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 Aryna Sabalenka vs Brenda Fruhvirtova, 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
Amanda Anisimova vs Nadia Podoroska
Jack:
Anisimova is back with a bang, defeating Samsonova in straight sets. It’s a comeback performance that can’t be ignored. Podoroska is a completely different player that will likely bring out the uglier side of Anisimova’s game but the talent of the American should see her through nonetheless.
Prediction: Anisimova in 2
Damian:
It’s all about the health for Anisimova and when she beat Pavlyuchenkova in Auckland recently, she then took just one game against Bouzkova in a very short loss. Podoroska might be better on hard courts than most think, but the American has it in the bag if she can deliver anything remotely close to her talent level.
Prediction: Anisimova in 2
Jordan:
22-year-old and former French Open semifinalist Anisimova reminded the tennis world of her ability in round one. She took a break from tennis last year, but took out 13th seed Liudmila Samsonova in straight sets on her return to tennis. Podoroska only lost one game in round one, but that was against clay court specialist and lower ranked Tamara Zidansek. Podoroska also prefers clay, and I think Anisimova has her number here.
Prediction: Anisimova in 2
Laura Siegemund vs Storm Hunter
Jack:
Siegemund may have notched a huge win against Alexandrova in the first round but she’s bound to be feeling it physically. Backed by the home crowd and possessing incredibly aggressive returning powers, Storm Hunter has a fantastic opportunity to reach the first Slam third round of her career.
Prediction: Hunter in 3
Damian:
Two elite doubles specialists meeting in the singles round two here. Siegemund is the way more accomplished player on this side of the sport with Hunter usually being a bit passive with her lefty spins. The veteran German tends to be quite underrated with her focus being doubles but still having lots of amazing singles performances throughout the year.
Prediction: Siegemund in 3
Jordan:
Siegemund’s victory in a final set tiebreak against Ekaterina Alexandrova was one of the most thrilling first round contests. Hunter beat Sara Errani in straight sets, who is now far past her prime and that visibly showed against Hunter. The question is whether Siegemund can recover physically. I feel she will do that well enough to get another victory with her varied style.
Prediction: Siegemund in 2
Caroline Garcia vs Magadalena Frech
Jack:
Garcia is definitely a player that thrives on momentum. She can still be up and down but she’s already had her fair share of wins in 2024. Frech isn’t the kind of player that should bother her if she’s feeling confident.
Prediction: Garcia in 3
Damian:
You’re rarely going to see a bigger difference in firepower and while sometimes it gets a bit cliche, this is definitely on one player’s racket. Especially if she can keep serving like in the opening round against Naomi Osaka, Garcia should have a nice time attacking Frech here and not have that much pressure on herself at all.
Prediction: Garcia in 2
Jordan:
Garcia impressed against Osaka, and also dealt with the support the Japanese star received on Rod Laver Arena very well. Frech should not be ruled out. She got a thrilling victory against Daria Saville, overcoming her and a passionate home Australian crowd. I feel Garcia will progress but that Frech will win a set in the process.
Prediction: Garcia in 3
Caroline Wozniacki vs Maria Timofeeva
Jack:
I do believe Wozniacki isn’t far off her best tennis—it’ll just take a big result to prove it to the world. Timofeeva won’t stand between the former champion and another opportunity for a deep run at a Major.
Prediction: Wozniacki in 2
Damian:
Wozniacki has demonstrated already that she doesn’t need to be in amazing match rhythm to go deep at an event and perhaps she’s going to pull this off here again. Timofeeva is a fairly dangerous youngster but it’s been a little quiet about her since she won Budapest last year, so it’s not the worst draw in the world.
Prediction: Wozniacki in 2
Jordan:
It is hard to judge Wozniacki’s level after Magda Linette had to retire in the first round. But I am still backing her to progress here. Timofeeva beat Alizé Cornet, but in truth, the Frenchwoman did not make it difficult. Wozniacki is a tougher challenge, and one I do not think Timofeeva will overcome.
Prediction: Wozniacki in 2
Main Photo Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
