually blew her Chinese opponent away. The Frenchwoman is one of the most underrated talents on the WTA Tour, and I think her game will be enough to overcome Rakhimova, who is a strong player in her own right.
Prediction: Parry in 2
Kaja Juvan vs Anastasia Zakharova
Jack:
This is a great opportunity for both players to score an important win. I would expect Juvan to be the more likely of the two to rise to the occasion, however, given the Slovenian’s experience and power.
Prediction: Juvan in 3
Damian:
Juvan had many off-court issues along the way and while she doesn’t have the explosive ceiling of some other promising youngsters on the WTA, her best version is definitely a main tour player anyway. Expect her to prove that against Zakharova, who qualified in style but is a little inexperienced at this level.
Prediction: Juvan in 3
Jordan:
Both women got great victories in the opening round. Zakharova beat Yulia Putinsteva, while Juvan took out the seeded Anastasia Potapova in straight sets. It is not an easy one to call, but I will back Juvan. She impressed me so much against Potapova and has momentum.
Prediction: Juvan in 2
Elise Mertens vs Marta Kostyuk
Jack:
It’s easy to forget how well Mertens can play. The world #28 generally lives up to her ranking, beating players lower ranked than her and losing to those higher ranked than her. She also has a tendency to step up slightly for the Slams. Although Kostyuk looks tricky on paper, I’m expecting Mertens to step up her game.
Prediction: Mertens in 2
Damian:
Mertens lost the Hobart final to Emma Navarro recently and she’s often been able to take her good form in the Australian Open warm-ups to the main event as well. It’s just that Kostyuk has been delivering her best tennis on a more regular basis too and should have the higher upside at this stage of their careers. Should be a tight one.
Prediction: Kostyuk in 3
Jordan:
Expect plenty of long rallies in this one. Both players are good athletes, and can play consistently from the baseline. Mertens gets the edge because of her all-round game. The Belgian can trade from the baseline but also has variety that can throw off the Ukrainian.
Prediction: Mertens in 2
Aryna Sabalenka vs Brenda Fruhvirtova
Jack:
The defending champion rolled through her first match and she’ll likely roll through her second. Fruhvirtova doesn’t bring any weaponry into this match that will bother Sabalenka.
Prediction: Sabalenka in 2
Damian:
This looks a bit unwinnable for the 16-year-old. Brenda Fruhvirtova looks like a better main tour prospect than her sister with that smooth backhand and a more complete package, but she’s still got lots of improvement to do. For now, it seems like this will just be Sabalenka getting all her favorite patterns without the Czech pressuring her all that much.
Prediction: Sabalenka in 2
Jordan:
Fruhvirtova got a battling win against Ana Bogdan in the opening round. Yet, her level in that contest will likely see her get demolished by Sabalenka. The defending champion lost just one game in her opening match. She was ominously good, and will win comfortably here again.
Prediction: Sabalenka in 2
Main Photo Credit: Susan Mullane-USA TODAY Sports
