The Auckland Tennis 2025 Round of 16 promises thrilling matchups as some top-ranked players face off. Here are previews and predictions for the anticipated matches happening on Wednesday (January 1st).
WTA Auckland Day 3 Predictions
Rebecca Marino vs Bernarda Pera
Head-to-Head: First meeting
Rebecca Marino, ranked No. 102, enters the match with an impressive 58-24 record last season. Her year was marked by significant success, including titles at the WTA 125K event in Midland (U.S.A.) and ITF tournaments in Canada, Great Britain, and Mexico. Beyond her titles, Marino also reached the semifinals at ITF events in Mexico, the U.S.A., and Tampico while making quarterfinal appearances at ITF tournaments in Japan, Portugal, and the Abierto Zapopan.
On the other side of the net, Bernarda Pera ranked No. 71, brings a solid 37-24 season record into this encounter. While her schedule has been less packed than Marino’s, Pera has made her mark at higher-tier tournaments. She reached the final at the WTA 125K event in Gaiba, made the semifinals in Oeiras, and advanced to the Guangzhou and Hong Kong Open quarterfinals. Her results reflect her capability to compete at a higher level and deliver under pressure.
Prediction: Marino in 3
Sofia Kenin vs Clara Tauson
Head-to-Head: Kenin 1-1 Tauson
Sofia Kenin, currently ranked No. 23, had a commendable season with a 24-16 win-loss record. She reached the final of the Japan Open, showcasing her ability to perform on big stages. Additionally, she made it to the Hong Kong Open quarterfinals and reached the French Open‘s third round, underlining her consistency across different tournaments. Clara Tauson, ranked No. 50, played an extensive season, holding a 32-27 record. Despite not securing a title, she reached the WTA 125K Oeiras finals, and the Hong Kong 125 Open. She also had a strong run to the semifinals of the Canberra International, advanced to the fourth round of the French Open, and reached the Japan Women’s Open quarterfinals.
Prediction: Tauson in 3
Katie Volynets vs Ann Li
Head-to-Head: Volynets 1-0 Li
Katie Volynets, currently ranked No. 58, had a 46-26 record last season. She won the WTA 125K Makarska title and reached the semifinals of the Canberra International and WTA 125K Mumbai (India). She also reached the quarterfinals at the Thailand Open and WTA 125K Saint-Malo (France). Additionally, she played in the Round of 64 at the Miami Open, Italian Open, and Canadian Open.
Ann Li, ranked No. 96, had a season record of 42-27 and won the WTA 125K Valencia (Spain). She reached the finals at the Swedish Open, W60 Las Vegas (U.S.A.), and Merida Open Akron and played in the semifinals of ITF USA 13A, ITF Italy 10A, and W15 Valencia 38A. Li also reached the quarter-finals at ITF USA 15A and the Palermo Ladies Open.
Prediction: Volynets in 2
Naomi Osaka vs Julia Grabher
Head-to-Head: First meeting
World No. 57 Naomi Osaka enters this match with a poor 22-18 win-loss record last year. Her highlights included reaching the quarterfinals of the Qatar Open and S-Hertogenbosch, Netherlands, and the Round of 64 at the Madrid Open. She also reached the Round of 32 at the Brisbane International, Indian Wells Masters, and the Miami Open.
Julia Grabher, ranked No. 470, has enjoyed a strong season with a 21-16 win-loss record. Her campaign was headlined by winning the ITF Italy 27A title. Additionally, she reached the quarterfinals of several tournaments, including ITF Italy 20A, W35 Reus 044, ITF Italy 30A, W15 Champaign 53A, and W25 Tauranga 02A.
Prediction: Osaka in 3
Main Photo Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
