{"id":23176,"date":"2020-01-19T00:05:41","date_gmt":"2020-01-19T05:05:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordontennis.com\/?p=23176"},"modified":"2020-01-18T23:28:30","modified_gmt":"2020-01-19T04:28:30","slug":"australian-open-day-1-womens-predictions-including-gauff-venus-williams","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/tennis\/2020\/01\/19\/australian-open-day-1-womens-predictions-including-gauff-venus-williams\/","title":{"rendered":"Australian Open Day 1 Women&#8217;s Predictions Including Venus Williams vs Coco Gauff"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Day 1 at the Australian Open kicks off on Monday. The 2020 Grand Slam season is here, and LWOT writers are here to offer our thoughts. Not only did we do a <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordontennis.com\/2020\/01\/18\/2020-australian-open-roundtable-predictions\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">roundtable set of predictions<\/a>, but we will do match-by-match predictions for as much as we can throughout the tournament. On Day 1, we have five sets of predictions for you. Each set includes four matches. In addition to this one, we also have sets featuring <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordontennis.com\/2020\/01\/19\/australian-open-day-1-womens-predictions-ahn-wozniacki\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Kristie Ahn vs Caroline Wozniacki<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordontennis.com\/2020\/01\/19\/australian-open-day-1-womens-predictions-osaka-bouzkova\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Naomi Osaka vs Marie Bouzkova<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordontennis.com\/2020\/01\/19\/australian-open-day-1-womens-predictions-potapova-serena-williams\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Anastasia Potapova vs Serena Williams<\/a>, and <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordontennis.com\/2020\/01\/19\/australian-open-day-1-womens-predictions-barty-tsurenko\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Ashleigh Barty vs Leisa Tsurenko<\/a>. Predicting this set of matches are Tracey Essex, Eric Han, and Jim Smith.<\/p>\n<h2>Australian Open Day 1 Women&#8217;s Predictions<\/h2>\n<h4><strong>Christina McHale vs Petra Martic<\/strong><\/h4>\n<p><em>Tracey:<\/em><br \/>\nPetra Martic hasn\u2019t had a great start to 2020, falling in the second round in Auckland to Alize Cornet. McHale and Martic have split their previous two matches. But, Martic is a top 20 player, knocking on the door of the Top 10 and should find a way to exit McHale without too much problem.<br \/>\n<em>Prediction: Martic in 2 <\/em><\/p>\n<p><em>Eric:<\/em><br \/>\nThis will be a close one. But Martic is ranked inside the top 15 for a reason. It\u2019ll go three sets, but Martic will find a way to win.<br \/>\n<em>Prediction: Martic in 3<\/em><\/p>\n<p><em>Jim:<\/em><br \/>\nChristina McHale certainly does not want for power, but accuracy can sometimes be a real problem for the American. And the quick and crafty Petra Martic seems like exactly the sort of player to expose that failing in McHale\u2019s game. Expect the Croatian to advance without encountering too many problems.<br \/>\n<em>Prediction: Martic in 2<\/em><\/p>\n<p><a id=\"5EM3nWl6S9pvphCAT_TZZg\" class=\"gie-single\" href=\"http:\/\/www.gettyimages.com\/detail\/1198135129\" target=\"_blank\" style=\"color:#a7a7a7;text-decoration:none;font-weight:normal !important;border:none;display:inline-block;\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Embed from Getty Images<\/a><script>window.gie=window.gie||function(c){(gie.q=gie.q||[]).push(c)};gie(function(){gie.widgets.load({id:'5EM3nWl6S9pvphCAT_TZZg',sig:'CBnpt2WENI_AyccElSGxXCfZqZD60fBVui2igRue4Tw=',w:'594px',h:'433px',items:'1198135129',caption: true ,tld:'com',is360: false })});<\/script><script src='\/\/embed-cdn.gettyimages.com\/widgets.js' charset='utf-8' async><\/script><\/p>\n<h4><strong>Ekaterina Alexandrova vs Jil Teichmann<\/strong><\/h4>\n<p><em>Tracey:<\/em><br \/>\nI expect the Shenzhen champion to see the second week of the Australian Open. She\u2019ll work on the kinks against Jil Teichmann and prevail.<br \/>\n<em>Prediction: Alexandrova in 2<\/em><\/p>\n<p><em>Eric:<\/em><br \/>\nTeichmann withdrew from her Hobart doubles match with a neck injury. Not knowing how serious the injury is, the safe prediction would be to go with Alexandrova.<br \/>\n<em>Prediction: Alexandrova in 2<\/em><\/p>\n<p><em>Jim:<\/em><br \/>\nEkaterina Alexandrova will be a player to keep an eye on this fortnight at the <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordontennis.com\/australian-open\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Australian Open<\/a>. The Russian made a fine start to her year by capturing the title in Shenzhen and the quick conditions at Melbourne Park should suit her aggressive approach. Certainly more than they suit Teichmann\u2019s.<br \/>\n<em>Prediction: Alexandrova in 2<\/em><\/p>\n<p><a id=\"Hw7EIPiVTSFB-K-S-jFHow\" class=\"gie-single\" href=\"http:\/\/www.gettyimages.com\/detail\/1198817536\" target=\"_blank\" style=\"color:#a7a7a7;text-decoration:none;font-weight:normal !important;border:none;display:inline-block;\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Embed from Getty Images<\/a><script>window.gie=window.gie||function(c){(gie.q=gie.q||[]).push(c)};gie(function(){gie.widgets.load({id:'Hw7EIPiVTSFB-K-S-jFHow',sig:'aywhS4uvTJbwVMWD_oLQDbB0stJFgIqv67wGS_MwL4c=',w:'594px',h:'396px',items:'1198817536',caption: true ,tld:'com',is360: false })});<\/script><script src='\/\/embed-cdn.gettyimages.com\/widgets.js' charset='utf-8' async><\/script><\/p>\n<h4><strong>Arantxa Rus vs Magda Linette<\/strong><\/h4>\n<p><em>Tracey:<\/em><br \/>\nFar from the level we\u2019ve come to expect from Magda Linette, the Pole suffered a straight sets loss in Hobart. Granted, Lauren Davis played at the top of her game. But, Linette had far too many unforced errors to do anything but lose. Against Arantxa Rus, the World #43 should regain her rhythm and sharpen the shaky serve. I\u2019m not sure how far Linette can go in Melbourne, but she should make it over the first hurdle.<br \/>\n<em>Prediction: Linette in 2<\/em><\/p>\n<p><em>Eric:<\/em><br \/>\nRus can be a good player, but can be inconsistent with her results which explains why she is just inside the top 100. At Grand Slam events, consistency is a big key, and Linette is simply more consistent than her Dutch opponent.<br \/>\n<em>Prediction: Linette in 2<\/em><\/p>\n<p><em>Jim:<\/em><br \/>\nMagda Linette put together a quietly impressive 2019 season and she will surely be eager to kick on in 2020. There doesn\u2019t seem likely to be a massive amount in this match, however, with a Rus a fine player in her own right. Nonetheless, Linette should have enough in her game to edge it.<br \/>\n<em>Prediction: Linette in 3<\/em><\/p>\n<p><a id=\"pBqhePlgRvJ-bA1a_GT-Qg\" class=\"gie-single\" href=\"http:\/\/www.gettyimages.com\/detail\/1199155273\" target=\"_blank\" style=\"color:#a7a7a7;text-decoration:none;font-weight:normal !important;border:none;display:inline-block;\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Embed from Getty Images<\/a><script>window.gie=window.gie||function(c){(gie.q=gie.q||[]).push(c)};gie(function(){gie.widgets.load({id:'pBqhePlgRvJ-bA1a_GT-Qg',sig:'6lwTV6gtBplFDQIr8KUEJPl7q3t8fyF1Xsjr9Zv3eJ4=',w:'480px',h:'594px',items:'1199155273',caption: true ,tld:'com',is360: false })});<\/script><script src='\/\/embed-cdn.gettyimages.com\/widgets.js' charset='utf-8' async><\/script><\/p>\n<h4><strong>Venus Williams vs Coco Gauff<\/strong><\/h4>\n<p><em>Tracey:<\/em><br \/>\nGo ahead and flip a coin. This match could go either way. <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordontennis.com\/2019\/07\/02\/whats-next-coco-gauff\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Coco Gauff is a rising star<\/a> at the start of what will be a long and titled career. Venus Williams is a consummate veteran nearing the end of career. Williams undoubtedly possesses the strategic skills the younger Gauff has yet to earn. A 6-4, 6-4 loss at Wimbledon is no doubt not far from Venus\u2019 mind. Yet I\u2019m sure she learned some valuable lessons which she\u2019ll bring to this second clash with Gauff. I\u2019ll go against the oddsmakers and pick Venus.<br \/>\n<em>Predictions: Williams in 3<\/em><\/p>\n<p><em>Eric:<\/em><br \/>\nI think when Coco first stepped onto the world stage at Wimbledon last year, nobody really knew how to beat her. Now players are starting to figure her out as she\u2019s had a few unexpected losses in the past few tournaments. I think Venus will get through this one but it will be tough.<br \/>\n<em>Predictions: Williams in 2<\/em><\/p>\n<p><em>Jim:<\/em><br \/>\nCoco Gauff announced her arrival by <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordontennis.com\/2019\/07\/01\/wimbledon-day-1-gauff-stuns-venus-williams-naomi-osaka-crashes-out\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">beating Venus Williams<\/a> at Wimbledon last season and Williams will surely not be thrilled at the prospect of facing the 15-year-old again in Melbourne. Gauff has shown in the months since her breakout run in SW19 that it was no fluke. Expect her to rubberstamp that here.<br \/>\n<em>Prediction: Gauff in 2<\/em><\/p>\n<p>Main Photo:<br \/>\n<a id=\"0pbiBk94RElMusKIrov5dw\" class=\"gie-single\" href=\"http:\/\/www.gettyimages.com\/detail\/1199778585\" target=\"_blank\" style=\"color:#a7a7a7;text-decoration:none;font-weight:normal !important;border:none;display:inline-block;\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Embed from Getty Images<\/a><script>window.gie=window.gie||function(c){(gie.q=gie.q||[]).push(c)};gie(function(){gie.widgets.load({id:'0pbiBk94RElMusKIrov5dw',sig:'fhupJWrk93HaLIDT0yuRKiZaNSvKG4MMFbHw5XAGrqo=',w:'594px',h:'396px',items:'1199778585',caption: true ,tld:'com',is360: false })});<\/script><script src='\/\/embed-cdn.gettyimages.com\/widgets.js' charset='utf-8' async><\/script><\/p>\n<p><em>Disagree with our Australian Open Day 1 Women&#8217;s Predictions? As always, feel free to leave your thoughts in the comments.<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Day 1 at the Australian Open kicks off on Monday. The 2020 Grand Slam season is here, and LWOT writers are here to offer our thoughts. Not only did we do a roundtable set of predictions, but we will do match-by-match predictions for as much as we can throughout the tournament. On Day 1, we [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1601,"featured_media":23208,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_lmt_disableupdate":"","_lmt_disable":"","sfio_featured_image":false,"sfio_embed_code":"","_ef_editorial_meta_date_first-draft-date":"","_ef_editorial_meta_paragraph_assignment":"","_ef_editorial_meta_checkbox_needs-photo":"","_ef_editorial_meta_number_word-count":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[69,7],"tags":[5300,10367,4352,2363,471,10365,2747,4184,10366,4537,3541,2507,2373,2369,70,10364],"class_list":["post-23176","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-predictions","category-australian-open","tag-arantxa-rus","tag-arantxa-rus-vs-magda-linette-prediction","tag-australian-open-day-1-predictions","tag-australian-open-predictions","tag-christina-mchale","tag-christina-mchale-vs-petra-martic-prediction","tag-coco-gauff","tag-ekaterina-alexandrova","tag-ekaterina-alexandrova-vs-jil-teichmann-prediction","tag-jil-teichmann","tag-magda-linette","tag-petra-martic","tag-tennis-picks","tag-tennis-predictions","tag-venus-williams","tag-venus-williams-vs-coco-gauff-prediction"],"modified_by":"Yesh Ginsburg","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/tennis\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/23176","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/tennis\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/tennis\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/tennis\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1601"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/tennis\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=23176"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/tennis\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/23176\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/tennis\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/23208"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/tennis\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=23176"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/tennis\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=23176"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/tennis\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=23176"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}