Day 2 action in Austin continues with a varied lineup featuring rising talents, experienced tour players, and top seeds looking to start their campaigns strongly. On these fast hard courts, matches often hinge on sharp returning and the ability to take the initiative in rallies. As always, we here at LWOT will be offering our predictions for every match on the schedule. But who will advance?
WTA Austin Day 2 Predictions
Lulu Sun vs Caroline Dolehide
Head-to-Head: First meeting
Caroline Dolehide arrives with real momentum after winning her two qualifying matches pretty comfortably. Sun has a strong career record on hard courts and knows her way around this surface, but she’s dropped her first three matches of 2026 and looked a little rusty. Dolehide’s recent wins should help her find her rhythm right away in this matchup.
Prediction: Dolehide in 2
Ashlyn Krueger vs Caty McNally
Head-to-Head: McNally 2–0 Krueger
Caty McNally has already beaten Ashlyn Krueger twice on hard, including a straight-sets win right here in Austin back in 2023. McNally’s results this season have been more consistent, while Krueger has struggled to pick up wins on the surface. That history and steadier form should make the difference again.
Prediction: McNally in 2
Petra Marcinko vs Kimberly Birrell
Head-to-Head: First meeting
Kimberly Birrell has started the year nicely, reaching the semifinals in Adelaide and pushing Elena Rybakina in Dubai. Petra Marcinko has a decent career mark on hard but has looked shaky in her early 2026 matches. Birrell’s extra matches and confidence on this surface give her the slight edge.
Prediction: Birrell in 2
Jessica Pegula vs Rebecca Sramkova
Head-to-Head: Pegula 1–0 Sramkova
Jessica Pegula is rolling after lifting the trophy in Dubai and has looked sharp on hard courts all season. Sramkova has picked up some solid results but hasn’t faced this level of consistency lately. Pegula’s baseline game and recent form should control the match from start to finish.
Prediction: Pegula in 2
Main Photo Credit: Robert Deutsch-Imagn Images
