The first round will conclude on Day 3 of the Australian Open, which means we get 20 women’s singles matches. As always, we here at LastWordOnTennis will share our thoughts on all of the matches with you. We split the 20 matches between five articles. In addition to this article, the others feature Belinda Bencic vs Katie Boulter, Naomi Osaka vs Antonia Ruzic, Liudmila Samsonova vs Laura Siegemund, and Elena Rybakina vs Kaja Juvan. Predicting these matches are Jordan Reynolds, Nurein Ahmed, and Ilemona Onekutu. Who do you think will advance to Round 2?
Australian Open Day 3 Women’s Predictions
Jelena Ostapenko vs Rebecca Sramkova
Jordan:
As usual, this match will be on Ostapenko’s racket. The Latvian’s mostly poor form since winning April’s tournament in Stuttgart does not give reasons to be confident. Right now, I trust Sramkova’s level slightly more.
Prediction: Sramkova in 3
Nurein:
Ostapenko is in poor form and despite starting the year on a clean slate, nothing has changed. Maybe a Grand Slam can ignite that lost spark. But I’m not confident she can flip the switch instantly. If Sramkova stays clean on the bigger points, she can overwhelm the Latvian.
Prediction: Sramkova in 3
Ilemona:
Sramkova’s consistency can frustrate opponents, but it often invites pace from the other side. If Ostapenko finds her range early, her flat hitting should rush exchanges and take the racquet out of Sramkova’s hands.
Prediction: Ostapenko in 3
Shuai Zhang vs Taylah Preston
Jordan:
Home favorite Preston played well in Hobart leading into the Australian Open. Zhang, a veteran of women’s tennis, has shown she can still reach a decent level when her game clicks. Overall, I think Preston has the game to wear Zhang down, and the mentality to handle the pressure of her home Grand Slam.
Prediction: Preston in 3
Nurein:
These two played each other in the opening week of the season Preston came up short in three sets. But Preston carries some momentum into the tournament after her semifinal run in Hobart where she beat Emma Raducanu. And she will get a lift off from the home fans.
Prediction: Preston in 3
Ilemona:
Preston brings energy, but Zhang’s experience on big stages shows in how she manages momentum. Her ability to absorb pace and redirect it down the lines should steadily open the court.
Prediction: Zhang in 3
Lulu Sun vs Linda Fruhvirtova
Jordan:
Fruhvirtova has drifted off the radar somewhat after hopes were high for her. The Czech needs to be disciplined against Sun’s topspin forehand if she wants to win this. I do not think she will manage it.
Prediction: Sun in 2
Nurein:
Fruhvirtova made sure of her spot in the main draw by winning each qualifying match in three sets. Sun hasn’t played a single minute of competitive tennis in 2026, but if she is able to work out her crafty lefty angles, she will be tough to beat.
Prediction: Sun in 3
Ilemona:
Fruhvirtova’s timing is excellent, yet Sun’s heavier ball forces more defensive positions. Over longer rallies, that added depth should draw errors and create separation.
Prediction: Sun in 2
Madison Keys vs Oleksandra Oliynykova
Jordan:
This will be Oliynykova’s maiden Grand Slam main draw appearance. She has not played any matches this season heading into the contest, and plays her best tennis on clay. There is nothing to convince me the defending champion will be upset.
Prediction: Keys in 2
Nurein:
For those not familiar with Oliynykova, she’s a rising Ukrainian with solid lower-tier results, but almost no big-match experience at this level. And she won’t get the time and space to settle against the defending champion.
Prediction: Keys in 2
Ilemona:
Oliynykova’s movement can extend rallies, but hard courts reward first-strike tennis more than patience. Keys’ ability to dictate with serve and forehand should keep her in control before points get drawn out.
Prediction: Keys in 2
Main Photo Credit: Robert Deutsch-Imagn Images
