We wrap up the second round of the Australian Open on Day 5 of the competition, with 16 women’s singles matches on tap Thursday. As always, we here at LWOT share our thoughts on every match. We split the 16 matches between four articles, with the other three featuring Danielle Collins vs Destanee Aiava, Elena Rybakina vs Iva Jovic, and Iga Swiatek vs Rebecca Sramkova. Predicting these matches are Jordan Reynolds, Steen Kirby, and Ilemona Onekutu. Who do you think will advance?
Australian Open Day 5 Women’s Predictions
Elina Svitolina vs Caroline Dolehide
Jordan:
Both women will try and control the rallies with their forehands. That is particularly important for Dolehide, who does not possess Svitolina’s defensive skills. The more experienced Svitolina’s superior ability to retrieve balls might prove the difference.
Prediction: Svitolina in 2
Steen:
Svitolina last played at the US Open but started Round 1 well. Dolehide had a personal record 17 Tour-level wins last year but at age 26 is a relative journeywoman. Svitolina looks set to reach the third round.
Prediction: Svitolina in 2
Ilemona:
Svitolina’s experience and counterpunching game make her the favorite, especially after a solid first-round showing. Dolehide’s aggressive net play could trouble Svitolina, but the Ukrainian’s defensive skills should give her the edge in straight sets.
Prediction: Svitolina in 2
Emma Navarro vs Xiyu Wang
Jordan:
Navarro’s thrilling victory against Peyton Stearns may have been the best women’s first round match. Last year’s US Open semifinalist fought through despite an excellent performance from Stearns. Wang is a clean ball-striker, but I am not sure she will play as well as Stearns did.
Prediction: Navarro in 2
Steen:
46-22 last season, Navarro has dreams of reaching a Grand Slam final. Wang, who is the same age, has yet to achieve similar results. Navarro should prevail.
Prediction: Navarro in 2
Ilemona:
Navarro’s versatile baseline game was on full display in her opener, while Wang’s solid form relied on consistent hitting. Navarro’s all-court coverage and tactical variety make her the slight favorite in what could be a tight match.
Prediction: Navarro in 2
Shuai Zhang vs Yulia Putintseva
Jordan:
Zhang managed an outstanding victory against last week’s Hobart International champion, McCartney Kessler. But Putintseva’s grit, athleticism, and variety is a very different challenge. The Kazakhstani should have too much for Zhang.
Prediction: Putintseva in 2
Steen:
It’s been a great run for Putintseva lately. Now age 30, she’s never reached a Slam semifinal but would hope to pull that off here. Zhang is back playing tennis at a high level, but odds are long of an upset here.
Prediction: Putintseva in 2
Ilemona:
Zhang’s clean hitting was too much for Kessler in the first round but Putinsteva’s ability to mix pace could disrupt Zhang’s rhythm and allow her control the match better than Kessler managed.
Prediction: Putintseva in 2
Amanda Anisimova vs Emma Raducanu
Jordan:
Raducanu did well to fight through two tight sets against the seeded Ekaterina Alexandrova. However, she will likely need an even better performance here. Anisimova has started the season well and her powerful style is very difficult to stop when it clicks. The American is narrowly favored to triumph.
Prediction: Anisimova in 2
Steen:
The former Grand Slam champion Raducanu actually had her best year on tour last year and is back in the conversation as a player to watch rather than a one tournament wonder. Anisimova is a solid tour level player who is well rounded, Raducanu needs to win a match like this, but I’m not sure she does.
Prediction: Anisimova in 3
Ilemona:
Both players impressed in the first round, with Anisimova showing her trademark power and Raducanu displaying improved consistency. Raducanu’s defensive skills could frustrate Anisimova, but if Anisimova controls her unforced errors, she has the firepower to win in a close contest.
Prediction: Anisimova in 3
Main Photo Credit: Susan Mullane-USA TODAY Sports
