The second round starts on Day 4 of the Australian Open, with 16 women’s singles matches on the schedule. That means that 16 women will continue on to Round 3 while 16 will be sent home. But who will it be? As always, our writers here at LWOT share their thoughts on all the matches. We split the 16 matches between four articles–the other three feature Aryna Sabalenka vs Jessica Bouzas Maneiro, Coco Gauff vs Jodie Burrage, and Jessica Pegula vs Elise Mertens. Predicting these matches are Liam McBride, Jordan Reynolds, and Ilemona Onekutu.
Australian Open Day 4 Women’s Predictions
Harriet Dart vs Donna Vekic
Liam:
After a difficult start to the season with three straight losses, Vekic returned to winning ways with a convincing win over Parry. Dart can be a tricky customer at times, her never-ending desire to dig in is admirable. However, her game lacks any real weapons, which will be her downfall.
Prediction: Vekic in 2
Jordan:
Dart was one the WTA players to triumph in a final set tiebreak on Monday. She has her work cut out against Olympic silver medalist Vekic, who impressed against Diane Parry in the opening round. Dart’s gritty style is unlikely to hold up against Vekic’s power.
Prediction: Vekic in 2
Ilemona:
Dart, entering the tournament as a lucky loser, secured a hard-fought victory against Jana Fett, saving two match points. Vekić, the 18th seed, displayed consistency in her first-round win over Diane Parry. Vekić’s experience and form suggest she has the edge.
Prediction: Vekic in 2
Belinda Bencic vs Suzan Lamens
Liam:
Bencic seems to be an expert at comebacks now: against Ostapenko she just seemed so assured. Her timing was excellent as she was by far the better player. Lamens had to fight for her first-round win and is overall a very pleasing player to watch technically. When similar styles clash–as is the case here–the better player usually comes out on top.
Prediction: Bencic in 2
Jordan:
Bencic’s victory against Jelena Ostapenko in one of her tournaments back since being on maternity leave was incredibly impressive. Her level from that match should be good enough against Lamens. The Swiss might be even better after getting another win under her belt since returning.
Prediction: Bencic in 2
Ilemona:
Bencic, utilizing her protected ranking, is making a return after a hiatus. Lamens will face a formidable challenge against the seasoned Swiss player.
Prediction: Bencic in 2
Olga Danilovic vs Liudmila Samsonova
Liam:
This is a fascinating one. Danilovic impressed in an all-left-handed battle against Rus. Yet, Samsonova has Grand Slam pedigree and has made the third round or better in her last four slams. This run will continue as she scores a victory.
Prediction: Samsonova in 3
Jordan:
Danilovic demonstrated her significant hard court improvements in the opening round. Samsonova, despite being inconsistent, still possesses a more potent game on the surface when it clicks. Her big serve might prove the difference.
Prediction: Samsonova in 3
Ilemona:
Samsonova, the 25th seed, is expected to leverage her powerful baseline game against Danilović. Danilović will need to produce exceptional tennis to counter Samsonova’s strengths.
Prediction: Samsonova in 2
Mirra Andreeva vs Moyuka Uchijima
Liam:
Andreeva looked much more mature already in her first-round victory over Marie Bouzkova. At times her racket was taken out of her hands, but she found a way to win. She will have more control of her second-round clash, winning efficiently.
Prediction: Andreeva in 2
Jordan:
Andreeva started very impressively against Marie Bouzkova. She might also be facing a fatigued opponent in the second round after Uchijima’s gruelling win in a deciding set tiebreak against Magda Linette. There is little chance of Uchijima grinding Andreeva down.
Prediction: Andreeva in 2
Ilemona:
Andreeva showcased a strong performance in her first-round match, defeating Marie Bouzková in straight sets. Uchijima will need to elevate her game significantly to challenge Andreeva’s momentum.
Prediction: Andreeva in 2
Main Photo Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports
