The final week before the first Slam of 2025 begins, and players will do everything they can to be prepared for the Australian Open. The draw is stacked at the WTA Adelaide International and there are great matches to watch from the first day onwards. As always, we here at LWOT will offer our predictions for every match on the slate for Day 1. But who will advance?
WTA Adelaide Day 1 Predictions
Xinyu Wang vs Emerson Jones
Head-to-Head: First meeting
Xinyu Wang is on a four-match losing streak at the tour level but did well to qualify for the main rounds here. Wang is playing in Adelaide for the first time and will hope for a winning start. 16-year-old Emerson Jones has received a wild card in this tournament and will play her first-ever tour-level match. This would be a big day for the Australian player and she should cherish every moment. However, getting the win would be a big task.
Prediction: Wang in 3
Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova vs Marketa Vondrousova
Head-to-Head: Pavlyuchenkova 1-2 Vondrousova
Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova will play her first match since the US Open while Marketa Vondrousova is returning to the tour after Wimbledon. This is a big season for both the players as they are far away from their best rankings. Vondrousova dropped significantly in the rankings after losing in the first round of the Wimbledon as a defining champion. Both players have a good record at the Adelaide International and will look to get some match wins before the Australian Open. I have Pavlyuchenkova as the winner.
Prediction: Pavlyuchenkova in 3
Paula Badosa vs Peyton Stearns
Head-to-Head: Badosa 1-0 Stearns
Paula Badosa suffered a disappointing loss in Brisbane last week and will be eager to make a deep run this week. 2024 was a great comeback year for Badosa. Despite the injury struggles at times, she performed at a high level. More of that is expected from the Spaniard this season. Peyton Stearns survived a close second-round qualifying match against Maria Sakkari to move into the main draw. Stearns has a big upside and can cause trouble for Badosa but I can’t see her winning this.
Prediction: Badosa in 3
Main Photo Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
