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 Mirra Andreeva vs Moyuka Uchijima, Aryna Sabalenka vs Jessica Bouzas Maneiro, and Jessica Pegula vs Elise Mertens. Predicting these matches are Liam McBride, Jordan Reynolds, and Ilemona Onekutu.
Australian Open Day 4 Women’s Predictions
Magdalena Frech vs Anna Blinkova
Liam:
Two experienced professionals who have been around the block face each other. French defeated Kudermetova 6-4 6-4, which is mighty impressive, and she will be looking to do the same to the fellow Russian. Yet, in five clashes against her, she has only won once, and you just sense history may repeat itself.
Prediction: Blinkova in 3
Jordan:
Expect many gruelling rallies in this match. Blinkova is the more naturally aggressive of the two players. Frech played well in Melbourne last year and I like the chances of her defense wearing Blinkova down.
Prediction: Frech in 3
Ilemona:
Blinkova overcame Daria Saville in a three-set battle. Fręch, the 23rd seed, will need to be consistent to counter Blinkova’s resilience.
Prediction: Blinkova in 3
Tatjana Maria vs Clara Tauson
Liam:
Tauson has really impressed this season so far, lifting the title in Auckland all be it with a slight asterisk beside it. Up against Maria this confidence and momentum will prove too much, as she continues her perfect first-round record in Melbourne.
Prediction: Tauson in 3
Jordan:
Tauson’s recent form is much better than the veteran Maria’s. However, her game is not well-suited to handling the German’s variety. That means this match could be a lot closer than many expect. Tauson cannot afford any complacency.
Prediction: Tauson in 3
Ilemona:
Maria secured a straight-sets victory over Bernarda Pera. Tauson will need to bring her A-game to challenge Maria’s experience and tactical play.
Prediction: Tauson in 3
Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova vs Anastasia Potapova
Liam:
Potapova has never really hit the heights that many expected of her after excellent junior success and an incredible start on the senior tour. Having said that, she has still made a solid career of relative consistency at Slams and is just 23 years old with more time to grow. She will continue that, up against a drained Pavlyuchenkova after a thrilling three-sets win against Yuan.
Prediction: Potapova in 3
Jordan:
This matchup is a double-edged sword for Pavlyuchenkova. Potapova is capable of extending the rallies and making her run, but she will also give the former French Open runner-up time to wind up her powerful groundstrokes. Overall, I slightly favor Potapova’s defense to prevail.
Prediction: Potapova in 3
Ilemona:
Pavlyuchenkova brings experience to this encounter. Potapova will need to elevate her game to overcome Pavlyuchenkova’s consistency.
Prediction: Pavlyuchenkova in 3
Coco Gauff vs Jodie Burrage
Liam:
Gauff comes into the tournament as one of the favorites, and despite not being her best against Kenin, she won in straight sets with little fuss. Burrage has been able to punch above her weight before, but rarely on the Grand Slam stage. This could be over very quickly.
Prediction: Gauff in 2
Jordan:
Gauff beat former Australian Open champion Sofia Kenin pretty easily in the opening round without being near her best. That is ominous for the rest of the draw. Burrage has nothing to do lose but is unlikely to seriously challenge Gauff.
Prediction: Gauff in 2
Ilemona:
Gauff, the 3rd seed, defeated Sofia Kenin in the first round, demonstrating her strong form. Burrage, who secured her first Grand Slam win since 2023, will face a formidable challenge against Gauff’s athleticism and skill.
Prediction: Gauff in 2
Main Photo Credit: Mike Frey-USA TODAY Sports
