The first round of women’s action continues on Day 2 of the Australian Open, with 28 matchups in store. As always, we here at LastWordOnTennis share our thoughts on the matches with you. We split the matches between this and six other articles. The others feature Naomi Osaka vs Caroline Garcia, Elina Svitolina vs Taylah Preston, Coco Gauff vs Anna Karolina Schmiedlova, Beatriz Haddad Maia vs Linda Fruhvirtova, Paula Badosa vs Taylor Townsend, and Donna Vekic vs Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova. Predicting these matches are Jim Smith, Jordan Reynolds, and Shane Black. Who do you think will win?
Australian Open Day 2 Women’s Predictions
Veronika Kudermetova vs Viktoria Golubic
Jim:
Veronika Kudermetova took a step back over the course of 2023, but she is still comfortably inside the top 20 and should enjoy the conditions in Melbourne. Viktorija Golubic is an excellent ball-striker when she has time on the ball, but it is hard to see her going toe-to-toe with Kudermetova and coming out on top unless she is at her very best.
Prediction: Kudermetova in 2
Jordan:
Kudermetova has started the season slowly by her standards, exiting early in Brisbane and Adelaide. But Golubic has never won a main draw match in seven previous attempts in Melbourne. It would be a huge surprise if that streak was broken against someone with the ability of Kudermetova.
Prediction: Kudermetova in 2
Shane:
People are not talking enough about Kudermetova heading into this event. The No. 15 seed is one of the best hardcourt players in the world. She should be able to hit her way through Golubic.
Prediction: Kudermetova in 2
Fiona Ferro vs McCartney Kessler
Jim:
McCartney Kessler is still very much in the early stages of her professional career, with this set to be her debut in the main draw at a Grand Slam. But the early signs have been promising and it would not be a surprise to see the American establish herself at this level. But in the short-term, the experienced Fiona Ferro might just prove to be a bridge too far too soon.
Prediction: Ferro in 3
Jordan:
Both women came through qualifying, but their stories are very different. Ferro has reached the third round in Melbourne before, and needed to qualify after enduring some difficulties in recent years. Kessler started the season ranked outside the Top 200 and this is her first Grand Slam mains draw appearance. I think the greater class of Ferro will come out here after the relief of qualifying for the first round.
Prediction: Ferro in 2
Shane:
The qualifier versus the wild card with a massive opportunity to reach the second round of a Slam. I slightly lean toward Ferro, as she has already played three matches on the courts of Melbourne.
Prediction: Ferro in 3
Katerina Siniakova vs Jaqueline Cristian
Jim:
Katerina Siniakova remains more accomplished as a doubles player than in singles (she would need quite the run in singles to even hold a candle to her remarkable doubles career), but she should not be taken lightly. Her excellent touch in the forecourt and power from the baseline should see her safely past Jaqueline Cristian’s challenge.
Prediction: Siniakova in 2
Jordan:
Cristian is the lower ranked player but Siniakova’s record gives her hope. The Australian Open is the Czech’s worst Grand Slam by far, with Siniaková only winning two of 12 main draw matches she has played in Melbourne. That track record of struggle gives Cristian a real chance, and is enough to make me believe that an upset is possible here.
Prediction: Cristian in 3
Shane:
Siniakova won three matches last week in Adelaide. Cristian is 0-2 to start the year. Siniakova is in better form, and I trust her in this spot.
Prediction: Siniakova in 3
Ons Jabeur vs Yulia Starodubtsewa
Jim:
Ons Jabeur suffered a bitterly disappointing defeat in the final at Wimbledon and her results suffered over the rest of the season. But having had the off-season to refresh mentally, the Tunisian’s talent should see her get back to winning ways. And this looks like a good draw.
Prediction: Jabeur in 2
Jordan:
Starodubtseva’s rise in the last 12 months is phenomenal. She was unranked at the start of last year, and has gone from that to qualifying for the Australian Open main draw. There are question marks over how Jabeur will rally herself this season after her devastating Wimbledon loss last year, but she should win this contest regardless.
Prediction: Jabeur in 2
Shane:
Jabeur is still on the hunt for Grand Slam title No. 1 and will not mess around with this opportunity in Melbourne. She will be too tough for the 23-year-old qualifier.
Prediction: Jabeur in 2
Main Photo Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
