Expect plenty of entertaining tennis on the second day of the Australian Open with 28 intriguing matches on the slate at Melbourne Park. As ever, we here at LWOT will be offering our predictions for every match, including Iga Swiatek vs Yuan Yue, Amanda Anisimova vs Simona Waltert, Mirra Andreeva vs Donna Vekic, Jessica Pegula vs Anastasia Zakharova, Barbora Krejcikova vs Diana Shnaider, and Coco Gauff vs Kamilla Rakhimova. But who will book their ticket to the second round?
Australian Open Day 2 Predictions
Victoria Mboko vs Emerson Jones
Zain: In a battle between two youngsters, local player Emerson Jones will have the crowd support. But Victoria Mboko is playing on an entirely different level from her opponent and should be able to win this match.
Prediction: Mboko in 2
Jordan: This battle of the young stars is one of the best opening round matchups on the women’s or men’s side. Mboko’s two titles and runner-up placing at the Adelaide International a few days ago are achievements that Jones cannot match yet. The 17-year-old will hope to find inspiration in front of her home fans, but Mboko has already shown that she can handle loud atmospheres and keep a cool head.
Prediction: Mboko in 2
Nurein: Mboko gets her Australian Open debut underway. She is in excellent form, with just two defeats in over a dozen matches since the end of last year. She has warmed up for Melbourne by reaching the Adelaide final. Jones lacks the power and shot tolerance to match Mboko in a baseline battle.
Prediction: Mboko in 2
Ann Li vs Camila Osorio
Zain: Both Ann Li and Camila Osorio are familiar with each other’s games. While Osorio might be the more reliable defender, on a hard court Li’s game should be better adapted.
Prediction: Li in 3
Jordan: Li will be the aggressor in this match by using her powerful forehand. Osorio is a gritty competitor whose fighting qualities have gotten her through matches she seemed destined to lose. That gives the Colombian a chance, but Li is a better hard-court player at her best, and I think she will get through this challenge.
Prediction: Li in 2
Nurein: Osorio beats players with her sharp court coverage and willingness to extend points. She doesn’t hit as many winners, but she ensures she extracts errors from her opponents. But against Li, who is one of the best movers on tour, those tactics might not be enough.
Prediction: Li in 3
Renata Zarazua vs Marie Bouzkova
Zain: While Renata Zarazua enters this match with some momentum from Hobart, Marie Bouzkova knows this matchup well and holds a clear advantage in the head-to-head. Expect her to come out on top once again.
Prediction: Bouzkova in 2
Jordan: This has the potential to be a very lengthy match. Neither woman hits with much pace, guaranteeing several extended rallies. Bouzkova generally implements that style a bit better.
Prediction: Bouzkova in 3
Nurein: Zarazua is tricky to play against on any surface because her game is built on variety, but Bouzkova has defensive resilience to avoid defeat here. The Czech just needs to reset points and force Zarazua to hit shots from awkward positions, but this will be tight.
Prediction: Bouzkova in 3
Iva Jovic vs Katie Volynets
Zain: Katie Volynets has a playing style tailor-made for hard courts. But Iva Jovic is one of the most talented youngsters on tour and should have enough firepower to reach yet another second round at the Australian Open.
Prediction: Jovic in 2
Jordan: Jovic will attempt to refocus after losing the Hobart International final on Saturday against Elisabetta Cocciaretto. If she is carrying any niggles, Volynets, an excellent defensive player, can exploit them. However, there were no signs of that, and the young American’s form and talent make her the favorite.
Prediction: Jovic in 2
Nurein: Jovic was so close to winning her second WTA title, but the disappointment of losing the Hobart final ins unlikely to affect her Australian Open preparation. Jovic’s upside and ceiling is obvious. That said, Volynets has been around Grand Slam main draws for far too long and she can lure Jovic into high risk patterns.
Prediction: Volynets in 3
Main photo credit: Mike Frey-Imagn Images