The first round of women’s action continues on Day 2 of the Australian Open, with 28 matchups in store. As always, we here at LastWordOnTennis share our thoughts on the matches with you. We split the matches between this and six other articles. The others feature Naomi Osaka vs Caroline Garcia, Elina Svitolina vs Taylah Preston, Ons Jabeur vs Yulia Starodubtsewa, Beatriz Haddad Maia vs Linda Fruhvirtova, Paula Badosa vs Taylor Townsend, and Coco Gauff vs Anna Karolina Schmiedlova. Predicting these matches are Andreas Pelekis, Jordan Reynolds, and Shane Black. Who do you think will win?
Australian Open Day 2 Women’s Predictions
Ekaterina Alexandrova vs Laura Siegemund
Andreas:
Alexandrova claimed her 12th win over a Top 10 opponent in Adelaide, stunning Elena Rybakina 6-3 6-3. She’ll have to control her offensive game against Siegemund, who plays a crafty style of tennis and can force unforced errors. With all of the pressure on Alexandrova’s side of the court, it could be a closer match than many expect.
Prediction: Alexandrova in 3
Jordan:
The big serving Alexandrova rescued the semifinal in Adelaide before the Australian Open. This is also her best Grand Slam, having made the fourth round three times. I also think this is a good matchup for her. Alexandrova struggles most against players who make her move, but Siegemund likes to move forward and keep points short. That suits Alexandrova.
Prediction: Alexandrova in 2
Shane:
Alexandova reached the semis last week in Adelaide. She is playing with confidence, and should be able to hit through the veteran German.
Prediction: Alexandrova in 2
Nadia Podoroska vs Tamara Zidansek
Andreas:
Neither player has been playing great as of late, making this a good opportunity for one of these competitors to get back on track in 2024. Podoroska had to retire against Maria in Hobart, but she ended 2023 in better form, notably reaching the semifinals of the WTA 250 event in Ningbo. This could go either way, but giving the edge to the Argentinian.
Prediction: Podorosoka in 3
Jordan:
Both women will identify this as a great chance to win a Grand Slam match. Each are clay court specialists. Podoroska is the higher ranked player, but I am giving Zidansek the edge here. She reached the third round in Melbourne a few years ago despite her preference for clay, and Podoroska has not looked convincing in her matches so far this season.
Prediction: Zidansek in 3
Shane:
Podoroska prefers the clay, but has started to play better hardcourt tennis as she moves up the rankings. Zidansek has won just one match since September. Give me the Argentine in this one.
Prediction: Podorosoka in 2
Aliaksandra Sasnovich vs Rebeka Masarova
Andreas:
Sasnovich won the pair’s only meeting on hard courts, which took place in Dubai last year. Both players lost their sole match of 2024, but Masarova ever-so-slightly looks to be at a higher level. This is notably Masarova’s first main draw appearance in Melbourne, and she’ll be hungry for a first win at this tournament.
Prediction: Masarova in 3
Jordan:
This is likely to be a tight match. Sasnovich has more Grand Slam experience, but she is not the player she once was. This could go either way, but I will back Masarova to get a maiden main draw win in Melbourne.
Prediction: Masarova in 3
Shane:
This one is a toss-up, but I give a slight edge to Sasnovich. The Bulgarian has more Slam experience and is a better hardcourt player than Masarova.
Prediction: Sasnovich in 3
Donna Vekic vs Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova
Andreas:
This should be a fun match of offensive hitting, but it also will be full of nerves and pressure. Vekic is defending quarterfinalist points at this tournament and needs to do well to salvage her spot in the Top 30. Pavlyuchenkova is also looking great in 2024, as she nearly took out World No. 4 Jessica Pegula in Adelaide. This match should come down to who can take advantage of break points, and I’m picking the upset in this one.
Prediction: Pavlyuchenkova in 3
Jordan:
Vekić was a quarterfinalist last year and it set up a strong first half to the season for the Croat. She did fall away towards the end of the year and she is looking to recapture that form. Pavlyuchenkova played well in Adelaide heading into this, and it is good to see her back at a strong level. But I think Vekic will prevail in conditions that suit her game.
Prediction: Vekic in 2
Shane:
Vekic ended her 2023 season with a 3-9 record in her last 12 matches, but started off 2024 with two wins at the United Cup. Pavlyuchenkova provides an intriguing challenge. Vekic must force Pavlyuchenkova to play as many balls as possible in this one.
Prediction: Vekic in 3
Main Photo Credit: David Kirouac-USA TODAY Sports
