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, 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
Qinwen Zheng vs Laura Siegemund
Liam:
Her slow serving style can infuriate opponents, and Siegemund will be hoping she gets under Zheng’s skin. Truthfully, that is the only chance she has. Last year’s finalist was one of the inform players last season and her monstrous ground-strokes will prove too hot to handle.
Prediction: Zheng in 2
Jordan:
Siegemund will hope to replicate Elina Avanesyan, who beat Zheng at last year’s French Open by making the rallies very long and frustrating the Chinese player. Doing that against the 2024 runner-up at the Australian Open is a tougher ask. Zheng will expect to win comfortably.
Prediction: Zheng in 2
Ilemona:
Zheng, the 5th seed, edged past qualifier Anca Todoni in a challenging first-round match. Siegemund will need to capitalize on any opportunities, but Zheng’s resilience makes her the favorite.
Prediction: Zheng in 2
Leylah Fernandez vs Cristina Bucsa
Liam:
It’s not really happened for Fernandez as of late; she is clearly one of the most talented players on tour, but her lack of physical attributes will continue to hold her back. Busca looked excellent against Paquet and will cause a minor upset to add to Fernandez’s frustrations.
Prediction: Bucsa in 3
Jordan:
Despite Fernandez’s impressive athleticism, she is almost certain to be the aggressor in this matchup. Bucsa hits the ball very flat but without much power. The Canadian needs to back her ability to step in and be aggressive to put the Spaniard under consistent pressure.
Prediction: Fernandez in 3
Ilemona:
Leylah Fernandez, seeded 30th, enters her match against Cristina Bucșa after a strong first-round win. Fernandez leads their head-to-head 1-0 and is favored to advance, though Bucșa could provide resistance.
Prediction: Fernandez in 2
Jule Niemeier vs Martha Kostyuk
Liam:
Expect a tight battle between two consistent ball-machines. Niemeir raised some eyebrows as she lost just one game in her first-round victory, meanwhile, Kostyuk has been steadily inclining as of late. At just twenty-two, she has an excellent career ahead of her. This was almost too tight to call, but the Ukranian gets the edge.
Prediction: Kostyuk in 3
Jordan:
Niemeier only lost one game in her opening round match. Unfortunately for her, that is unlikely to be of any assistance in this matchup. Kostyuk is a better all-round player, who is capable of attacking and defending impressively to counter the German.
Prediction: Kostyuk in 2
Ilemona:
Marta Kostyuk, seeded 17th, showed resilience in her first-round win, while Jule Niemeier delivered a dominant performance, dropping just one game. Kostyuk’s experience gives her a slight edge, but Niemeier’s form suggests a competitive match, likely going three sets.
Prediction: Niemeier in 3
Aryna Sabalenka vs Jessica Bouzas Maneiro
Liam:
Sabalenka wasn’t even at her best against Sloane Stephens, yet still won 6-3 6-2. Let that sink in. Bouzas Maneiro impressed against Kartal, but this will be a mismatch in skill, power and technical ability. An easy win is likely.
Prediction: Sabalenka in 2
Jordan:
Bouzas Maneiro’s improvements in the last 12 months will not make any difference here. Sabalenka is one of a handful of players she has no chance of challenging in Melbourne. The two-time defending champion should cruise to victory.
Prediction: Sabalenka in 2
Ilemona:
Sabalenka, the top seed and two-time defending champion, began her campaign with a commanding win over Sloane Stephens. Bouzas Maneiro will face a daunting task against Sabalenka’s power and form.
Prediction: Sabalenka in 2
Main Photo Credit: Robert Deutsch-Imagn Images
