The second round wraps up on Day 5 of the Australian Open. We have 16 women’s singles matches on deck to decide who reaches Round 3. As always, our writers at LastWordOnTennis share their thoughts on the matches. We split the 16 matches between four articles. In addition to this article, the others feature Iga Swiatek vs Marie Bouzkova, Naomi Osaka vs Sorana Cirstea, and Amanda Anisimova vs Katerina Siniakova. Predicting these matches are Nurein Ahmed, Zain Mustafa, and Jordan Reynolds. Who do you think will advance to Round 3?
Australian Open Day 5 Women’s Predictions
Jelena Ostapenko vs Xinyu Wang
Nurein:
Ostapenko didn’t have the form and peak fitness levels to even win a round in this tournament and had a tricky draw. However, she quickly regained her composure and health and took out Sramkova in straight sets. When the Latvian finds her timing, she puts matches beyond reach very quickly, and I expect more of the same here.
Prediction: Ostapenko in 3
Zain:
Every match that Jelena Ostapenko plays carries a lot of variance, much like her playstyle. Against Wang Xinyu, who is also an aggressive baseliner, this could be decided by who takes control of rallies first and attacks the ball earlier. I think Wang’s superior court coverage could be decisive in that scenario.
Prediction: Wang in 3
Jordan:
Ostapenko has had a challenging time since winning the title in Stuttgart in April, but she played well pretty well against Rebecca Sramkova to reach this stage. Although Wang prefers playing aggressively, she will have to accept the Latvian being the more powerful hitter. Ostapenko is backed without much certainty because of how her level fluctuates.
Prediction: Ostapenko in 3
Linda Fruhvirtova vs Tereza Valentova
Nurein:
It’s been a while since Fruhvirtova won a main draw match at this level (it’s now four wins from qualifying), but at this point Valentova is playing the better tennis and secured a massive win against Maya Joint.
Prediction: Valentova in 2
Zain:
In a matchup between two young Czech players, this is expected to be a baseline battle, as both excel from the back of the court with solid technique off both wings. This could easily be a rivalry for the future, but as things stand, I think Tereza Valentova is the more consistent and, crucially, the fresher player coming into this match.
Prediction: Valentova in 3
Jordan:
18-year-old Valentova’s straight sets victory against her higher-ranked fellow teenager Maya Joint made a statement. Doing it at Joint’s home Grand Slam made it even more impressive. Fruhvirtova is another talented Czech, but I feel Valentova will continue her momentum from the previous round.
Prediction: Valentova in 2
Belinda Bencic vs Nikola Bartunkova
Nurein:
Belinda Bencic is having a fine Australian summer. She’s 6-0 in singles to kick off the year, and while many expected a second round collision against Daria Kasatkina, Bartunkova never read that script. But Bencic is unforgiving and closes any openings fast and in this kind of form she is in, it’s hard not to back the Swiss.
Prediction: Bencic in 2
Zain:
A case can be made that Belinda Bencic is currently playing at a top-five level in the world, having started the year exceptionally well. Up-and-coming Czech Nikola Bartunkova has done very well to reach this stage from the qualifying rounds, but Bencic’s baseline game and experience should see her through.
Prediction: Bencic in 2
Jordan:
Bartunkova’s composure to overcome Daria Kasatkina in her first Grand Slam main draw appearance was terrific. She will have her moments in this match, but Bencic is a more challenging test than Kasatkina right now. The Swiss player continued her momentum from the United Cup in the opening round, and will likely progress again.
Prediction: Bencic in 2
Madison Keys vs Ashlyn Krueger
Nurein:
Keys survived a minor scare in the first set of her first round match, but her title defense was off to perfect start. When Keys sees daylight, she is almost unstoppable with the power she brings to the table. Krueger can compete, but I don’t think she can control her swings without over pressing.
Prediction: Keys in 2
Zain:
Defending champion Madison Keys will have her work cut out for her against young American Ashlyn Krueger if she is not focused from the baseline and serving well early in the match. The second serves will be crucial in this encounter, as whoever does a better job of protecting theirs should win. I think Keys’ experience might prevail in a tougher-than-expected match.
Prediction: Keys in 3
Jordan:
This will be among the hardest hitting women’s matches of the Australian Open. Krueger’s powerful serve and forehand mimic Keys’s game. However, the defending champion implements that style much better at her best, and this is unlikely to be the match that ends her hopes of a second title.
Prediction: Keys in 2
Main Photo Credit: Robert Deutsch-Imagn Images
