Belinda Bencic takes on Lauren Davis to open her Australian Open campaign, while Sloane Stephens will square off with Yulia Putintseva. As ever, we here at LWOT are offering our predictions for every match on the slate, including Garbine Muguruza vs Margarita Gasparyan, Sofia Kenin vs Maddison Inglis, Ash Barty vs Danka Kovinic, Karolina Muchova vs Jelena Ostapenko, Karolina Pliskova vs Jasmine Paolini, Victoria Azarenka vs Jessica Pegula and Kristina Mladenovic vs Maria Sakkari. Our panel of Steen Kirby and Yesh Ginsburg predicts this late of day two matches:
Belinda Bencic vs Lauren Davis
Yesh: Belinda Bencic has had injury issues derail her career, and getting back to match fitness has been a long challenge. As long as this stays two sets she should win, but if Davis can force a third I’d be hesitant to pick the Swiss. Bencic in 2
Steen: Davis hasn’t had a winning record on tour since 2016, Bencic is seeking a return to the top 10. The Swiss should be favoured. Bencic in 2
Donna Vekic vs Yafan Wang
Yesh: Vekic is not yet as consistent as she’d like to be, but the talent is undeniable. I expect her to win matches, even though she disappoints more often than she’d like. Vekic in 3
Steen: Wang has shown flashes of form, Vekic is the favourite but this match feels like the classic upset. Wang in 3
Francesca Jones vs Shelby Rogers
Yesh: Francesca Jones is one of the most amazing stories of this Australian Open. I just don’t have the conscience to pick against her, honestly. Jones in 2
Steen: Rogers was solid in one of the warm up tournaments, Fran Jones is a great story coming through qualifying, but I expect Rogers to be too much. Rogers in 2
Yulia Putintseva vs Sloane Stephens
Yesh: Stephens is one of the most up-and-down players I’ve ever seen, but she’s unbeatable when she’s “up.” Still, Putintseva is exactly the type of player that can frustrate her and put the American off her best. Putintseva in 3
Steen: Putintseva has been posting some solid results in the last year, Stephens has been well off her best tennis. Though she’s clearly capable, she’s the underdog for a reason and I’ll back Poots. Putintseva in 2
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