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, Belinda Bencic vs Katie Boulter, 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
Varvara Gracheva vs Viktorija Golubic
Jordan:
Gracheva has the talent to achieve better results than she has managed in her career. That makes her matches, including this one against the experienced Golubic, challenging to predict. I’ll go with the Frenchwoman to find enough moments to win, but it could go either way.
Prediction: Gracheva in 3
Nurein:
This should be a fun a battle. Gracheva loves physical baseline exchanges, but Golubic plays a completely different style. The Swiss relies on variety and net instincts to beat her opponents. Ultimately, Golubic can break Gracheva’s patterns with creative slices and short angles. I’m leaning Golubic, but only just.
Prediction: Golubic in 3
Ilemona:
Golubic’s slice and variation can disrupt rhythm, though hard courts don’t always reward that subtlety. Gracheva’s physicality and willingness to grind should tilt the longer points her way.
Prediction: Gracheva in 3
Xinyu Wang vs Anhelina Kalinina
Jordan:
Both women hit flat and try to dominate from the baseline. I think Wang is slightly better placed to manage a similar style from the other end of the court, which gives her a slight edge in this matchup.
Prediction: Wang in 3
Nurein:
Kalinina’s comeback went unnoticed in December when she won the Limoges 125K title and she was in excellent form in qualifying this past week. Neither player has a pretty record at the Australian Open, but Kalinina’s strong return might be the difference.
Prediction: Kalinina in 3
Ilemona:
Kalinina’s aggressive instincts create chances, but Wang’s consistency from the baseline makes her tough to break down. If rallies stretch beyond the first few shots, Wang holds the advantage.
Prediction: Wang in 2
Elisabetta Cocciaretto> vs Julia Grabher
Jordan:
Cocciaretto will try to build on her run to the title in Hobart. Players often struggle after such a success, but I do not think Grabher has enough to take advantage of any slip-ups from the Italian. I would be surprised if this even went the distance.
Prediction: Cocciaretto in 2
Nurein:
Grabher plays her best tennis on clay. Cocciaretto is coming off a title win in Hobart. Assuming the Italian doesn’t have any lingering fatigue, this should be smooth sailing into the next round.
Prediction: Cocciaretto in 2
Ilemona:
Grabher’s power can be effective in short bursts, but Cocciaretto’s court coverage and counterpunching keep pressure constant. That balance should allow her to pull away as the match progresses.
Prediction: Cocciaretto in 3
Naomi Osaka vs Antonia Ruzic
Jordan:
Ruzic has only made one previous Grand Slam main draw appearance, which ended in an opening round loss at the 2025 US Open. However, she sits at a career-high ranking of No. 65 after reaching the semifinals in Hobart a few days ago. The Croatian plays with no fear, and I think Osaka will only win after being made to work hard.
Prediction: Osaka in 3
Nurein:
This is a familiar setting for Osaka. It is a big stage and on a quick court where she has happy memories. Ruzic doesn’t have the weapons to consistently hurt the four-time Grand Slam champion, who has steadier depth and efficient shots.
Prediction: Osaka in 2
Ilemona:
Ruzic’s athleticism helps her stay competitive early, but she can struggle to neutralize sustained power. Osaka’s return pressure and ability to finish points quickly should limit extended exchanges.
Prediction: Osaka in 2
Main Photo Credit: Mike Frey-Imagn Images
