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 defending champion Madison Keys vs Oleksandra Oliynykova, Naomi Osaka vs Antonia Ruzic, Liudmila Samsonova vs Laura Siegemund, and Belinda Bencic vs Katie Boulter. 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
Karolina Pliskova vs Sloane Stephens
Jordan:
This matchup caused much excitement among long-time WTA fans when the draw was made. Former Grand Slam finalists Pliskova and Stephens have barely played in the past 12 months because of injury issues, but are back to face each other. Stephens’s three qualifying wins might prove pivotal here, and her athletic style is also one Pliskova often struggles against.
Prediction: Stephens in 2
Nurein:
Pliskova and Stephens are well past their prime, but this matchup has always favored the American. Stephens has won six of their seven meetings and she enjoyed a very successful qualifying run.
Prediction: Stephens in 2
Ilemona:
Stephens’ athleticism allows her to defend well, though consistency remains the question. Pliskova’s serve placement and ability to control patterns off the first shot give her the clearer pathway.
Prediction: Pliskova in 2
Ashlyn Krueger vs Sara Bejlek
Jordan:
I like Krueger’s chances in this one. Bejlek struggles most against players who strike powerfully and do not give her time. Hard hitting is exactly what the American bases her game on.
Prediction: Krueger in 2
Nurein:
Both women will be chasing a first main draw win at the Australian Open. Krueger is the likelier to get even the past year was extremely tough for progress on tour. Krueger’s serve is more effective and she can be unbreakable when she finds rhythm
Prediction: Krueger in 2
Ilemona:
Bejlek’s variety is intriguing, but Krueger’s flatter hitting penetrates the court more effectively. If she keeps errors in check, she controls most neutral rallies.
Prediction: Krueger in 3
Anna Kalinskaya vs Sonay Kartal
Jordan:
Kalinskaya cannot afford any complacency here. Kartal’s defensive skills and ability to change the pace has the potential to disrupt her powerful baseline game. I still expect the former quarterfinalist in Melbourne to prevail, but not without a fight.
Prediction: Kalinskaya in 3
Nurein:
This is a tough opening match for Kalinskaya. Kartal is rapidly improving and is no longer intimidated by this type of stage. She showed that at last year’s Wimbledon, where she took control of her nerves. That said, Kalinskaya can weather through the storm if she needs to, and absorb Kartal’s powerful forehand shots. This could turn into a three setter with Kalinskaya edging it.
Prediction: Kalinskaya in 3
Ilemona:
Kartal’s confidence is growing, yet Kalinskaya’s balance between defense and aggression makes her difficult to rush. Her ability to change direction off both wings should prove key.
Prediction: Kalinskaya in 3
Elena Rybakina vs Kaja Juvan
Jordan:
This should be an ideal opening match for Rybakina. Juvan is a good competitor, but does not possess any weapons. The WTA Finals champion can ease into the tournament in this contest.
Prediction: Rybakina in 2
Nurein:
Juvan is more comfortable on clay where she can track balls and neutralize pace. On a hard court, Rybakina is at her formidable best and the Kazakh should hammer sufficient first serves to make this a good day at the office.
Prediction: Rybakina in 2
Ilemona:
Juvan’s resilience keeps her competitive, but hard courts magnify serve and first-ball dominance. Rybakina’s clean ball-striking should shorten points and prevent any sustained momentum shifts.
Prediction: Rybakina in 2
Main Photo Credit: Susan Mullane-USA TODAY Sports
