We wrap up the second round of the Australian Open on Day 4, with both Williams sisters in action. The women’s draw is starting to open up, with upsets and surprises coming quickly. Will we see more of the same on Day 4? Our writers are here to predict it for you. Predicting today are myself (Yesh Ginsburg), editor Steen Kirby, and writers Jack Rossiter-Munley and Ryan Schick.
Australian Open Day 4 Women’s Predictions
Simona Halep vs Sofia Kenin
Jack:
Simona Halep was less than convincing in her first round win; her victory was more mental than a triumph of superior shot making. American Sofia Kenin has neither the courtcraft nor the mental fortitude to withstand Halep, even if the Romanian plays below her ability again. Halep, who complained of feeling tired in her post-match press conference, will also likely be better rested and more fully adjusted to the rhythm of the Open.
Prediction: Halep in 2
Steen:
This match is winnable for Kenin but Halep is the better player and should scrape through in the end.
Prediction: Halep in 3
Ryan:
After a shaky first round, Halep should get her feet back under her and build on her finalist performance from last year. Kenin should hold her own on the large stage, but the better player will win easily.
Prediction: Halep in 2
Yesh:
Kenin has been playing some of the best tennis of her career recently. Halep, meanwhile, looked lost and out of form in barely getting by Kaia Kanepi last round. Halep should win, but it will also likely be far from routine.
Prediction: Halep in 3
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Alize Cornet vs Venus Williams
Jack:
Venus Williams may be close to 40 years old, but as recently as 2017 she was in the top 10 and reached multiple Grand Slam finals. Her 2019 campaign so far has looked like a return to form after a slump in 2018. Cornet can be a tricky opponent, but Williams’ potent serve and hard-hitting baseline play are undeniable.
Prediction: Venus in 2
Steen:
Alize Cornet played well enough in Hobart to suggest she’ll challenge Venus, who struggled in her last match at times. I’ll back the veteran American to find a way to win though.
Prediction: Venus in 2
Ryan:
Venus barely got through the first round, while Cornet breezed through her match. However, this match will be different for both players. Venus still has a powerful game that will be too much for Cornet to defend against.
Prediction: Venus in 3
Yesh:
Venus had an off year in 2018, but there’s nothing to suggest that she still can’t compete. She’s one of the best in the world–still–and should be able to get by Cornet as long as her game is on.
Prediction: Venus in 3
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Johanna Konta vs Garbine Muguruza
Jack:
This match has the makings of a classic. Konta and Muguruza are both capable of breathtaking tennis and both are somewhat inconsistent. If both play at their top level a thrilling contest should result. Unfortunately given their recent form this match could be the story of which player makes fewer mistakes. Muguruza has been the more successful overall and, when both play their best, she is the slightly better overall.
Prediction: Muguruza in 3
Steen:
This will be tough for Konta who barely won her opening round match. Muguruza should cruise.
Prediction: Muguruza in 2
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Ryan:
An intriguing second round matchup of two talented players. Muguruza has triumphed on the top stages, but has historically struggled on hard courts. Konta had a tough first round but will come out strong and get a quality win to get her season started strongly.
Prediction: Konta in 3
Yesh:
This is a matchup of two players who were in the Top 10 very recently. Each has fallen on hard times, though the talent is still there. This will come down to whoever holds their nerve best. I’ll take Konta to pull the upset at the end of the day. Her level is lower right now, but she’s more consistent.
Prediction: Konta in 3
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Bianca Andreescu vs Anastasija Sevastova
Jack:
Bianca Andreescu has played a lot of tennis. First a run to the finals in Auckland and then a tough fight through qualifying. Her hard-hitting style and willingness to go for her shots has gotten her wins against Venus Williams, Hsieh Su-wei, and Julia Gorges. Sevastova may be in fine form, but the Canadian is well placed to pull off a stunning upset.
Prediction: Adreescu in 3
Steen:
Andreescu is a great story but Sevastova should end her run and play to her ranking here.
Prediction: Sevastova in 2
Ryan:
Another great second round matchup that could go either way. Both players have a chance to win but Andreescu has the stronger game overall and will pull out a close one.
Prediction: Andreescu in 3
Yesh:
Sevastova is the better player here, and overall in better form. But Andreescu is riding a huge wave of momentum here. This month has been her arrival on the world stage. She’s not going to let something like playing a better player stop her here. Andreescu will fight to the very end, and eventually Sevastova will crack.
Prediction: Andreescu in 3
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Serena Williams vs Eugenie Bouchard
Jack:
Serena Williams is on a mission. She looked sharp at the Hopman Cup and has continued to be an imposing force. Bouchard has demonstrated flashes of her 2014 level, but even that will not be enough to blunt the force of nature that is Williams. Superior serve, better forehand, more assured movement: Williams has answers for everything Bouchard could come up with.
Prediction: Serena in 2
Steen:
Two big names but Serena should waltz past the pedestrian Bouchard.
Prediction: Serena in 2
Ryan:
Genie Bouchard is finally trending upward toward the talented player who reached the Wimbledon final a few years back. She is not yet back at the top though, and Serena has showed no signs of slowing down. Serena will have total control over this match which provides a good matchup for her game.
Prediction: Serena in 2
Yesh:
Serena looked absolutely unbeatable in her opening match against Tatjana Maria, but Bouchard also looked very strong in her opening win. Bouchard has always had the game and the matchup to challenge Serena. The Canadian seems to only bring her absolute best in the biggest situation. Well, she’s in one of her biggest situations in years. I think she’ll catch Serena off guard, and just barely pull off the huge upset.
Prediction: Bouchard in 3
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