The first round will conclude on Day 3 of the Australian Open, which means we get 20 women’s singles matches. As always, we here at LastWordOnTennis will share our thoughts on all of the matches with you. We split the 20 matches between five articles. In addition to this article, the others feature defending champion Madison Keys vs Oleksandra Oliynykova, Naomi Osaka vs Antonia Ruzic, Liudmila Samsonova vs Laura Siegemund, and Elena Rybakina vs Kaja Juvan. Predicting these matches are Jordan Reynolds, Nurein Ahmed, and Ilemona Onekutu. Who do you think will advance to Round 2?
Australian Open Day 3 Women’s Predictions
Leylah Fernandez vs Janice Tjen
Jordan:
Neither woman won a match in their opening two tournaments of 2026. Fernandez’s game is more complete and suits the conditions more if she plays well. That makes her the more likely winner despite both players carrying poor form into this contest.
Prediction: Fernandez in 2
Nurein:
Tjen is a competent player, but she is still some steps below the Tour’s elite names. Momentum swings will only favor Fernandez’s creativity and I expect the Canadian to make it to the next round.
Prediction: Fernandez in 2
Ilemona:
Tjen’s pace can challenge early, but Fernandez thrives on turning defense into attack. Her speed and consistency should gradually swing momentum.
Prediction: Fernandez in 3
Sorana Cirstea vs Eva Lys
Jordan:
Lys can balance her game between her attack and defense. The German will undoubtedly have to use much of the latter against Cirstea, who plays aggressively against all opponents. I think Lys, who has improved a lot in the last 12 months, can handle Cirstea’s hitting and triumph.
Prediction: Lys in 3
Nurein:
This will be Cirstea’s last Australian Open, so we can expect the Romanian veteran to play every point with energy. But Lys is a different player from 12 months ago. Her forehand can hold up longer in exchanges and she’s defending with far greater belief. The German should be the favorite here.
Prediction: Lys in 3
Ilemona:
Lys’ power makes this dangerous, yet Cirstea’s experience shows in how she manages big moments. By varying height and tempo, she can disrupt rhythm and take control late.
Prediction: Cirstea in 2
Katerina Siniakova vs Panna Udvardy
Jordan:
Siniakova’s singles form has mostly been poor since the start of 2025. However, this is a decent draw against a player whose sole Grand Slam main draw win came at Wimbledon over three years ago. Udvardy has played a lot of good tennis in the past few months to climb the rankings, but I still give Siniakova a slight edge.
Prediction: Siniakova in 3
Nurein:
Siniakova is supremely confident in this type of stage. She’s won mutliple Grand Slams in doubles and her singles record is not too shabby. The Czech is as tough as they come on any surface and Udvardy doesn’t carry the same clutch pedigree or flair that Siniakova possesses.
Prediction: Siniakova in 2
Ilemona:
Udvardy’s baseline consistency keeps rallies honest, but Siniakova’s ability to change direction and come forward adds layers. That variety should separate them as the match unfolds.
Prediction: Siniakova in 2
Belinda Bencic vs Katie Boulter
Jordan:
Boulter’s forehand, at its best, is slightly superior to Bencic’s. However, the Briton’s much worse movement and clear inferiority in backhand exchanges will make it challenging for her to win. Bencic’s recent excellent form only makes the task harder.
Prediction: Bencic in 2
Nurein:
It’s not an overestimation to say the Bencic is a dark horse in this tournament. She was outstanding at the United Cup. Boulter’s hard-charging aggression will be too risky against Bencic’s extraordinary and this is not a match I give the Briton any hope.
Prediction: Bencic in 2
Ilemona:
Boulter’s serve keeps things close, but Bencic’s return quality consistently applies pressure. Once rallies extend, her timing and anticipation should create openings.
Prediction: Bencic in 2
Main Photo Credit: Mike Frey-Imagn Images
