We complete the first round of the Australian Open on Day 3, with 20 women’s matches on the schedule. As always, we here at LWOT will share our predictions for all of them with you. Will we see upsets? Close matches? Our writers share their thoughts. We split the 20 matches between five articles, with the rest of the articles featuring Elena Rybakina vs Emerson Jones, Madison Keys vs Ann Li, Jasmine Paolini vs Sijia Wei, and Emma Navarro vs Peyton Stearns. Predicting these matches are Jordan Reynolds, Manuel Traquete, and Ilemona Onekutu. Who do you think will advance?
Australian Open Day 3 Women’s Predictions
Amanda Anisimova vs Maria Lourdes Carle
Jordan:
Anisimova, if fully fit after she withdrew before the Hobart International quarterfinal, is a significant favorite. Carle will afford the American much time on her powerful groundstrokes. That should play right into her hands.
Prediction: Anisimova in 2
Manuel:
On clay, this could be a closer matchup, but on a hard court the far higher ranked Anisimova should have a very clear edge. She is one the strongest unseeded players in the draw and has been playing very well so far in 2024.
Prediction: Anisimova in 2
Ilemona:
Anisimova’s higher ceiling and experience at this level make her the clear favorite. Carle has potential but hasn’t competed consistently at this level to pose any significant threat to her first round opponent.
Prediction: Anisimova in 2
Yulia Putintseva vs Elina Avanesyan
Jordan:
This could be one of the lengthiest matches of the tournament. Both women build their games on athleticism and extending the rallies. Putintseva possesses more variety and is generally stronger on hard courts, making her the favorite to progress.
Prediction: Putintseva in 2
Manuel:
Putintseva is the higher ranked player and she played some very good tennis last week in Adelaide, only losing to Jessica Pegula. She also won the previous head-to-head matchup and should be able to do the same here.
Prediction: Putintseva in 2
Ilemona:
Avanesyan has been a breakout performer, especially on slower surfaces, she was a set away from making a second week appearance at this event last year and that should put Putinsteva on notice as she hasn’t hasn’t been past the third round in any of her previous appearances at this event. Avanesyan has the momentum to push for a win and I back her to do so.
Prediction: Avanesyan in 3
Erika Andreeva vs Saisai Zheng
Jordan:
This feels like a match between players going in opposite directions. Andreeva, despite often being overshadowed by younger sister Mirra, is improving quickly. By contrast, 30-year-old Zheng has mostly struggled since returning from a long hiatus and is unlikely to win this matchup.
Prediction: Andreeva in 2
Manuel:
At #688 Zheng is the lowest ranked player in the draw and should be quite outmatched here. Andreeva got an extremely kind draw here and should take full advantage of it.
Prediction: Andreeva in 2
Ilemona:
Saisai Zheng’s return from a lengthy injury hasn’t gone all that well as she has not managed to register back-to-back wins at any level since returning last year. She retired in her qualifying round match against Maria Sakarri in Adelaide with another injury scare, denting confidence she might be able to salvage things here.
Prediction: Andreeva in 2
Emma Raducanu vs Ekaterina Alexandrova
Jordan:
This is a good test of where Raducanu is at after she withdrew from the ASB Classic during the opening week of the season with an injury concern. The big-serving and seeded Alexandrova is a tough opponent, but Raducanu’s game at its best can overcome her. However, it is hard to be fully confident in the Briton after an inconsistent couple of years.
Prediction: Alexandrova in 3
Manuel:
It’s an extremely difficult match to call; while Alexandrova is far higher ranked, she had a tough end of 2024 and Raducanu is capable of much better tennis than her ranking suggests, as proved by the fact that she is a former Slam winner. It should be a very close contest, decided by small details.
Prediction: Raducanu in 3
Ilemona:
Raducanu has shown flashes of brilliance but remains inconsistent since her return from injury. Alexandrova’s power and current form give her the advantage, especially on faster courts.
Prediction: Alexandrova in 3
Main Photo Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
