The second round starts on Day 4 of the Australian Open, with 16 women’s singles matches on the schedule. That means that 16 women will continue on to Round 3 while 16 will be sent home. But who will it be? As always, our writers here at LWOT share their thoughts on all the matches. We split the 16 matches between four articles–the other three feature Mirra Andreeva vs Moyuka Uchijima, Coco Gauff vs Jodie Burrage, and Aryna Sabalenka vs Jessica Bouzas Maneiro. Predicting these matches are Liam McBride, Jordan Reynolds, and Ilemona Onekutu.
Australian Open Day 4 Women’s Predictions
Karolina Muchova vs Naomi Osaka
Liam:
The match of the day. Two incredibly talented players, this is sure to be a blockbuster. The contrast in styles make for interesting viewing, with intricacy versus big hitting. In a repeat of the US Open second round, we will see a closer game, but ultimately the same victor.
Prediction: Muchova in 3
Jordan:
Muchova defeated Osaka in straight sets a few months ago at the US Open. Both women have improved since that match. Osaka in her best form since returning from maternity leave, but I think Muchova’s variety will make the difference again.
Prediction: Muchova in 3
Ilemona:
Osaka, ranked 51st, overcame Caroline Garcia in a three-set battle, showing resilience. Muchová, the 20th seed, will need to be at her best to counter Osaka’s power and experience.
Prediction: Muchova in 3
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Diana Shnaider vs Ajla Tomljanovic
Liam:
Shnaider won ugly in her opening round bout, perhaps something to plaudit, or a reason to worry. You can only really tell with hindsight. Up against home favorite Tomljanovic, she will struggle again, but this time find herself on the losing side of the net. The Aussie has had to fight injury after injury but continues to deliver.
Prediction: Tomljanovic in 3
Jordan:
Tomljanovic fought through a tight battle against Ashton Krueger in the opening round. Although that was a great effort, she will need to be even better in this matchup. Shnaider has the firepower of Krueger while combining it with better defence and athleticism. That makes her a heavy favorite.
Prediction: Shnaider in 2
Ilemona:
Shnaider advanced past the first round, while Tomljanović, a local wildcard, also moved forward. Tomljanović’s home advantage and experience could be pivotal, but Shnaider should be able to find the level to counter the pressure.
Prediction: Shnaider in 3
Paula Badosa vs Talia Gibson
Liam:
What version of Badosa turns up? That’s the real question. The Spaniard, who is approaching the top ten, comfortably brushed aside Wang Xinyu 7-6 6-3. Home favourite Talia Gibson will have enjoyed her comeback against Zeynep Sonmez but it will be the end of the road for her.
Prediction: Badosa in 2
Jordan:
20-year-old Gibson has nothing to lose against Badosa. She fought back from a set down in the opening set after swinging freely against Zeynep Sonmez. Her firepower is inferior to Badosa’s, meaning the Australian is unlikely to hit herself out of trouble against the Spaniard.
Prediction: Badosa in 2
Ilemona:
Badosa secured a straight-sets win over Wang Xinyu. Gibson, an Australian wildcard, achieved her first Grand Slam win but will face a significant step up in competition.
Prediction: Badosa in 2
Jessica Pegula vs Elise Mertens
Liam:
Two consistent players, just on different scales. Pegula was imperious in her first-round win, which proved to be a mismatch. She will take advantage of this momentum against an opponent of a similar style.
Prediction: Pegula in 2
Jordan:
Both women have similar styles. Each prefers to stay the baseline and each possesses excellent two-handed backhands. Pegula’s results show she implements that style better and will likely do so here.
Prediction: Pegula in 2
Ilemona:
Pegula had an impressive first-round victory, indicating strong form. Mertens, a consistent performer, will provide a stern test, but Pegula’s current momentum gives her the advantage.
Prediction: Pegula in 3
Main Photo Credit: Mike Frey-USA TODAY Sports
