The 2023 Australian Open begins with Day 1 of Main Draw play on Monday (Sunday evening in the United States). The day will see a whopping 32 women’s matches, and–as always–we here at LastWordOnTennis will share our thoughts on all of them for you. Who do you think will win? Predicting this set of matches are Yesh Ginsburg, Jakub Bobro, and Manuel Traquete. We split the rest of the day’s matches between seven other articles. They feature Iga Swiatek vs Jule Niemeier, Madison Keys vs Anna Blinkova, Jelena Ostapenko vs Dayana Yastremska, Victoria Azarenka vs Sofia Kenin, Elena Rybakina vs Elisabetta Cocciaretto, Coco Gauff vs Katerina Siniakova, and Amanda Anisimova vs Marta Kostyuk.
Australian Open Day 1 Women’s Predictions
Laura Pigossi vs Caty McNally
Yesh:
Caty McNally was drawn initially against Paula Badosa, who would have been a heavy favorite. The American lucked into receiving a much weaker opponent when Badosa withdrew. Expect McNally to be able to win.
Prediction: McNally in 2
Jakub:
Pigossi comes in as a lucky loser after Paula Badosa’s withdrawal. The Brazilian only defeated Magali Kempen in qualifying, getting a walkover from Misaki Doi and losing to Arianne Hartono. McNally finished last year strong with a title in Midland, though she has lost her only match of 2023 so far. The American is a superior hard court player and should take advantage is here.
Prediction: McNally in 2
Manuel:
Badosa’s misfortune is McNally’s fortune as she’s now suddenly a clear favorite to win a round here, although Pigossi certainly will have a word to say about that.
Prediction: McNally in 2
Cristina Bucsa vs Eva Lys
Yesh:
Lys is playing the best tennis of her career right now, but she’s never cracked the Top 100 or been a Tour-level player before. Winning a match at this stage would be a huge step up for her. Let’s see if she can make it.
Prediction: Lys in 3
Jakub:
Two qualifiers facing off who got some decent wins to get to the main draw, the Spaniard defeating Nao Hibino and the German beating Victoria Jimenez Kasintseva. Bucsa and Lys faced off twice last season on the ITF circuit, splitting those matches. Bucsa won their match on indoor hard so I will lean towards her here.
Prediction: Bucsa in 2
Manuel:
One of the, on paper, tightest first round matches. They split their two previous meetings and are very much similar level players. It will all come down to form on the day.
Prediction: Bucsa in 3
Rebecca Marino vs Lin Zhu
Yesh:
Zhu has been solid recently, but Marino is a better player with a game more suited to these courts.
Prediction: Marino in 2
Jakub:
Zhu made the quarterfinals in Auckland to start her year, getting wins over Madison Brengle and Venus Williams. Marino is 1-2 coming in, only beating Dalma Galfi. The two faced off twice last season, Marino winning the most recent match in Miami qualifying. On current form, I will go with Zhu, though.
Prediction: Zhu in 3
Manuel:
Another very tight first round encounter. The pair split their previous two encounters and are very similar level players. Perhaps a small advantage to Marino.
Prediction: Marino in 3
Emma Raducanu vs Tamara Korpatsch
Yesh:
It seems like every Raducanu match is on her racket. When she’s at her best, she’s all-but untouchable. When she’s not, she can lose to anyone. Which Raducanu should we expect in this match? At a Major, expect her best.
Prediction: Raducanu in 2
Jakub:
Raducanu won her season opener against Linda Fruhvirtova but had to retire from her second match. The Brit now faces a race against time to get fit but will be happy to play Korpatsch, who is winless this year with losses to Kristina Kucova and Storm Hunter.
Prediction: Raducanu in 3
Manuel:
Raducanu is yet to back up her 2021 US Open title run and she’ll have another opportunity here. Her recent form is far from inspiring but she should still be able to prevail here.
Prediction: Raducanu in 3
Main Photo from Getty.
