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 Amanda Anisimova vs Emma Raducanu, 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
Beatriz Haddad Maia vs Erika Andreeva
Jordan:
Andreeva is improving quickly and likes facing opponents who allow her time on her groundstrokes. Haddad Maia has experience on her side, but this might prove a challenging matchup. An upset could be on the cards in this one.
Prediction: Andreeva in 3
Steen:
The Brazilian Haddad Maia won the most WTA level matches of her career last year; the 20-year-old Andreeva is looking for her best result in a slam, this match is a bit of a coin flip, and Andreeva has a bright future, but Haddad Maia’s moment is now.
Prediction: Haddad Maia in 3
Ilemona:
Beatriz Haddad Maia faces Erika Andreeva in the second round after a hard-fought comeback win over Julia Riera. Andreeva impressed with a straight-sets victory against Saisai Zheng. Haddad Maia’s experience gives her the edge, but Andreeva could make it competitive.
Prediction: Haddad Maia in 2
Jasmine Paolini vs Renata Zarazua
Jordan:
Paolini started impressively in the first-round. Zarazua is very unlikely to cause her any issues. No part of the Mexican’s game is better than Paolini’s.
Prediction: Paolini in 2
Steen:
Zarazua has never quite been able to make that leap to the WTA level. Paolini had 42 Tour-level wins last year and is a Top 5 player; anything is possible, but Paolini is in the drivers seat.
Prediction: Paolini in 3
Ilemona:
Jasmine Paolini, coming off a dominant win over Wei Sijia, faces Renata Zarazua, who rallied past Taylor Townsend for her first main-draw win in Melbourne. Paolini’s form and higher ranking give her the edge, but Zarazua’s resilience could make it competitive.
Prediction: Paolini in 2
Jaqueline Cristian vs Lucia Bronzetti
Jordan:
These two have similar styles of trying to bring their forehands into play whenever possible although Cristian relies more heavily on that style. I like Cristian’s chances in conditions that encourage her to step forward and be aggressive. It could be a close battle, though.
Prediction: Cristian in 3
Steen:
Bronzetti comes off an upset of Azarenka in Round 1 and now gets a very winnable match against Cristian in Round 2. Cristian had 20 Tour level wins last year and is at a career best, but Bronzetti has a bit of an edge.
Prediction: Bronzetti in 3
Ilemona:
Bronzetti’s solid first-round win and heavier groundstrokes could overpower Cristian’s defensive style. Bronzetti should win in straight sets.
Prediction: Bronzetti in 2
Danielle Collins vs Destanee Aiava
Jordan:
Aiava’s recovery from 2-5 down in the second set and 3-5 in the third against Greet Minnen was extraordinary viewing. The home favorite has nothing to lose in this matchup against the 2022 runner-up. Overall, Collins’ game is a lot more imposing than Minnen’s and she will likely overwhelm Aiava.
Prediction: Collins in 2
Steen:
The home qualifier Aiava is looking to prevail in an upset over Collins and take the leap beyond the ITF circuit. Collins is a former finalist at this tournament who had one of the best years of her career last year. Collins should be able to secure victory.
Prediction: Collins in 2
Ilemona:
Collins’ power game and fighting spirit from the first round make her the favorite, but Aiava’s athleticism could stretch the match. Collins should prevail in straight sets.
Prediction: Collins in 2
Main Photo Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
