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, Belinda Bencic vs Katie Boulter, 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
Maya Joint vs Tereza Valentova
Jordan:
This should be a fun match between two teenage talents. Joint is slightly ahead of Valentova in her development because of being more consistently solid. Valentova could produce more impressive shots for the highlight reel, but home favorite Joint will probably win the match.
Prediction: Joint in 2
Nurein:
This is one of the matches I’m really looking forward to watch. Joint and Valentova could forge their own rivalry in the coming years, but right now I think Joint hits heavier and commits earlier to offense, which is crucial in neutral rallies as we will likely see plenty of long points in this match.
Prediction: Joint in 3
Ilemona:
Valentova’s timing is impressive, but Joint’s intensity and shot tolerance give her an edge in extended exchanges. If rallies lengthen, she’s more likely to finish stronger.
Prediction: Joint in 2
Daria Kasatkina vs Nikola Bartunkova
Jordan:
Kasatkina’s slightly underwhelming 2025 and poor level in her opening two events of 2026 mean an upset cannot be ruled out here. This is not too bad a draw for her though. 19-year-old Bartunkova has a big future in the sport, but nerves in her first Grand Slam main draw appearance could make causing a shock more challenging.
Prediction: Kasatkina in 2
Nurein:
This will be Kasatkina’s first Australian Open while representing Australia, and she will be determined to produce a strong performance and result. Bartunkova is a flat hitter, but I don’t see her getting any joy with the change of pace that Kasatkina brings into this match.
Prediction: Kasatkina in 2
Ilemona:
Bartunkova’s fearlessness creates moments, yet Kasatkina’s defensive skills force extra shots every rally. That pressure should eventually wear down resistance.
Prediction: Kasatkina in 2
Kimberly Birrell vs Maddison Inglis
Jordan:
Both home players carry momentum into this contest. Birrell had a good run to the semifinals in Adelaide, while Inglis won three qualifying matches to reach this stage. Inglis did well in those matches, but Birrell’s recent level has been better and she is also an all-round superior player.
Prediction: Birrell in 2
Nurein:
There will at the very least be an Australian woman in the second round in Melbourne. Margins will be thin as this a winnable match for both women. I’m siding with Birrell. She is patient and can play the same point again and again without leaking errors.
Prediction: Birrell in 3
Ilemona:
Inglis’ power can swing momentum quickly, but Birrell’s speed and counterpunching suit these conditions. Her ability to extend rallies and force errors should be decisive.
Prediction: Birrell in 2
Liudmila Samsonova vs Laura Siegemund
Jordan:
There is a fascinating clash of styles in this matchup. Samsonova’s power against the slices, drop shots, and disruptive abilities of Siegemund. The German’s continued at level at 37 is highly impressive, and I have a feeling she can cause another upset here.
Prediction: Siegemund in 3
Nurein:
I’m leaning Samsonova here. The surface should reward her high-risk tennis and she can hit through Siegemund with little margin for disruption. Siegemund unorthodox style only works when she gets time to improvise, but she won’t have that luxury against Samsonova.
Prediction: Samsonova in 3
Ilemona:
Siegemund’s craft can frustrate, though it relies on opponents losing patience. Samsonova’s power and willingness to stay aggressive should keep points on her terms.
Prediction: Samsonova in 3
Main Photo Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports
